Education, Certification, and Licensing to become a Vet Assistant.

"In Virginia, there are no certification or licensure requirements for veterinary assistants. While some vet assistants learn skills on the job, today, there are an increasing number of specialized programs available in high schools, regional technical centers, and community colleges around the state. There are also a number of certificate distance learning and internet programs. Although these programs are not required to be a vet assistant, training is an advantage when looking for a job. To learn more about veterinary assistants and the difference between vet assistants, technicians and technologists, see the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America."
http://www.careerprospects.org/Briefs/T-Z/VetAssts.shtml#education

Profile: Veterinary Technician or Assistant

Those who love animals and would like to work with them may enjoy working as a veterinary technician or assistant. A veterinary technician is one of the various types of medical assistants in the field of medicine and health. These technicians work with veterinarians and perform clinical and laboratory duties.
Veterinary technicians have formal training and may need to pass an exam. This type of training is available at schools, colleges, or universities. After completing the exam, students may receive a diploma or certificate.

Employment is growing rapidly and oftentimes remains relatively stable during economic recessions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), veterinary technicians are less likely to experience layoffs than some other occupations because animals will continue to require medical care. For further information, try the Care for Animals website at www.avma.org.

The Veterinary Profession

Expenses for veterinary care have climbed to the billions annually. Veterinary clinics need qualified staff. Veterinary Assistants are needed to work with our expanding pet population (Source: Veterinary Practice News). They provide professional support to Veterinarians in the practice of their profession.

Scientific knowledge and skills are used for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health, the relief of animal suffering, the promotion of public health and advancement of medical knowledge. The expansion of animal health facilities has created thousands of new jobs, which are open to graduates of Veterinary Assistant programs.(Source: Veterinary Practice News)

New challenges and opportunities exist in nursing a sick dog, preparing a cat for a life-saving surgery and helping smaller patients recover quickly. Veterinary Assistants perform a wide range of skills as part of the veterinary medical team. They work at the Veterinarian's side, helping to keep animals healthy. They provide assistance to Veterinarians in primary animal care, radiology, anesthesia, nursing, laboratory tests, surgical assisting, office management and client education. Clients depend on them for a wide range of services including helping prevent and relieve suffering of animals, treating injuries, providing preventive medicine procedures, and education on maximizing pet's lives through better health care. They participate in a variety of exciting and important veterinary services and procedures.