Maybe you are interested in starting a new career that involves animals.
In that case, all you need to do is read the article below for information regarding training and certification.
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Veterinary Assistant Employment and Job Duties in Indiana
It will not be difficult to find a job in Indiana, as the industry is expected to grow by 30%.
These are some facilities where you can begin your job search:
- Pet clinics,
- Animal rescue facilities,
- Animal shelters
- Zoos
- Educational institutions
Every facility has its own rules and needs, so your vet tech’s daily tasks will vary.
Some of the duties you will need to accomplish daily 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 opt for an internship or voluntary based position if you don’t have any experience with pets.
You will be able to find a job if you check out the next resources:
- Indiana Veterinary Medical Association
- Indiana Veterinary Technician Association
- National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
- Veterinary Career Network
- Vet Tech Life, an online journal for veterinary technicians
- Vetcetera,
Becoming Certified as a Vet Assistant in Indiana
You don’t need to fulfill any specific requirements to work as a vet tech in Indiana.
However, you will need a high school diploma or a GED.
Some facilities might require:
- COMPASS test
- Proof you are a resident of Indiana
- A meeting with a mentor
You can also attend a certificate program and opt for a diploma.
Indiana 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
- Clinical Practice
- Nutrition
- Clinical Pathology
The most inconvenient method to get a certification is to join a program.
You can either choose an online program or a physical one, and you can submit your application online.
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 Indiana, the technical colleges that provide vet tech programs can be seen below.
Top 2 Schools in Indiana
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| International Business College | 7205 Shadeland Station, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46256-3954 |
| Purdue University | 625 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, Indiana, 47907 |
After you join the program, you will need to provide:
- Tuberculosis clearance within a year
- Tetanus vaccine within 10 years
- Health insurance
- Criminal background check
The training programs usually last for around 24 months.
You could consider an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, as these will help you get better pay.
Like this, you will either get a B.S. in Veterinary Technology or an Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology.
You will also have to take a certification test, the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Examination).
This exam has a duration of 3 hours, consists of 150 questions, and requires a $300 fee.
You will also have to become a member of the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA) if you pass the licensing test.
Your vet tech license has to be renewed once every 24 months.
to renew your license, you need to take 16 extra hours of classes.
Salary Information for a Veterinary Assistant in Indiana
According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, vet techs in Indiana have a median wage of $30,483 per year.
The highest salaries can be encountered in areas like Lafayette, Indianapolis, Carmel, and Hammond.
You will also have a higher salary if you have some years of experience in the industry.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Veterinary Assistants in Indiana
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Indianapolis | $30,966 |
| Fort Wayne | $29,690 |
| Evansville | $30,080 |
| South Bend | $30,008 |
| Gary | $32,039 |
| Hammond | $32,039 |
| Bloomington | $29,315 |
| Muncie | $29,355 |
| Anderson | $29,470 |
| Terre Haute | $29,218 |
Regional Salary in Indiana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IN | 60 | $32,340 | $15.55 | $37,150 | $24,650 |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN | 60 | $34,320 | $16.5 | $44,560 | $26,580 |
| Evansville, IN-KY | 130 | $31,970 | $15.37 | $36,980 | $24,290 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | 160 | $31,880 | $15.33 | $36,960 | $24,710 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN | 810 | $33,730 | $16.22 | $41,670 | $27,790 |
| Kokomo, IN | 30 | $32,360 | $15.56 | $39,200 | $26,090 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | 130 | $34,750 | $16.71 | $46,860 | $26,380 |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN | 80 | $31,660 | $15.22 | $38,220 | $24,440 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | 140 | $34,560 | $16.62 | $44,220 | $27,160 |
| Terre Haute, IN | 40 | $30,050 | $14.45 | $37,510 | $23,130 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information About Vet Assistants in Indiana
The most important part of landing your first job is to get trained in the right program.
Once you obtain a diploma, you can start applying for jobs in your favorite animal facilities.
