3 answers
Mary
Student
Coweta, Oklahoma
1
Question
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Do the Veterinary Assistants get stuck with the grunt work? #Spring23
I just started Veterinary Assistant classes. Open to any tips on being the best.
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3 answers
Nirah Shomer, DVM PhD DACLAM
Senior leader in laboratory animal science, animal welfare, and regulatory compliance
49
Answers
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Nirah’s Answer
Do veterinary assistants get stuck with the grunt work? That depends on what you consider the grunt work. If this is the right career for you, you will enjoy working with animals and things that others might consider grunt work (like bathing or grooming) will be enjoyable. I assume, however, that you are asking whether you will get stuck with less interesting work compared to trained licensed veterinary technicians. That depends on the laws in your state. By LAW, there are limits on what veterinary technicians or veterinary assistants are allowed to do, and assistants generally cannot do all of the things that licensed techs can do. For example, you may not be allowed to give medications or injections, or monitor animals under anesthesia, or handle animals except under the direct supervision of a veterinarian. Those limits are different in every state. As part of your research for your career, I suggest you look up the legal limitations in your home state and other states where you might want to reside.
https://www.okvetboard.com/practice-act/388-practice-act-effective-2022/viewdocument/388
Being a vet assistant is a great way to enter the field, but depending on what you want to do at work, you might want to consider going to a vet tech program or even vet school. After a brief google search, I see that in your state of OK, there is actually a state-sanctioned veterinary assistant program (in my state, vet assistant means an untrained unlicensed person), so you can actually be a licensed vet assistant. My impression is that veterinary techncians can work under the supervision of a vet (eg be given instructions), while a vet assistant must be in the room with the vet. However, that is based on a very cursory glance at your state's statutes and vet assistant program.
It's also worth taking a look at current job postings in your area- find all of the job listings for vet assistants and vet techs, and see what is different-- you will probably see several dollars an hour difference in pay, and you might see different activities listed as job duties. That should give you more of an idea.
Research laws regarding vet techs and vet assistants in your state
research salaries and job descriptions (eg at Indeed.com) for vet assistants and vet techs
https://www.okvetboard.com/practice-act/388-practice-act-effective-2022/viewdocument/388
Being a vet assistant is a great way to enter the field, but depending on what you want to do at work, you might want to consider going to a vet tech program or even vet school. After a brief google search, I see that in your state of OK, there is actually a state-sanctioned veterinary assistant program (in my state, vet assistant means an untrained unlicensed person), so you can actually be a licensed vet assistant. My impression is that veterinary techncians can work under the supervision of a vet (eg be given instructions), while a vet assistant must be in the room with the vet. However, that is based on a very cursory glance at your state's statutes and vet assistant program.
It's also worth taking a look at current job postings in your area- find all of the job listings for vet assistants and vet techs, and see what is different-- you will probably see several dollars an hour difference in pay, and you might see different activities listed as job duties. That should give you more of an idea.
Nirah recommends the following next steps:
Lindsey Pitman
Veterinary Technician/Practice Manager
8
Answers
Red Oak, Texas
Updated
Lindsey’s Answer
Hey there!
In any profession you need to start somewhere. Starting as a vet assistant gives you the opportunity to learn from step 1 and get a free education. You will have a better understanding of how things work in the vet clinic and be able to advise others on where supplies are kept, how those supplies are used, keeping them stocked and paying attention to how the patients are feeling. The vet assistants tend to have a closer relationship to the patients because they are looking at them and cleaning up after them more often. Read as much literature as you can and ask questions, you will learn a lot. There are many aspects of the vet clinic that keep it running and 1 person can't do it all, trust me, I have done it and failed. Good luck to you and I hope this helps!
In any profession you need to start somewhere. Starting as a vet assistant gives you the opportunity to learn from step 1 and get a free education. You will have a better understanding of how things work in the vet clinic and be able to advise others on where supplies are kept, how those supplies are used, keeping them stocked and paying attention to how the patients are feeling. The vet assistants tend to have a closer relationship to the patients because they are looking at them and cleaning up after them more often. Read as much literature as you can and ask questions, you will learn a lot. There are many aspects of the vet clinic that keep it running and 1 person can't do it all, trust me, I have done it and failed. Good luck to you and I hope this helps!
Megan McCoy
Career Coach
140
Answers
Lakeland, Florida
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Hi Mary,
I think it depends on where you work and what you consider grunt work. I worked in animal care at a humane society and some of the volunteers called me "Cinderella" because I always seemed to get stuck cleaning out the litter boxes. I did not mind because I would rather do that than work the front desk.
What I have learned is that it is usually whoever is lowest on the pecking orders/ bottom of a hierarchy who gets the grunt work. The newer people usually have to do the jobs no one else wants to do. Once you have been working for a while you get to choose your schedule or tasks more. Working with animals there is always gross/grunt work that you just learn to not mind.
As far as being the best- go above and beyond. Be early to work and offer to help out others.
I hope this helps!
I think it depends on where you work and what you consider grunt work. I worked in animal care at a humane society and some of the volunteers called me "Cinderella" because I always seemed to get stuck cleaning out the litter boxes. I did not mind because I would rather do that than work the front desk.
What I have learned is that it is usually whoever is lowest on the pecking orders/ bottom of a hierarchy who gets the grunt work. The newer people usually have to do the jobs no one else wants to do. Once you have been working for a while you get to choose your schedule or tasks more. Working with animals there is always gross/grunt work that you just learn to not mind.
As far as being the best- go above and beyond. Be early to work and offer to help out others.
I hope this helps!