How to Succeed as a Veterinary Assistant in California
As an animal lover, it’s easy to love a career as a Veterinary Assistant. You get paid to be around your furry, fluffy friends all day. What could be better? But if you want to really enjoy a long-term career as a Vet Assistant in California, you need a good attitude and a good place to work. Get on the path to a rewarding career caring for animals.
Complete a Veterinary Assistant Training Program in California
You can’t enjoy your job if you’re not confident in your skills. Find a program that teaches you the fundamentals of being a Vet Assistant. You’ll want to learn about the care and cleaning of pets and also some of the challenges they may face when they are sick or injured. Among the topics you need to understand are:
- Animal Anatomy and Physiology
- Veterinary Science and Terminology
- Animal Surgical Assisting and Treatment
- Medications and Potential Toxins
- Preventative Care
- Pet Anxiety
Have a Good Attitude in the Veterinary Office
Like kids, animals can be unpredictable. They can do funny things that make you laugh, which is probably one of the reasons you enjoy being around them. But not every animal has the temperament of California’s Lassie, and even the calmest of animals can get scared when they enter the vet’s office. No matter what type of animal you work with, or what kind of situation you might encounter, the best way to deal with it is with a positive attitude. Did you know that a positive attitude at work can help you be more productive? It can also make you, your pet patients, and your colleagues happier.
Embrace Your Furry Friends—and Their Owners as a Veterinary Assistant
You may not be able to hug the owners, but you can hug their pets. You love animals! That’s why you wanted to be a Veterinary Assistant. Enjoy every opportunity to show your patients a little love and get some in return. Being around animals can decrease stress hormones and lower blood pressure. It’s also been linked to reduced loneliness and better moods.
Choose Your Veterinary Work Environment
To get the most enjoyment out of your work, find an environment that’s right for you. Most Veterinary Assistants work at a veterinarian’s office, but you could also work at a clinic or hospital. At an animal hospital, prepare to see more sick or injured animals in need of X-rays or surgeries. At a clinic, your assistance will mostly be needed during checkups or with routine grooming and bathing. You might also find work at a laboratory or at a university setting where they conduct animal research.
Learn From Your Team of Animal Lovers
One of the benefits of a veterinary assistant career is that you get to work with a team of people who care about animals as much as you do. While you share your mutual passion, you can also share knowledge and learn from one another. Observe the veterinarian and vet technician to see how they care for their patients, and how they interact with pet owners. You can learn a lot from them, and from other Vet Assistants. Take the opportunity to grow as a professional so you can enjoy your career and others can enjoy working with you.
Why You Should Be a Veterinary Assistant in California
No matter the kind of work you do, it’s nice to feel needed and appreciated. Did you know that California is among the top states for Veterinary Assistant employment? It’s also ranked among the top paying states. And demand for the profession is expected to grow much faster than average throughout the decade. Your skills are needed and valued by animal clinics, shelters, and veterinarian hospitals.
If you’re ready to start a career as a Veterinary Assistant, contact Charter College today. We offer a Certificate in Veterinary Assistant that can be completed in as few as 10 months. The program includes an externship at a local facility, so you can gain hands-on experience, and it’s offered in a blended learning format for convenience. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.