Many in Arizona would love working with animals.
If you identify as one of them, becoming a veterinary assistant could be an ideal job for you.
Read on if you want to learn more about this occupation, including the education you need for it!
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Requirements for a Veterinary Assistant in Arizona
Most requirements for this job are related to your abilities.
You should have the following skills:
- Good communication
- Able to multitask
- Stress resistant
- Time management
- Anger management
These skills are needed because you’ll have to deal not only with sick animals but upset or angry owners as well.
You’ll also need to be physically fit as you need strength to either handle the animals or lift them up or put them back on the ground.
As far as education and training go, as per Arizona’s laws, you’ll only need a high school diploma or GED.
Most employers however will ask for some certification in the field.
Veterinary Assistant Employment and Job Duties
Veterinary assistants can find employment in several places, such as:
- Pet clinics,
- Animal rescue facilities,
- Animal shelters
- Zoos
- Educational institutions
Vet assistants usually complete the tasks given to them by the veterinarian they assist.
These tasks will also be different based on the workplace.
You can expect to have duties such as the following:
- Managing client records
- Keeping inventory count
- Instrument sterilization and sanitation
- Cage cleaning and disinfecting
- Preparing rooms for examining animals
- Preparing rooms for surgery
- Maintaining updated medical records
- Handling animal walking and exercise
Earning the National Certification for Veterinary Assistants
As mentioned already, to have better chances of finding a job, you should earn a certification.
The Approved Veterinary Assistant certificate is one of the best ones to obtain in Arizona.
Certification is obtained only after completing a training program.
Depending on the high school you attend, you might have such training offered through your school.
Otherwise, you’ll have to enroll in a community college or some other training center.
Students shouldn’t worry about not being able to attend classes in person as online courses are also available and accepted for this occupation.
During training, you’ll learn:
- How to identify different breeds of animals
- The best ways to administer meds
- How to administer post-operative care
- Handling various breeds of animals
- Medical terminology
- Handling chemicals
It is not uncommon for many veterinary assistants to attend a college for 2 or 4 years and earn a degree in the field.
If you also want a degree, you can have a look at these institutions.
Top 7 Schools in Arizona
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY | 1600 South College StreetMountain Home, AR |
| BANNER BAYWOOD MEDICAL CENTER | 6644 E. Baywood Ave., Mesa, AZ 85206 |
| BANNER BEHAVIORAL HEALTH HOSPITAL | 7575 E. Earll Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 |
| BANNER HEART HOSPITAL | 6750 E. Baywood Ave., Mesa, AZ 85206 |
| BLACK RIVER TECHNICAL COLLEGE | 1410 Hwy 304 EastPocahontas, AR |
| REMINGTON COLLEGE | 19 Remington Dr.Little Rock, AR |
| SOUTH ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE | 300 S West AveEl Dorado, AR |
The Approved Veterinary Assistant certification is issued by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America.
The programs for this certification last anywhere from 6 months to 1 year.
At the end of the course, you’ll have to pass an exam.
If enrolling in a training program is not possible for you, you can also get certified if you:
- Complete an internship – you must find employment with a veterinarian
- Obtain experiential learning – you must be working part-time
- Get certified while employed – you need permission to take the exam if you are already employed
To take the exam you’ll need:
- Proof you completed your training
- To pay the fee
Salary Information for a Veterinary Assistant in Arizona
There are more and more families in Arizona owning pets.
This leads to an increased demand for personnel qualified to work with animals.
Average salaries are higher in larger cities and around them, though certifications, higher education, as well as experience can also increase your income.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Veterinary Assistants in Arizona
City Name Salary Phoenix $31,438 Tucson $29,903 Mesa $31,443 Glendale $31,438 Scottsdale $31,443 Chandler $31,443 Tempe $31,443 Gilbert $31,443 Peoria $31,375 Yuma $32,636 Regional Salary in Arizona
Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary Flagstaff, AZ 50 $37,040 $17.81 $40,400 $30,630 Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ 40 $35,340 $16.99 $43,190 $29,230 Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ 1,850 $38,860 $18.68 $47,490 $31,460 Prescott, AZ 70 $36,260 $17.43 $43,740 $30,140 Tucson, AZ 320 $35,370 $17.01 $44,370 $29,740
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information for Veterinary Assistants in Arizona
The NAVTA certification must be renewed periodically.
In Arizona, as in other states, the renewal period is 2 years.
Between 2 renewal dates, individuals need to continue their education.
They’ll need to show proof of the completed classes as well as to pay the renewal fee.
