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Career Exploration

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

Also called: Animal Care Provider, Animal Caregiver, Certified Veterinary Assistant, Veterinarian Assistant (Vet Assistant)

What they do:

Feed, water, and examine pets and other nonfarm animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury in laboratories and animal hospitals and clinics. Clean and disinfect cages and work areas, and sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment. May provide routine postoperative care, administer medication orally or topically, or prepare samples for laboratory examination under the supervision of veterinary or laboratory animal technologists or technicians, veterinarians, or scientists.

On the job, you would:
  • Hold or restrain animals during veterinary procedures.
  • Monitor animals recovering from surgery and notify veterinarians of any unusual changes or symptoms.
  • Fill medication prescriptions.
On the job, you'll need:

Business

  • customer service
  • administrative services

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Math and Science

  • biology

Health

  • medicine and dentistry

Basic Skills

  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Verbal

  • communicate by speaking
  • listen and understand what people say

Hand and Finger Use

  • hold or move items with your hands
  • keep your arm or hand steady

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Attention to Detail
  • Self Control
  • Cooperation
  • Persistence

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Medical software

  • McAllister Software Systems AVImark
  • Practice management software PMS

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Bright.

New job opportunities are very likely in the future. This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

Median Annual Salary: $34,740

Education

High school diploma/GED or certificate after high school is usually needed.