How many years to be a vet assistant

Interested in becoming a vet assistant? Because it doesn’t require a university degree, it’s a decently accessible career to break into. That being said, how long it takes you to become a vet assistant depends entirely on the path you take to get your education and hands-on experience.

Use this information to approximate how long it will take you to become a vet assistant.

Vet Assistant Education: Two Months to Several Years

While no state currently requires a formal education for vet assistants, these options can help you gain the foundational knowledge and experience you need to do the job well. Plus, most employers will require that you have some sort of education before allowing you to work with animals. The timeline varies for each, and many are self-paced, meaning you can learn at a pace that is comfortable for you and works with your schedule. By receiving a formal education, you increase your odds of entering the field at a higher income level.

1. Hands-On School (2-5 Months)

There are several vet assistant schools across the country that offer a blend of classroom and hands-on education. Unfortunately, hands-on schools are usually more expensive and time consuming than online schools, but they offer a more robust curriculum, a more in-depth education, and the opportunity to work hands-on with different animals.

2. Online School (6-12 Months)

Many prospective vet assistants opt for online schooling. One of the biggest benefits of an online program is that you can learn at your own pace. Unfortunately, these programs offer little to no hands-on opportunities, so you will need to gain that experience elsewhere.

3. Apprenticeship (Timeline Varies)

The next best option is to find a mentor within the industry and learn from them, usually as an unpaid intern. In this case, your education timeline will depend on your mentor’s availability and discretion. They will train you at the pace in which they think you’re ready to learn and when they are available to take time away from their obligations to their clinic.

Vet Assistant Certification: Several Weeks to Several Months

While certification is not required to work as a vet assistant, it can act as proof of your skillset and increase your chances of finding a long-term, high-paying position in the pet care industry.

By attending a school, you will graduate with a certificate, but if that’s not an option, many states offer an exam to get certified (not licensed). Check out Missouri’s Certified Veterinary Assistant exam. If you opt for an apprenticeship or other form of on-the-job training, you’ll most likely need to study for the exam on your own time. This can take several weeks to several months depending on your pace.

On-The-Job Vet Assistant Skills: Timeline Varies

Once you complete your education and find a job as a vet assistant, you’ll likely need several years of on-the-job experience before you’re entirely confident in your abilities.

As you work with patients, you’ll not only hone your skills, but you’ll also be exposed to different species, breeds, temperaments, and medical conditions. Each new patient is a learning opportunity, so don’t rush the process.

Want to become a vet assistant? Take the first step today!

Our hands-on program is designed to provide you with the classroom and practical education you need to jumpstart your vet assisting career. Complete the form below for more information, or to book a tour of our Missouri facility.

What to expect from a career as a Veterinary Technician or Vet Assistant

Working alongside veterinarians, vet technicians and assistants have several roles, including treating and diagnosing animal illnesses, and providing care and treatment advice to clients. There are many opportunities for this work in veterinary practices, educational institutions, zoos, research labs and more. Veterinary programs at Ontario colleges have something for anyone with an interest in animals, and can provide the skills needed to succeed in this in-demand career.

If you’re interested in caring for animals and want to pursue one of the many veterinary programs available, here’s what you need to know.

Veterinary Courses

Using leading-edge equipment and practices, students in vet programs work with a wide assortment of animals to gain hands-on experience and learn to find solutions for various animal care and treatment situations. Veterinary courses are generally available in two options:

• Veterinary Assistant. Veterinary assistant programs are one-year certificate programs that teach basic animal care, grooming, lab work and clerical duties. Graduates will serve in client care and vet support.
• Veterinary Tech. Veterinary technician and technology programs are two- and three-year diploma programs that focus on nutrition, pharmacology, parasitology and advanced clinical duties to prepare students to assist veterinarians. Graduates of these programs are eligible to write the registered veterinary technician exam.

Along with their specialized training, both types of programs will focus on surgical preparation and assistance, basic veterinary administration and business skills, animal behaviour and ethics.

Related veterinary programs include Animal Care, a one-year certificate program that offers a broad view of animal ethics, grooming and basic medical care.

General Veterinary Program Requirements

Ontario college veterinary programs require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, often including a grade 12 English credit. Because of their medical nature, programs typically also require senior level science and / or math courses. Be sure to read each program description carefully.

Veterinary Jobs and Salaries

Positions in this industry are available in many types of organizations, from veterinary practices and research facilities to animal hospitals, zoos, grooming businesses and more. Graduates will be prepared to work with small and large animals as veterinary assistants, technicians and technologists.

Although salaries will vary by position and experience, the average starting salary for vet technicians and vet assistants is between $26,000 and $30,000 per year. Average salaries for those with experience are around $35,000 per year, and go up as high as $45,000.

Ontario Colleges Offering Veterinary Programs

Use the left-column navigation to refine your search by College, Program Availability, Program Start Date and more, or see the table below for a complete list of veterinary programs at Ontario colleges.

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