Veterinary assistant

Question
Hi, this isn't a animal health question...
I'm applying for course in order to increase my chances of getting a job working with animals and wondered from a Vet's point of view, when people apply for vet assistants jobs or similar, is a degree qualification in animal studies valued? (basic science, physiology, handling, behaviour, law, nutrition etc) are there any details I should check for before taking a course, i.e. does the course have to have a certain accreditation to be of use in the workplace?
Thank-you in advance
Lynne

Answer
I am not a vet but can tell you more than a vet will on this point. One of the sad facts of the Veterinary field is that there are few veterinarians (although more everyday as the younger ones take over the field) that appreciate and utilize even a credentialed technician. I am talking about licensed in the state you live in.

Having said that, the other thing about vet's is they have to train whomever they hire to do things 'their way.' Even if that vet is fresh out of school, they think they know what their way is.

Most vet's that hire people down the line have been in practice a number of years. If you are licensed and lucky enough to get a job worth your experience and license, you will still be taught to do things (or expected to) 'their way.'

When they hire non-licensed people to work in the back, they are hiring you as kennel help. The licensing board is very strict about non-licensed people doing a licensed tech's job.
As someone who did the hiring and read hundreds of resumes, I would have never hired anyone solely based on the fact that they went to some correspondence school. Those will NOT teach you what you need to learn. Don't waste your money.

If you are serious about getting into this business, then go to a credentialed technician's school and get your license. Don't settle for being kennel help. You may learn a lot, but the law will not allow you to use what you know. Like I said, many licensed techs weren't allowed to do what they knew because the doctor's don't see their value overall. The industry is working hard at changing that attitude but it is still a ways off.

Bottom line is, experience in the field of animal care is more important to a vet then a degree of any kind. Unless you are another vet yourself!

So find a college near you or get a kennel job (because you need to be working for a vet to go this way) and follow the alternate route licensing method and good luck to you.

Let me know if I can be of any more assistance.