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Can I still become a vet assistant if I go through a vet tech program ?

At first, I wanted to be a veterinary technician. However, I've decided to become a veterinary assistant instead. I am having trouble finding community colleges that offer vet assistant programs. Some universities offer these programs. However, I must attend community college because I need a fourth year of math. The community colleges I'm finding only offer vet tech programs. Can I still become a vet assistant if I go through a vet tech program? Can I benefit from a vet tech program if I only want to become a vet assistant? I understand that I can become a vet assistant with a high school diploma however, I would like to have some education.

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Lindsey’s Answer

You can train on the job to become a vet assistant and most vet tech programs have vet assistant certification within the first year of schooling. A vet assistant does not have as much of an expanded scope of practice as a vet tech. Therefore you are limited on tasks you can perform and assist with while being a vet assistant. There are online options for vet assistant certification through some schools as well.
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Amy’s Answer

Being a veterinary assistant truly doesn't require any schooling other than your high school diploma, of which you are aware. I'm a Registered Veterinary Technician and I have trained many assistants on the job. But, if you want further education, I wouldn't recommend going through tech school. You will certainly get a great education, but if you're going to go through tech school it doesn't make any sense to finish and not take the VTNE, which in the national certification test to obtain your tech license. If you do want further education, you can get a certificate degree from an accredited college. Penn Foster and Ross Education both offer online programs for veterinary assisting. You can also Google free online veterinary assistant programs and many are available. Honestly, your best bet would be to apply for a job at a vet clinic as an assistant. You can also volunteer at a vet clinic to get experience. Often, the clinics that you volunteer at will offer you a job if you do good work. You can also volunteer at an animal shelter, which will get you great experience and also get your foot in the door to get a job in a vet clinic.
Thank you comment icon You’ve been a big help. Thank you, Amy! Trinity
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Thank you comment icon Agree! No college needed for veterinary assistants. Melissa Rogers
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