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.
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.
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:
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 currently has no state license requirements 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-Opelika | 90 | $26,970 |
Huntsville | 190 | $22,200 |
Tuscaloosa | 60 | $24,490 |
Anniston-Oxford-Jacksonville | 50 | $28,400 |
Birmingham-Hoover | 350 | $22,830 |
Dothan | 60 | $26,110 |
Mobile | 130 | $24,560 |
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