How To Become a Veterinary Assistant in Nevada

A passion for animals is the only prerequisite for learning how to become a veterinary assistant in Nevada. The state has no educational or licensing requirements, but those individuals who complete a program and gain national certification are the best candidates for the available jobs. There are plenty of opportunities in the state for those people who love animals and want a career caring for them.

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Working as a Veterinary Assistant in Nevada

The state of Nevada defines a veterinary assistant as someone who has less training and fewer skills than a veterinary technician and who works under the supervision of veterinarians and vet techs. They are responsible for basic animal care tasks like watering, feeding, restraining, transporting, bathing, and exercising, and can complete them without supervision.

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The exact duties of a veterinary assistant depend on the employer, but the state also outlines very specific tasks that a vet assistant can do with immediate, direct, and indirect supervision of a veterinarian or vet tech. Some examples of these are:

  • Assisting with surgeries
  • Applying bandages
  • Monitoring anesthesia and vital signs
  • Collecting samples
  • Administering medications
  • Giving subcutaneous fluids
  • Filling prescriptions

How to Become a Veterinary Assistant in Nevada

Nevada has no requirements for education, training, or licensing of veterinary assistants. It is up to the hiring veterinarian to determine what qualifications are appropriate in an assistant. The most desirable candidates for jobs, regardless of the lack of state requirements, are those who have completed some type of post-secondary education in animal care or veterinary assisting.

An alternative to completing an educational program is to be trained on the job. Some veterinarians may be willing to hire someone who will work with a vet tech to be trained in animal care and basic veterinary practices.

Veterinary Assistant Programs in Nevada

There are not many dedicated veterinary assistant programs at colleges in Nevada. One program that is available and that offers a certificate that takes about nine months to complete is in Las Vegas. This program includes coursework in animal physiology, basic computer, and math skills, clinical lab procedures, office procedures, anesthesia, surgical assisting, and more. It also includes an externship so that students get hands-on experience working with animals in a veterinary setting. The tuition cost is $13,805.

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is an excellent resource for those interested in becoming a veterinary assistant in Nevada. The AVMA provides information on the various educational programs available, job postings, and tips on how to become a successful vet assistant. It also offers certification through its Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). Those who pass this exam will have a great advantage when applying for veterinary assistant jobs.

The certification process is rigorous, but it can lead to greater job security and higher pay rates. The AVMA also offers continuing education courses that help keep vet assistants up-to-date on the latest developments in the field.

Once you’ve decided to pursue a veterinary assistant career in Nevada, you should contact local veterinarians and ask if they have any openings. You can also check job postings online and inquire about educational programs at colleges in the state.

National Certification for Veterinary Assistants

Students who have completed a program in veterinary assisting may also be interested in achieving national certification, which provides evidence for potential employers of skills and knowledge. NAVTA, the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, offers an Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) certification.

The simplest way to get AVA certification is to complete a NAVTA-approved program and take the qualifying examination. Nevada does not have any of these programs, but a secondary way to get certified is to complete a program and gain some on-the-job experience. This practical experience qualifies a veterinary assistant to take and pass the exam for certification. Another alternative for students in Nevada is to complete the Penn Foster online program in veterinary assisting, which is NAVTA-approved.

The Career Outlook for Vet Assistants in Nevada

Most veterinary assistants in Nevada work in veterinary offices, animal hospitals, specialty hospitals, and clinics, but they may also work in doggy daycare and boarding facilities, on ranches working with large animals, or in shelters working with rescue animals. They may even be hired to work in wildlife rescue centers.

While there are opportunities throughout the state, most jobs are available in and around Las Vegas and Reno. Some major employers include VCA Animal Hospitals and Banfield Pet Hospitals. Vet assistants are also hired to help veterinarians in laboratories, including the Charles River Laboratories in Reno. For those interested in rescue, the Best Friends Animal Society in Las Vegas hires vet assistants to care for animals.

Job growth in veterinary assisting is fast in all states, with 19-percent growth expected through 2026. The average salary for vet assistants in Nevada is $25,330 per year or $12.18 per hour. There are opportunities to earn more for those who are employed by larger facilities and who have more training and experience on the job.

When you’re ready to begin your career working with animals every day, consider training to become a veterinary assistant in Nevada. The path to this exciting career is short and affordable. In less than a year, you could be trained, nationally certified, and ready to become a professional animal care worker.

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

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College and University Listings

Las Vegas-Paradise, NV Area

Pima Medical Institute-Las Vegas

3333 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, Nevada 89121

Veterinary Assistant – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Pima Medical Institute is offered at their Las Vegas campus in the city of Las Vegas, NV. This private, for-profit college has about 988 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. The cost of tuition for the Vet Tech program is, as a rough guide, around $12,024 for each academic year, while books and supplies may cost roughly $743. Usually, the program is completed in 8 months.

* Tuition fees and accredition 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 CaliforniaOregonIdahoUtah, and Arizona. You can find vet technician programs in Nevada here.