Becoming a Veterinary Assistant
For many people, a job working with animals is a dream come true. While becoming a veterinarian is a long intensive process, you can work side by side in the same office, assisting and helping the doctor with little or no formal study. Unlike a veterinarian technologist, a veterinarian assistant may only have a certificate of study or may be hired and trained by the veterinarian with only a high school education.
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Instructions
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Increase your odds of getting a job as a veterinary assistant by volunteering in your local animal shelter. Your experience in working with animals demonstrates your ability to remain calm and comfortable, even around aggressive animals. As a vet assistant, you will handle nervous, anxious and, occasionally, aggressive animals.
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Take biology classes while you’re still in school to bolster your basic animal health knowledge. Animal science is an extension of biology, and you will apply your education in the veterinarian’s office. In addition, participation in 4-H animal projects will put you ahead of the competition.
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Sign up for an online course of study, designed to prepare you for a career as a veterinarian assistant. Although many veterinarians choose to train their assistants, many distance-learning facilities are now offering a three-month course with a certificate upon completion or an Associate’s Degree in Animal Science. Applicants with a degree or certification often receive higher wages.
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Compile a cover letter and your resume and hand deliver them to veterinary offices where you would like to work. Don’t wait until the doctor advertises for help because at that point, you’ll be in competition with many applicants. By leaving your resume at the office ahead of time, you increase your odds of getting an interview before the job opening is public knowledge.
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Accept other animal-related jobs while you’re waiting for the position of veterinarian assistant. Any work experience in a pet store, as an animal groomer or even as a dog walker shows the veterinarian that you have what it takes to work with animals.
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Tips & Warnings
Stay in contact with the veterinarian offices where you want to work. After delivering your resume, make another visit a week later to check on the status. Be cheery and ask whether the doctor had a chance to look at your resume. Even if they aren’t currently hiring, they’ll remember your face and your enthusiasm.
Don't give up on your dream of working in a vet's office just because you don't have a degree. Veterinarian Assistants often have only a high school education.
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