How to Become a Veterinary Assistant in Wyoming

Read on if you want to know what do you need to do in Wyoming, to become a veterinary assistant!

Keep in mind that this occupation is for someone who really likes animals and wants them to be safe and sound, while also being able to interact with people.

Veterinary Assistant Employment and Job Duties in Wyoming

Vet assistants work under the supervision of a veterinarian.

These are the most common settings for these professionals:

• Animal clinics,
• Animal rescue facilities,
• Animal shelters
• Wildlife parks
• Veterinary emergency centers

To be even more specific than that, here are some of the top rates employers in this state:

• Rocky Mountain Animal Hospital
• Desert View Animal Hospital
• Alpine Animal Hospital
• Casper Animal Medical Center

If you were wondering what are you supposed to do at work, wonder no more!

Here are the most commonly given tasks to vet assistants:

• Assisting with surgeries
• Applying bandages
• Monitoring anesthesia and vital signs
• Collecting samples
• Administering medications
• Giving subcutaneous fluids
• Filling prescriptions
• Communicating with clients
• Making appointments
• Inventory control
• Cleaning vet gear
• Sanitizing animal cages
• Operation room cleaning
• Prepping exam and operating spaces
• Keeping records updated
• Pay attention to the dietary needs of pets
• Make sure the animals get enough exercise

Becoming Certified as a Vet Assistant in Wyoming

Just like the other states, Wyoming has no special requirements when it comes to hiring veterinary assistants.

In practice, many facilities don’t hire those who can’t meet these requirements:

• To be at least 18 years old
• To have a high school diploma or GED
• To have good communication and organizational skills
• To be detail-oriented
• To have some related certification
• To possibly have some previous experience in working or handling animals

You might argue that not everyone can have previous experience with animals.

If you’re one of these people, you can consider a volunteering position, though granted, this isn’t always an option for everyone.

In this case, a training program can come in handy.

There are many such courses available, but one of the best ones is approved by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).

When graduating from such a program, you are eligible to earn the Approved Veterinarian Assistant credential.

This certificate is good to earn because it is recognized in all the other states.

With this paper on hand, you are automatically more likely to land a job than without it.

You’ll easily notice that Wyoming doesn’t have such courses, but these options are accepted by NAVTA:

• Joining an online class
• Joining an externship
  • This option is perfect for those with no veterinary experience.
• Joining the Experiential Learner option
  • You must work 20 hours per week in a facility for animals.
• Joining the Veterinary Assistant Program
  • You need to already work at least part-time in the field.

Once you graduate, you’ll also need these before you can have the certification:

• Sending in an application
• The documents proving your eligibility
• The fee for the application and certificate – $350
• Passing an exam

Earning Other Credentials

The AVA certification is not the only one available for future vet assistants.

These professionals can also enroll in a post-secondary educational program to earn a degree for instance.

The schools below offer such programs.

For instance, you can earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree from the Northwest College in Powell.

The course spanning 60 credits will cover topics such as:

• Animal Life Stages Nutrition and Husbandry
• Animal Nursing and Diagnostic Imaging
• Pharmacology and Principles of Anesthesia
• Aseptic Technique and Surgical Assisting

Some vet assistants prefer to get specialized in fields like:

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

Salary Information for a Veterinary Assistant in Wyoming

We already mentioned that a degree can help you earn more than your peers.

Another way of earning more than the minimum salary in Vermont is to find employment in a larger city.

Additional Information About Vet Assistants in Wyoming

The AVA certification needs renewal after every 2 years.

This credential can help you advance in your veterinary career as well.

The following organizations can help you with more resources for employers and industry-related news:

• VetMedTeam
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
• Vermont Veterinary Medical Association
• Central Vermont Humane Society
• Vermont Veterinary Technicians Association
• Vermont Dog Rescue