Choosing the right career path is a hard enough decision. But once you’ve decided to pursue a career caring for furry friends of all kinds as a veterinary assistant, the next challenging decision is choosing the right training program. After all, where you get your training is going to determine how prepared you are to launch your future career as a veterinary assistant. To ensure you get the education and training that is just right for your goals, we’ve rounded up some tips for helping you choose the program for you.
Define your goals
Step one is an important step, and that is to take the time to really examine and define your goals. This will help narrow down your choices and ensure that the program you choose has the features and qualities you need.
First, consider the type of work you would like to do as a veterinary assistant and ask yourself some questions. Are you interested in focusing on administrative work or do you prefer hands-on clinical work? Do you want to specialize in a specific species of animal such as horses or cats? What type of facilities would you like to work in? Answering these questions will help you determine which program and facilities will fit your needs. You should also think about what type of certifications and credentials you would like to have after completing the program. Different programs may offer different levels of certification, so it’s important to be clear about what qualifications you are aiming for.
Consider your schedule
Depending on what your schedule and current lifestyle are, you may need a program that offers flexible schedules. If you’re currently employed, you’ll need to factor in your work schedule and also consider where the school you’re considering is located to ensure travel time is not an issue. It’s also important to think about the hours you’re able to dedicate to classes and study each week.
You should also consider any other commitments that might arise during the course of the program. Think about whether or not you will be able to handle any extra activities while you’re in school, such as taking care of a pet or family member. Knowing what your obligations are ahead of time will help you manage your time more efficiently. By taking the time to consider your schedule before choosing a veterinary assisting program, you can ensure that you get the most out of your education and stay on track with your goals.
Determine your budget
Obviously, considering what programs fit within your price range is an important factor. Can you afford the cost of tuition, fees, and other expenses associated with attending a specific program? You’ll also want to research if there are any financial aid opportunities available to help cover the costs of your training.
Consider the school’s accreditation
Accreditation matters. It’s an indication that the school meets certain standards and can provide a quality education. The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) is an accrediting body for veterinary assistant programs. Making sure your school is accredited by NAVTA is a step in the right direction. By attending an accredited program, you’ll have access to higher-quality curriculum and be able to get a better understanding of the profession. Not to mention, employers are more likely to hire graduates from accredited programs since they can be sure that the student received the necessary training and education to succeed in their job. Taking time to ensure that the school you are considering has the proper accreditation will save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.
Read reviews
What better way to get a sense of the program than by reading what other students have to say about it? Reviews from current and past students can give you an idea of what to expect from a program, and provide valuable insights into the quality of instruction, the faculty’s ability to impart knowledge, and the overall experience of being part of the program.
Ask around
Asking people who have been through a veterinary assistant training program can give you important information that you can’t get from just reading reviews or research online. Whether it’s current or former students, or someone you know who is already working as a veterinary assistant, hearing about their experiences first-hand can be invaluable. You can ask questions about the quality of instruction, the amount of hands-on experience, and what the faculty and staff are like. It’s also beneficial to hear more about the daily tasks of a veterinary assistant and how they felt their program prepared them for their work. Ultimately, hearing real stories from real people can help you get an accurate understanding of what to expect from the veterinary assistant training program you’re interested in.
Working as a veterinary assistant is surely one of the most rewarding career paths out there. You won’t just be helping animals – you’ll also be helping the people that love them! If you’d like to learn more about a career as a veterinary assistant, check out the Veterinary Assisting program at Caris College. With an accelerated 10-month program, Caris can help you get the hands-on training and skills you need to join the healthcare heroes out there helping our furry friends have better lives! Contact us today for more information!