How to Become a Veterinary Assistant in Hawaii

Hawaii offers many job opportunities for vet techs.

So, if you have a talent for working with animals, you should consider this career as an option.

Have a look at what you need to do to get your first job!

Veterinary Assistant Employment and Job Duties in Hawaii

You will find it easy to get hired as a vet tech in Hawaii.

These are some facilities where you can begin your search:

• Pet clinics,
• Animal rescue facilities,
• Animal shelters
• Zoos
• Educational institutions

Each of these places has its own rules and needs, so your vet tech daily tasks will vary.

Some of the duties you will need to accomplish on a daily basis include:

• Communicating with clients
• Making appointments
• Request records requests from other vets
• Inventory control
• Cleaning vet gear
• Sanitizing animal cages
• Operation room cleaning
• Help with filling prescriptions
• Prepping exam and operating spaces
• Keeping records updated
• Pay attention to the dietary needs of pets
• Make sure the animals get enough exercise

You can pursue an internship or voluntary based position if you don’t have any animal experience.

You will be able to find a job if you check out the next resources:

• American Veterinary Medical Association
• National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America
• Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association
• Hawaii Veterinary Technician Association
• Veterinary Career Network
• iHireVeterinary.com
• Vet Tech Life

Becoming Certified as a Vet Assistant in Hawaii

You don’t need to fulfill any specific requirements to work as a vet tech in Hawaii.

But, most facilities ask for a high school diploma or a GED.

You can also attend a certificate program and opt for a diploma.

Hawaii offers the AVA (Approved Veterinary Assistant) certification for those wanting to work in the industry.

This certification is offered by NAVTA.

The program you attend has to be approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA).

You can also specialize in:

• Dental Technician
• Anesthetist
• Internal Medicine
• Emergency and Critical Care
• Behavior Technician
• Zoological Medicine
• Equine
• Surgery
• Clinical Practice
• Nutrition
• Clinical Pathology

There are several ways in which you can become an approved vet assistant in Hawaii, as seen below.

Externship

This option is good for those who do not work in the industry just yet.

The training program offers theory classes but also practice, which is significant when trying to get hired.

Experiential Learner

If you are already working in the industry, this option may be suitable for you.

You will have to work for 20 hours in a vet facility to apply.

Veterinary Assistant Program

For this, you have to work part-time in a vet facility.

After you complete training, you can take the AVA test.

If you can’t attend a training program in person, you can take an online program.

Some of the topics you will study in class are:

• How to identify different breeds
• Animal anatomy
• The best ways to administer meds
• How to administer post-operative care
• Handling various breeds of animals
• Medical terminology
• Handling chemicals

In Hawaii, the post-secondary schools that provide vet assistant programs can be seen below.

After enrolling in the program, you will need:

• Tuberculosis clearance within a year
• Tetanus vaccine within 10 years
• Health insurance
• Criminal background check

The programs at these schools last for at least 2 years.

You could also get an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, for better job prospects in the future.

You will also have to pass a certification exam, the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Examination).

This exam lasts for 3 hours, is made of 150 questions, and you need to pay a $300 fee.

Salary Information for a Veterinary Assistant in Hawaii

According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, vet assistants in Hawaii earn $32,240 per year.

There an expected annual increase of 4% for jobs in the veterinarian industry in Hawaii.

Salaries are higher in places like Honolulu, Maui, Kauai where you can make $32,300 per year.

Your certifications or degree will help you earn a higher salary.

Regional Salary in Hawaii

Additional Information About Vet Assistants in Hawaii

Unlike in other states, you do not need any continuing education as a vet tech in Hawaii.

However, you can keep updated with industry changes by checking the following:

• National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America
• Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association
• Hawaii Veterinary Technician Association