Veterinary assistants are responsible for examining pets and nonfarm animals for indications of disease, illness, or injury in settings such as animal clinics and hospitals. They may perform such duties as feeding and watering animals, cleaning and disinfecting living areas, and sterilizing equipment. The duties of a vet assistant include administering medication, performing post-op care, and preparing samples for examination in a laboratory. These tasks are often carried out under the supervision of veterinarians and/or scientists.

Alabama Veterinary Assistant Schools

Specialized institutions may focus on training individuals to administer medical care to small animals. These schools offer instruction regarding how to work with veterinarians in environments such as animal hospitals and research labs, how to perform lab tests, and how to properly deal with clients.

  • Ross Medical Education Center: Ross Medical Education Centers are located in several states, including Alabama. The Veterinary Assistant Program at Ross Medical is designed so that the training six modules can be completed in any order, and typically last for about 12 months.

  • Animal Behavior College: As a trade school specializing in animal career training programs, Animal Behavior College offers year-long courses with locations across the country. Students work with program managers who are trained in animal care and veterinary services.

  • Local Community Colleges: For individuals who are interested in a career as a vet assistant, enrolling in general education courses at a local community college is a good start to a life of caring for animals. It may be possible for earned credits to be transferred to a local accredited school; information can be obtained through a school's admissions office.

Accredited Vet Assistant Programs of Study

Veterinary assistants must be driven to provide quality medical attention for the animals under their care, as well as a commitment to treat the owners with compassion. Training at veterinary assistant schools in Alabama may include courses which cover topics like:

  • Veterinary Ethics
  • Animal Anatomy and Physiology
  • Animal Care Activities
  • Medical Records

Additional learning will take place under the guidance of experienced instructors as students learn to use special software, manage medical records, and participate in externship programs.

After a student has graduated from a NAVTA (National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America) approved vet assistant program, he or she is then eligible to take the Approved Veterinary Assistant examination. Participants are able to use the designation of AVA after successful completion of the exam.

Alabama Veterinary Assistant License Requirements

Alabama currently has no state license requirements for veterinary assistants.

Resources for Vet Assistant Schools in Alabama

Metro Areas Rated for Popularity for:
Veterinary Assistants

Listed below are metro areas ranked by the popularity of jobs for Veterinary Assistants relative to the population of the city. Salary data was obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

2019 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2018-28 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov

Metro Area
Jobs
Annual Median Salary
Auburn-Opelika90$26,970
Huntsville190$22,200
Tuscaloosa60$24,490
Anniston-Oxford-Jacksonville50$28,400
Birmingham-Hoover350$22,830
Dothan60$26,110
Mobile130$24,560

Sources:

  1. Animal Behavior College, www.animalbehaviorcollege.com/VeterinaryAssistant/
  2. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-assistants-and-laboratory-animal-caretakers.htm#tab-4, accessed August 19,2016
  3. Ross Medical Education Center, Veterinary Assistant Program, www.rosseducation.edu/programs/veterinary-assistant/
  4. Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers, Occupational Employment and Wages, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes319096.htm, accessed August 19,2016

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