How to Become a Veterinary Assistant in Utah

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In Utah, you will have many job opportunities if you become a vet assistant.

But, before that, you will need to know what are the training requirements.

So, read below in order to decide whether this is a good option for you.

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Get information on Veterinary Assistant programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

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Veterinary Assistant Employment and Job Duties in Utah

In Utah, vet assistants who have proper training can find a job in one of the following facilities:

  • Pet hospitals or clinics,
  • Animal rescue facilities,
  • Animal shelters
  • Zoos
  • Educational institutions

You will have several tasks to complete daily, but some of these include:

  • Communicating with clients
  • Making appointments
  • Request records requests from other vets
  • Inventory control
  • Cleaning vet gear
  • Sanitizing animal cages
  • Operation room cleaning
  • Help with filling prescriptions
  • Prepping exam and operating spaces
  • Keeping records updated
  • Pay attention to the dietary needs of pets
  • Make sure the animals get enough exercise

You can also pursue an externship first if you need to get experience with animals first.

There are also some sources that could help you in your search:

  • Utah Veterinary Technician Association
  • Big Sky Veterinary Technician Association
  • National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
  • Veterinary Career Network
  • Vet Tech Life
  • Vetcetera
  • Where Techs Connect

Becoming Certified as a Vet Assistant in Utah

In Utah, you are not required by law to get a certification.

However, most facilities prefer to hire certified vet assistants.

So, to improve your chances to get hired, you can join a training program for vet assistants in your area.

When you complete the training program, you can apply to get the AVA (Approved Veterinary Assistant) certification.

The vet assistant certification Utah is provided by the NAVTA.

Remember that the program you choose should also be approved by the NAVTA.

You can also opt to specialize in a field such as:

  • Dental Technician
  • Anesthetist
  • Internal Medicine
  • Emergency and Critical Care
  • Behavior Technician
  • Zoological Medicine
  • Equine
  • Surgery
  • Clinical Practice
  • Nutrition
  • Clinical Pathology

In Utah, there are numerous programs you can join online or in person.

Online programs are the best choice for students who cannot attend physical classes.

The training programs for vet assistants feature theory classes and clinical practice.

The theory part will feature topics such as:

  • How to identify different breeds
  • Animal anatomy
  • The best ways to administer meds
  • How to administer post-operative care
  • Handling various breeds of animals
  • Medical terminology
  • Handling chemicals

The training programs for vet assistants in Utah are offered by the schools below.

Top 4 Schools in Utah

School NameAddress
Bridgerland Applied Technology College1301 North 600 West, Logan, Utah 84321
Jordan Applied Technology Center9301 S Wights Fort Rd West Jordan, UT 84088
Salt Lake Community College9750 South 300 West MFEC Suite 211 Sandy, UT 84070
University of Utah1901 E. South Campus Dr. #2174Salt Lake City, UT 84112-9359

If you are employed by a vet facility for 20 hours weekly, you can apply to be an experiential learner.

Usually, the training programs vary between 6 months and 2 years or 3 years.

If you join a college program, you can get a B.S. in Veterinary Technology or an Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology.

In Utah, you will have to take the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Examination) exam.

This vet assistant test is offered through the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).

To take the exam, candidates have to submit a fee and make an online appointment.

The topics will cover:

  • Emergency Medicine/Critical Care
  • Dentistry
  • Pain Management/Analgesia
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Surgical Nursing
  • Pharmacy and Pharmacology
  • Laboratory Procedures
  • Anesthesia
  • Animal Care and Nursing

Keep in mind that after 2 years pass, you have to renew your vet assistant certification for a fee.

You will also have to attend some additional education hours.

Salary Information for a Veterinary Assistant in Utah

As per The Bureau of Labor Statistics, vet assistants in Utah have an average annual wage of

If you get hired in a bigger city, you have more chances to be paid more.

Annual Salary Range:
$24K
$30K
$36K

Average Salary of Veterinary Assistants in Utah

City NameSalary
Salt Lake City$30,304
Boulder$28,780
Provo$29,194
Sandy$30,221
Orem$29,194
Ogden$29,542
West Jordan$30,194
Layton$29,432
Brigham City$29,321
St. George$32,096
* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary in Utah

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Logan, UT-ID60$27,380$13.16$37,040$21,150
Ogden-Clearfield, UT260$29,590$14.23$37,250$23,430
Provo-Orem, UT100$29,060$13.97$35,280$23,440
St. George, UT40$27,750$13.34$34,680$22,660
Salt Lake City, UT410$31,280$15.04$37,630$24,580
* Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers, OCC Code 31-9096, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Additional Information About Vet Assistants in Utah

As the industry grows, more and more jobs open.

After you get the certification and training you need, you will be able to enjoy a rewarding career.

The first step you have to take is to choose a school to train at and start your program.

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