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An Approved Veterinary Assistant works with veterinarians and veterinary technicians. They provide support by caring for animals in the clinic or animal hospital, feeding them, bathing them, and playing with them. They also make sure exam rooms are patient-ready, sterilize medical equipment, and assist with laboratory testing. In short, they help ensure a clinic runs smoothly and that pets get the best care possible.
If you’ve been considering a career working with animals, here’s your step-by-step guide on becoming an approved veterinary assistant with MedCerts.
Becoming an Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) involves passing an exam to receive certification from the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). Aspiring vet assistants choose this certification for many reasons:
To receive a solid education and expert-led training before entering the field
For more job opportunities
For a higher starting salary
From a desire to work with animals
Determine why you want to obtain your certification. It can help keep you on track and provide the motivation you need to succeed.
Between local community colleges, online colleges, and MedCerts, there are several ways to start a new career as an approved veterinary assistant. Along with cost, be sure to look at factors such as:
What your cost includes
Program length
Schedule flexibility
Student support options
How the program prepares you for a career as an approved veterinary assistant
You’ll also want to consider your schedule and needs. A community college may be the more traditional route, but it can be more expensive. It also requires you to attend in-person classes on a set schedule. Online colleges and MedCerts offer more flexibility. What sets MedCerts apart is that we provide the support you need to succeed, from program selection and enrollment to exam prep and job placement.
Every program has its own set of eligibility requirements. MedCerts requires students to have:
A high school diploma or GED
Six months of relevant experience or an associate’s degree
Access to a web browser and internet connection
Registration and payment
Making sure you meet a program’s requirements before you apply will help ensure your acceptance.
MedCerts is there for every student every step of the way. We encourage you to reach out if you have any additional questions about the Vet Assistant program. We want you to have all of the information you need to make the right choice for you.
If you decide that MedCerts is the right fit for you, your next step is to fill out an application online.
The MedCerts Vet Assistant program consists of five four-week courses during which you’ll learn from industry experts about:
Animal anatomy and physiology
Medical terminology
Animal diseases
How to care for animals in a clinic
How to provide emergency first aid to injured and sick animals
Following your online courses, you’ll need to complete a 120-hour externship. You’ll work with potential employers and receive valuable hands-on experience. Then you can sit for the AVA certification examination.
Have you always dreamed of working with animals? MedCerts is here to help you turn that desire into a reality with our Vet Assistant program. In addition to flexible and convenient education and training, you’ll have a personal student success advisor and tailored support based on performance and behavior. In as little as 26 weeks, you’ll be ready to take the AVA exam and start a rewarding career in the veterinary field.
Dana has over twenty (20) years’ experience in Allied Healthcare and Education, and currently serves as the Chief Product Officer for MedCerts where he is responsible for product vision and strategy, research, and development.
Dana joined MedCerts upon its founding in 2009, and has led the research, development, and production of the entire catalog of programs that have helped MedCerts transform the distance learning landscape. Leveraging state-of-the-art technologies and innovative instructional design practices, Dana and his team have pioneered the development of the MedCerts 12 Elements of eLearning. Each MedCerts program contains a proprietary blend of these engaging, interactive, and entertaining elements that effectively accommodate learners of all types. Dana is deeply in-tune with the needs of today’s healthcare employers and is an expert in careers and certifications related to allied health.
Dana holds a Bachelor of Science in Education (BS) degree from Valparaiso University, and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Davenport University. Dana is an avid sports fan and in his free time enjoys mountain biking, woodworking, knifemaking, and spending time with his family and pets.