How To Become a Veterinary Assistant in Louisiana

Do you have what it takes to be a veterinary assistant? All that is required to work as one in the state of Louisiana is a passion for animals coupled with a willingness to take on the various tasks required in animal hospitals and clinics.

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Veterinary assistants perform routine tasks to aid veterinarians and veterinary technicians with their roles in animal healthcare facilities. Typically, veterinary assistants are responsible for exercising, bathing, and feeding animals, as well as keeping their cages and exam rooms clean. They also help with animal restraint during exams and diagnostic tests. Veterinary assistants may also be required to administer medications and vaccinations, take blood and tissue samples, and care for animals after surgery.

In addition to hands-on animal care, veterinary assistants may also be required to handle necessary communication with pet owners. From answering phones and scheduling appointments to explain how to administer medications at home, veterinary assistants play a large part in not only keeping pets comfortable but their owners alike.

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A career as a veterinary assistant is a rewarding entry-level position that is often seen as a stepping stone to more qualified positions in the veterinary field. While a rewarding career in and of itself, becoming a veterinary assistant is an excellent way to determine whether you want to pursue further education to perform higher levels of animal care.

How to Become a Veterinary Assistant in Louisiana

In order to work as a vet assistant in Louisiana, you are not required to have a college degree. Many vet assistants working in the state start out with a minimum of a high school diploma or GED equivalency.

On-the-job training is often offered by veterinarians at veterinary clinics, which will provide you with the necessary skills and methodology to treat and work with animals. The type of training and amount may vary by practice.

Although no certification requirements are mandated by the state, many practices prefer to hire candidates who have previous experience or training. The state of Louisiana does not currently offer any on-campus veterinary assistant programs. If you wish to pursue training online, Penn Foster Career School offers a Veterinary Assistant Career Diploma, which will adequately prepare you to start working as a veterinary assistant. In addition to preparing you for work in the field, the program also prepares you to take the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) Approved Veterinary Assistant certification test, which will be an invaluable tool when seeking employment.

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) also offers a program that allows individuals who have completed a National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America-approved vet assistant program to apply for the AVMA Veterinary Assistant Registration. This registration is another way to demonstrate your commitment to the profession and will give you an edge in the job market.

Although becoming a veterinary assistant in Louisiana does not require a college degree, having one can be beneficial if you wish to move into higher levels of animal care. Veterinary Technician programs are offered at various colleges throughout the state and can lead to even more rewarding positions within the field. Ultimately, becoming a veterinary assistant is an excellent way to gain experience, knowledge, and qualifications that can help you further your career in the veterinary field.

National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA )

The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) is a professional organization that provides support, education, and resources to veterinary technicians. The association offers an approved Veterinary Assistant Program which includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the NAVTA Approved Veterinary Assistant (VAVA) exam and become certified vet assistants.

This certification is an important way to demonstrate your commitment to the profession and can help you stand out in the job market as well. NAVTA also offers continuing education courses that can help you keep up with the latest developments in veterinary medicine and enhance your job prospects.

Working as a Vet Assistant in Louisiana

There are currently 890 vet assistants and laboratory animal caretakers working in the state of Louisiana. The average salary for a veterinary assistant in Louisiana is $24,860 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages from May 2017. The average hourly rate is $11.95, although rates may be higher in some urban areas such as Baton Rouge and New Orleans, depending on the type of practice, services offered, and your level of experience.

The state of Louisiana is experiencing a higher growth rate for vet assistant jobs than the national average. By 2030, there are projected to be nearly 11 percent more veterinary assistant jobs in Louisiana, making it a promising place to seek employment in the field.

When you are ready to look for employment as a Louisiana veterinary assistant, a great place to start your job hunt is through the Veterinary Centers of America. The VCA is a well-known organization that offers high-quality animal care across the country and has several locations in Louisiana, including VCA Causeway Animal Hospital and VCA Airline Animal Hospital, both in Metairie.

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Get information on Veterinary Assistant programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

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Hammond nonmetropolitan area Area

Northshore Technical Community College

1710 Sullivan Dr, Bogalusa, Louisiana 70427

Veterinary Assistant – Certificate Program

Northshore Technical Community College’s Certificate program is taught at their campus in Bogalusa in Washington County. Most of the school’s 3,752 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Fees for tuition for in-state students are in the order of $3,935 and for students from outside the state likely to be about $7,444 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,220, although this varies from program to program.

* Tuition fees and accreditation status are correct at the time of writing, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (http://nces.ed.gov/). Confirm with the college before applying.

Other Options

See also the neighboring states of ArkansasMississippi, and Texas. You can find vet technician programs in Louisiana here.