What Is Veterinary Assistant
Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers typically do the following: Feed, bathe, and exercise animals. Clean and disinfect cages, kennels, and examination and operating rooms. Restrain animals during examination and laboratory procedures. Maintain and sterilize surgical instruments and equipment.
Entry Requirements To Study Veterinary Assistant In South Africa
In order to become a veterinary assistant, candidates typically need at least a high school diploma to qualify. O*NET (2021) found that 78 percent of responding veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers have a high school diploma as their highest academic credential.
According to the South African Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA 2021), veterinary assistants support the clinical activities of veterinary technicians and veterinarians by performing clerical work, animal restraint, and daily caretaking of veterinary patients.
Although there are some quality training programs in this field, there is no formal credentialing exam for veterinary assistants. On the contrary, many are trained on-the-job, although the required education and scope of practice for these animal caretaking professionals varies by state.
Georgia, for instance, defines a veterinary assistant as someone who has on the job training or a single year of formal training.
Texas, by contrast, has established a state certification process for vet assistants through the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA). Other states such as New Hampshire and Hawaii specify no state-mandated restrictions on the scope of practice of veterinary assistants.
Overall, for aspiring veterinary assistants, it can be advisable to pursue a formal training program to enhance one’s resume, job candidacy, and salary prospects. The renowned Ohana Pet Hospital in Ventura, California actually prefers vet assistant candidates with an associate degree in veterinary technology (or an equivalent registered veterinary technician [RVT] program). Other typical requirements to join this profession include strong communication skills, compassion, punctuality, basic math skills, and the ability to lift at least 30 lbs.
Veterinarian Assistant Training Programs and Requirements
Essential Information
Veterinarians usually provide on-the-job training for veterinary assistants, though you can get a head start through a short postsecondary training program. If you’re interested in a position with a little more responsibility, you can get an associate’s degree to work as a veterinary technician or a bachelor’s degree to become a veterinary technologist.
Associate’s-level programs generally take two years or less to complete, while bachelor’s degrees take four years. A veterinary assistant certificate program can usually be finished in a year or less. All of these program types are offered in a traditional campus setting, though you can also find online options that allow flexibility in your studies.
Vet assistants don’t have any certification requirements, though there are options available if you choose to get credentialed. However, you’ll typically need to get licensed to become a vet technician or technologist. For this, states require you to pass an examination, which can result in a license, certification or registration; the exact credential varies by state.
Veterinarian Assistant Certificate
Certificate programs for veterinary assistants can 6-12 months to complete, depending on the school. Some schools have specific entrance requirements, like heath insurance or submitting to a background check.
The programs blend classroom training with hands-on experience with live animals. Some schools offer the training fully or partially online, though it’s fairly uncommon, particularly since lab or practicum training is required. Training you’ll receive in these programs include:
Surgical assisting
Administering medication
Animal handling and nutrition
Working with vet equipment and technology
Maintaining patient records
Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology
An Associate of Science degree program in veterinary technology introduces students to a number of basic veterinary topics, such as animal health care and management. Students learn animal anatomy and physiology and may engage in practical, clinical experience with live animals at a local veterinary office. Some course topics might include:
Animal anatomy
Small animal breeds and behavior
Animal nursing
Animal physiology
Large animal diseases
Animal medicine
Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology
The Bachelor of Science degree in veterinary technology is earned through a four-year curriculum. Students in such a program may take many of the same courses available in an associate’s degree program, such as veterinary pharmacology and veterinary radiology.
The B.S. program may be more comprehensive and prepares students to assist with more complicated procedures and tests. Clinical study at a nearby veterinary office is usually included in the curriculum and may be expected for graduation. Course topics might include:
Principles and prevention of livestock diseases
Intro to veterinary anatomy
Functional histology
General pharmacology and toxicology
Neurobiology
Typical application requirements for these programs include having a high school diploma or GED and completing prerequisite courses either before or concurrently with the program (e.g., biology, medical terminology).
Schools Offering Veterinary Assistant In South Africa
Tshwane University of Technology.
National Diploma: Veterinary Technology.
North-West University.
Bachelor of Science: Agriculture (Animal Health);
Diploma: Animal Health. www.nwu.ac.za.
UNISA.
Diploma: Animal Health. www.unisa.ac.za.
How do I become a vet assistant in South Africa?
A National Senior Certificate is usually a prerequisite for becoming a veterinary assistant. Some choose to become accredited through doing a course or diploma. Accreditation is not required, but employers generally prefer to hire veterinary assistants who have some background studies in animal science.
What education is needed to become a veterinary assistant in South Africa ?
A high school diploma is the minimum requirement for veterinary assistants, though there are several certificate and associate degree programs that can provide adequate training and education for the job. Most veterinary office train assistants through on-the-job training.
What are the steps to becoming a vet assistant in South Africa ?
Steps to Becoming A Vet Assistant
Graduate from high school (four years).
Enroll in a veterinary assistant program (one year).
Seek professional certification (timeline varies).
Maintain AVA certification (every two years).
Does Unisa offer veterinary courses?
The Diploma: Animal Health is approved for registration with the SAVC. It is compulsory for each student to register with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) the first time they register for ANH3604/ANH3605 and maintain the registration throughout the remaining part of the course.
What subjects do you need to study to become a vet in South Africa?
What subjects do vet students study in first year?
Academic and Information Management.
General Chemistry.
Language and Study Skills.
Mathematics.
Medical Terminology.
Molecular and Cell Biology.
Physics for Biology Students.
Is it hard to be a vet assistant in South Africa?
The job is sometimes stressful and physically demanding. Animals become ill and need care at all hours of the day or night, so vet assistants often work holidays, nights and weekends. Assistants sometimes have to move large animals and hold them still for treatments.
What skills do you need to be a veterinary assistant in South Africa ?
Here are five skills you will need to excel as a Veterinary Assistant.
Communication Skills: Veterinary Assistants work on the frontlines connecting vets, pets and pet owners.
Empathy Skills:
Organizational / Time Management Skills:
Technical Skills:
A Passion for Animals:
Can you work as a vet assistant without a degree in South Africa ?
There is no formal educational requirement to become a veterinary assistant, although most practices will give preference to people with a high school diploma. Several community colleges and a handful of high schools have begun working veterinary assistant options into their vocational programs.
What high school subjects are needed to become a vet?
For Veterinary Science, you will need to have the following high school subjects:
English Home Language or First Additional Language – 60%
Physical Science – 60%
Mathematics – 60%
Is it worth becoming a vet assistant in South Africa ?
Yes, this is the biggest and best pro, and you are likely doing this job simply because you DO get to work with animals! Most of us have loved animals our entire lives, and going into an animal-related field of work was just the most natural thing to do.
How long do you study to become a vet in South Africa?
Duration of study
Veterinarians in South Africa typically study for a minimum of 6 years. Students of veterinary science are required to register with the SA Veterinary Council before the 1st of June of the year in which they first enrol for their studies.
What does a vet earn in South Africa?
Veterinarian Average Salary
The average salary for a Veterinarian in SA is R 467 571 gross per year (R 38 960 gross per month), which is 66% higher than the South Africa’s national average salary. Salary Range: a Veterinarian can expect an average starting salary of R 299 200. The highest salaries can exceed R 790 850.