How to Become a Veterinary Assistant in Nebraska

Are you interested in developing a new career in Nebraska?

in that case, becoming a veterinary assistant could be just what you need.

Have a look at the article below to understand the requirements in this state.

Veterinary Assistant Employment and Job Duties in Nebraska

You can start looking for an entry-level position in a facility such as:

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

Some of the job duties you will need to fulfill daily are:

• 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 volunteer or get an internship first if you don’t have enough experience with animals.

You can also have a look at the next resources:

• Nebraska Veterinary Technician Association
• Big Sky Veterinary Technician Association
• National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
• Veterinary Career Network
• Vet Tech Life
• Vetcetera
• Where Techs Connect

Becoming Certified as a Vet Assistant in Nebraska

In this state, you can get hired as a veterinary assistant even if you only have a high school diploma or a GED.

But, some additional things may be required, and these include:

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

To work in the field, you will first need to develop some specific skills.

This can be easily done if you attend a training program offered through a school in your neighborhood.

There are numerous schools in Nebraska where you can enroll in a vet assistant training course.

After that, you can also apply for the AVA (Approved Veterinary Assistant) certification for vet assistants.

This certification is offered through the NAVTA.

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

You can also pursue one of the next specializations:

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

Most schools offer programs for veterinary assistants online but also on campus.

This means that you can select a program that fits you more.

After the course ends, you will need to pass a certification test.

Some of the subjects you will participate in during class include:

• 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

The training programs for veterinary assistants in Nebraska feature a mix of theory and practice.

Some of the schools offering vet assistant programs in this state can be seen below.

You will also have to send:

• Tuberculosis clearance within a year
• Tetanus vaccine within 10 years
• Health insurance
• A recent criminal background check

A vet assistant training program in Nebraska last for 2 to 3 years.

You can also select a B.S. in Veterinary Technology or an Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology.

Your certification will be issued by your school after you complete the program and pass the exam.

The certification exam that you need to pass is the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Examination).

This exam is provided through the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).

The exam lasts for 3 hours, and you will have to answer 170 questions.

Before being able to attend the exam, you need to make an appointment and submit a $300 fee.

Another step is paying an application processing fee to receive an Authorization-to-Test letter (ATT).

This ATT will be issued by the Professional Examination Service (PES).

The exam will cover topics like:

• Emergency Medicine/Critical Care
• Dentistry
• Pain Management/Analgesia
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Surgical Nursing
• Pharmacy and Pharmacology
• Laboratory Procedures
• Anesthesia
• Animal Care and Nursing

Your certification will stay valid for 2 years, and you will need to get it reissued after the period passes.

You will need to attend 16 extra hours of class before being allowed to renew it.

Getting your certification renewed requires a $100 fee.

Salary Information for a Veterinary Assistant in Nebraska

According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nebraska veterinary assistants have a salary of $28,611 per year.

Experienced vet assistants get a better salary in Nebraska.

This is also the case for professionals of this field living in bigger regions.

Regional Salary in Nebraska

Additional Information About Vet Assistants in Nebraska

As the veterinarian industry keeps increasing in Nebraska, you will have a rewarding career as a veterinary assistant here.