How to Become a Vet Assistant Through the Mail

A veterinary assistant is the person who assists a veterinarian and veterinarian technicians by helping with the daily duties of the clinic, such as working in the kennel and helping restrain animals. Unlike veterinary technicians, vet assistants don't have to be licensed or registered and are often trained on the job. If you don't have another way to gain the knowledge you need to become a vet assistant, though, there are vet assistant training programs that result in a certificate.

Things You'll Need

• Internet connection

Instructions

1. Search for a vet assistant training program on the American Veterinary Medical Association's website, a link to which can be found in the "Resources" section below. Mostly available options will be veterinary technician programs, but some schools offer vet assistant certificates as well.

2. Read all of the information about the course to make sure it fits your needs, especially that it covers all of the topics you will need to know.

3. If the program you chose has requires in-clinic experience as part of the course, begin searching for a local veterinary clinic you can fulfill your observation or internship hours with. By talking with the veterinary staff, you might be able to find out more about the school or discover more about the specific topics you should be learning.

4. Submit all application materials the school requires on time. You won't be able to complete any of your classes until you are officially enrolled at the school.

5. Submit all class materials according to the schedule the instructor has provided to stay current with the course.

References

• Veterinary Assisting Certificate
• The Veterinary Health Care Team

Resources

• AVMA career and school information