How to Become a Veterinary Assistant in Idaho

Are you excited about working with animals in a professional environment?

In that case, becoming a vet tech could be the right option for you.

So, read on in order to learn more about this job.

Veterinary Assistant Employment and Job Duties in Idaho

As the industry grows, will find a job quite fast in Idaho.

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 daily tasks as a vet assistant tech 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:

• Idaho Society of Veterinary Technicians and Assistants
• Idaho Veterinary Medical Association
• Veterinary Career Network
• National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America
• Vet Tech Life

Becoming Certified as a Vet Assistant in Idaho

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

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

Some facilities might require:

• COMPASS test
• Proof you are a resident of the state
• Meeting up with a mentor

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

In Idaho, you can earn the AVA (Approved Veterinary Assistant) certification like most of 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 one of the following fields:

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

The easiest way to get a certification is by attending a program.

This can be done either online or in person.

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

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 Idaho, the schools at the post-secondary level 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 training programs usually last for around 2 years or 70 to 90 credits.

You could consider an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, as these will help you get better pay.

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 requires a $300 fee.

To work as a vet tech, you also need to take and pass the Idaho Veterinary Technician Jurisprudence Examination.

The minimum score for this exam is 90%.

Your vet tech certification has to be renewed once every 2 years.

In order to renew your certification, you have to attend 14 extra hours of education.

Salary Information for a Veterinary Assistant in Idaho

According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, vet techs in Idaho have a salary of $28,890 per year.

There an expected annual increase of 30% for jobs in the industry in Idaho.

Salaries are higher in places like Boise City-Nampa, Coeur d’Alene, and Idaho Falls where you can make up to $31,740 yearly.

The more experience you have, the higher your salary will be.

Regional Salary in Idaho

Additional Information About vet Assistants in Idaho

Quite a lot of your classes will be split between theory and practice, from which practice will be prevalent in the last semesters.

As long as you finish your schooling and get a degree, you will be able to start the career you dream of.