If you want to switch careers but not spend a lot of time re-training, you could consider becoming a veterinary assistant.
In Vermont, this process doesn’t require much effort especially if you like working both with animals and people.
Read on to find out more!
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Veterinary Assistant Employment and Job Duties in Vermont
OK, but where can I work as a vet assistant? you might ask.
Here are just a few of the facilities seeking such personnel:
- Animal clinics,
- Animal rescue facilities,
- Animal shelters
- Wildlife parks
- Veterinary emergency centers
One of the best employers for veterinary assistants in Vermont is the chain called Veterinary Centers of America.
In Vermont, these centers are found in South Burlington and Brattleboro.
Veterinary assistants are generally tasked with the following:
- Assisting with surgeries
- Applying bandages
- Monitoring anesthesia and vital signs
- Collecting samples
- Administering medications
- Giving subcutaneous fluids
- Filling prescriptions
- Communicating with clients
- Making appointments
- Inventory control
- Cleaning vet gear
- Sanitizing animal cages
- Operation room cleaning
- Prepping exam and operating spaces
- Keeping records updated
- Pay attention to the dietary needs of pets
- Make sure the animals get enough exercise
Becoming Certified as a Vet Assistant in Vermont
In Vermont, there are no specific requirements or regulations related to working as a veterinary assistant, besides having to work under supervision.
It’s usually the practices mentioned earlier that set up requirements like these:
- To be at least 18 years old
- To have a high school diploma or GED
- To have good communication and organizational skills
- To be detail-oriented
- To have some related certification
- To possibly have some previous experience in working or handling animals
Of course, not everyone can have previous experience in working with animals.
If you really want to enter this field, you could start as a volunteer, as many organizations rely on them.
But what can you do if you, for whatever reason, cannot volunteer?
Signing up for a NAVTA-approved training program, or a similar course is your next best solution.
NAVTA can turn you into an Approved Veterinary Assistant and this credential will make many employers want to hire you.
Additionally, with this certificate in hand, you can work anywhere in the US as a vet assistant.
Since there are no such programs available in Vermont, you can do one of the following:
- Sign up for an online class
- Sign up for an externship
- This option is perfect for those with no veterinary experience.
- Sign up for the Experiential Learner option
- Requires you to work 20 hours per week in a facility for animals.
- Join the Veterinary Assistant Program
- You need to already work at least part-time in the field.
There are a few more steps to complete after graduating before you can have your certification:
- An application
- The documents proving their eligibility
- The fee for the application and certificate – $350
- Passing an exam
Earning Other Credentials
Since NAVTA doesn’t have in-person training programs in Vermont, you can choose to earn a degree in Veterinary Technology.
Such a degree is available at the Associate’s and Bachelor’s levels.
You can find out more from the schools below.
Top 4 Schools in Vermont
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Burlington Emergency and Veterinary Specialists | 200 Commerce St Williston, VT 05495 |
| Peak Veterinary Referral Center | 158 Hurricane Ln Williston, VT 05495 |
| Petit Brook Veterinary Clinic | 5866 Roosevelt Hwy Colchester, VT 05446 |
| Rutland Veterinary Clinic and Surgical Center | 90 E Pittsford Rd Rutland, VT 05701 |
Students get to learn about:
- Animal Life Stages Nutrition and Husbandry
- Animal Nursing and Diagnostic Imaging
- Pharmacology and Principles of Anesthesia
- Aseptic Technique and Surgical Assisting
It’s not uncommon for vet assistant in this state to choose a specialization like one of these:
- Dental Technician
- Anesthetist
- Internal Medicine
- Emergency and Critical Care
- Behavior Technician
- Zoological Medicine
- Equine
- Clinical Practice
- Nutrition
- Clinical Pathology
Salary Information for a Veterinary Assistant in Vermont
We already mentioned that a degree can help you earn more than your peers.
Another way of earning more than the minimum salary in Vermont is to find employment in a larger city.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Veterinary Assistants in Vermont
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Burlington | $31,401 |
| Essex | $31,401 |
| Rutland | $31,683 |
| Colchester | $31,401 |
| South Burlington | $31,401 |
| Bennington | $32,229 |
| Brattleboro | $32,326 |
| Hartford | $32,686 |
| Milton | $31,382 |
| Barre | $31,114 |
Regional Salary in Vermont
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington-South Burlington, VT | 70 | $32,810 | $15.77 | $37,610 | $31,180 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information About Vet Assistants in Vermont
The AVA certification needs renewal after every 2 years.
This credential can help you advance in your veterinary career as well.
The following organizations can help you with more resources for employers and industry-related news:
- VetMedTeam
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
- Vermont Veterinary Medical Association
- Central Vermont Humane Society
- Vermont Veterinary Technicians Association
- Vermont Dog Rescue
