Veterinary Assistant Description
When pet owners leave their pets at a veterinary clinic for medical procedures, one person ensures the pets are feed and cleaned. A veterinary assistant, under the supervision of a veterinarian, takes care of animals. The assistant generally works 40 hours a week, but may work holidays or weekends, according to Michigan Jobs & Career Portal. The average salary for a veterinary assistant as of 2010, according to CVTips.com, was $30,000 a year.
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Veterinary Assistant Duties
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The veterinary assistant can't diagnose, treat or provide medical care to animals, but spends more time with the animals than anyone at the clinic. Instead, a veterinary assistant feed, waters and exercises animals. The assistant also grooms animals, which includes clipping claws, bathing and brushing animals. The individual prepares animals for surgery by shaving animals and sterilizing surgical equipment. The assistant's responsibilities include observing animals' symptoms and abnormal behaviors and reporting them to the veterinarian. During or after a veterinarian meets with pet owners, an assistant collects blood, feces or urine samples for laboratory tests. The veterinary assistant also takes X-rays of animals.
Clerical Tasks
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A veterinary assistant provides clerical support. The assistant greets pet owners, answers telephone calls and answers pet owners' questions. The veterinary assistant collects payments such as cash, checks or credit cards for the veterinarian. An assistant working in a laboratory creates and keeps records on animals such as weight, reactions and procedures.
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Education
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An individual needs at least a high school diploma or GED to apply for a veterinary assistant job. A person may receive on-the-job training once hired. Employers may require an associate's or bachelor's degree from an accredited veterinary technology program, according to Michigan Jobs & Career Portal. A veterinary technology program offers training in animal care, X-ray technology and veterinary hospital reception.
Employers and Work Environment
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A variety of employers hire a veterinary assistants besides veterinary offices, such as laboratories, petting zoos, hospitals and farms. Typically, a veterinary assistant works indoors in a well-lighted area.
The assistant's duties are repetitious and demanding with some risks. Animals may scratch, bite or kick an assistant.
Skills
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An individual needs the ability to work with animals and people. A person needs to be detail orientated, well organized and follow instructions. The assistant must be able to work independently, without supervision and with a team.
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References
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