Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Was wondering if anyone here had any first-hand experience in such a line of work. I was thinking about doing it part-time when I get older (I'm 17 right now...don't you have to be 18 and a high school graduate?).

I was under the impression a veterinary assistant needed college education.

Correct. I did work in a Rescue center, but i only helped with general care, not much else. Vet assistant is like a nurse and requires some traditional education.
-Sara

Maybe I'm the one thinking of the wrong thing, but from what I've seen/heard, veterinary assistant just gets on-the-job training, because they basically just take care of the animals and clean kennels and whatnot. It's the veterinary technicians that need at least an associates degree in veterinary technology, because they actually assist in surgery, filling prescriptions, providing medical care for animals, etc.

But maybe I was mistaken. I've only done a couple of minutes of research on it thus far.

Thanks.

No, you are correct.

The techs have to have schooling and a degree to get their license. I am a Reg. Tech. To be an assistant some hospitals will take you with little or no experience and train you. There are just some thing you are not legally allowed to do.

You could also simply be kennel help too. All depends on what you are wanting to do and what you hope to get out of it.

I enjoy it very much.

Shannon

>>It's the veterinary technicians that need at least an associates degree in veterinary technology, because they actually assist in surgery, filling prescriptions, providing medical care for animals, etc.

You are correct... I volunteer for an exotic vet, and the techs are basically equivalent of nurses. I'm not sure what qualifications you need to be an assistant, although I believe there is a 17 year old in working as one in the place where I work.
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Owned by:
1.2 bearded dragons - Legolas, Rosy, Miss Scarlet
0.1 Indonesian blue tongue skink - Sarah
1.0 reverse oketee corn snake - Bernard
1.0 ball python - Patrick
2.0 guinea pigs (I know, they're not herps!) - Punky, Jeepers

It depends on what the regulations are in the state that you want to practice in. I am a vet tech in Maine and here you dont have to be liscened (i.e have formal education/degree) to be a Vet Tech. It helps you get a job though, and make more money. Hence why i am going to school right now to get my lisense.

Its a great job though!
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0.1 Bearded dragon
0.1 mexican Black kingsnake
1.1 Leopard Gecko's
0.0.1 Tokay Gecko
1.0 Blue Tongue Skink
0.0.1 Reverse Okeetee Corn
0.1 Anerythristic Corn
0.0.1 Red Tegu
0.1 Bullmastiff
4.1 Cats