How To Become a Veterinary Assistant in Ohio

If you love animals and think about entering a career in veterinary care, you may find fulfillment in starting out as a veterinary assistant.

Although every position within a veterinary practice is important, that of a veterinary assistant is irreplaceable. Veterinary technicians and veterinarians need vet assistants to aid them so they can perform their tasks and responsibilities in animal healthcare as efficiently and carefully as possible. Veterinary assistants in Ohio may be asked to perform kennel work, assist in the handling and restraining of animals, do clerical duties, feed animals, and administer medication with the supervision of a veterinarian or vet tech. Veterinary assistants may work in a number of different settings. Currently, vet assistants in Ohio work in animal hospitals, clinics, and research laboratories.

Becoming a Veterinary Assistant in Ohio

Some veterinary assistants are trained on the job while others undergo training programs. The state of Ohio has no minimum when it comes to education requirements to become a vet assistant. With that said most vet assistants have received a high school diploma or GED equivalency.

Obtaining further education or training may help in your chances of getting a job and could impact your starting pay rate. Training programs are available in various settings in Ohio including some high school training programs, community colleges, and technical schools. Most veterinary assistant programs take no more than a year to complete and many students are able to complete the requirements in less than one year, depending on the nature of the program and the student’s schedule.

You can obtain training through online programs or on campus at some post-secondary facilities, including locations such as Ross College in Sylvania, Stautzenberger College in Maumee, and North Coast Medical Training Academy in Kent.

Veterinary Assistant Certification in Ohio

The state of Ohio currently has one veterinary assistant program available that is approved by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) at Penta Career Center in Perrysburg, Ohio. If you cannot attend this program, it does not mean you cannot become an approved veterinary assistant in the state. You can still pursue the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) designation. By seeking certification, you may be able to find work easier and may be able to start out at a higher pay rate. To stay current as an AVA in Ohio, you need to renew your certification every two years.

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

If you are interested in continuing your education beyond becoming a veterinary assistant, you may wish to consider the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Veterinary Technician Program. This program is designed for those who want to become certified veterinary technicians and includes courses such as clinical and laboratory techniques, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, nutrition, parasitology, anesthesia, and surgery. To become a certified vet tech in Ohio you will need to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). Once you have passed this exam, you can become licensed as a veterinary technician in the state of Ohio. The AVMA also offers an Associate’s Degree program that may be completed online or on campus.

Overall, becoming a vet assistant in Ohio can be an exciting and rewarding career choice. Working with animals is not only personally rewarding but can also bring about great job satisfaction. With the right education and training, you could find yourself providing valuable healthcare services to animals all across the state of Ohio.

Working as a Veterinary Assistant in Ohio

The job outlook for veterinary assistants in the state of Ohio is good. Employment is expected to grow by 11 percent by 2024, which is much faster than average according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As of 2016, the median pay for veterinary assistants was $24,570 per year.

Potential Ohio veterinary assistant employers include:

• Ohio Veterinary Medical Association in Powell, Ohio
• Veterinary Centers of America: VCA Holly Farms Animal Hospital in Toledo, VCA College Hill Animal Hospital in Cincinnati, VCA Mill Run Animal Hospital in Hilliard, or VCA Sawmill Animal Hospital in Columbus
• Banfield Pet Hospitals in Beavercreek and Reynoldsburg

College and University Listings

• Akron, OH
• Canton-Massillon, OH
• Dayton, OH

Akron, OH Area

Northcoast Medical Training Academy

1832 State Route 59, Kent, Ohio 44240

Veterinary Assistant – Certificate Program

Northcoast Medical Training Academy’s Certificate program in Veterinary Assistant is offered at their campus in Kent in Portage County, OH. The majority of the school’s 136 students are in diploma programs of under two years. The college is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. The cost of tuition for the Vet Tech program is in the order of $13,990 yearly. Usually, the program is completed in 10 months.

Canton-Massillon, OH Area

Community Services Division-Alliance City

500 Glamorgan St., Alliance, Ohio 44601

Veterinary Assistant – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Community Services Division is offered at their Alliance City campus in Alliance, OH. The majority of the school’s 63 students are in diploma programs of under two years. The college is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, Board of Trustees. The cost of tuition is broadly in the order of $6,475 yearly, while study materials may cost about $1,010, depending on the program.

Dayton, OH Area

Miami Valley Career Technology Center

6800 Hoke Rd, Englewood, Ohio 45315

Veterinary Aide – Certificate Program

Miami Valley Career Technology Center’s Certificate-level Veterinary Aide program is offered at their campus in Englewood in Montgomery County, OH. The college has about 280 students in total, with the majority of students on programs that last under 2 years. The college is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, Board of Trustees. The college’s retention rate for full-time students is 84%. The cost of tuition is broadly in the order of $13,120 yearly, while study materials may cost about $825, depending on the 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 Indiana, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Michigan. You can find vet technician programs in Ohio here.