Training for veterinary assistant jobs in PA can be a rewarding career choice for people who are passionate about animals and interested in the medical field.
Veterinarian assistants play a vital role in the care and treatment of animals, working alongside veterinarians to ensure that animals receive the best possible care.
Education and Training
There is no official education or training requirement for veterinarian assistants in Pennsylvania other than a high school diploma, and many workers receive on-the-job training.
Earning a Certification
However, completing a veterinary assistant program and obtaining certification can boost job candidates’ chances of working with a clinic, vet hospital, or laboratory.
Attending a Veterinary Assistant Program
Enrolling in a veterinary assistant program at a trade school or community college is a cost-effective way to gain the training necessary for certification and employment.
How Long Does It Take?
Vet assistant programs typically take between six months and one year to complete and cover topics such as animal anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and basic nursing skills.
Local Trade School Programs
- Allentown
- Erie
- Altoona, Lancaster, York
Blackstone Career Institute (Rating: 3.6 out 5)
Blackstone Career Institute’s accredited online Veterinary Assistant Program offers flexible, self-paced training that prepares students for entry-level roles in animal care. The program covers veterinary anatomy, medical terminology, office administration, animal handling, and client communication, including sensitive interactions with grieving pet owners. Designed for convenience and affordability, this program equips graduates with the skills needed to join veterinary teams under the supervision of licensed professionals.
Great Lakes Institute of Technology
The 10 month Veterinary Assistant program at Great Lakes prepares students for rewarding careers in veterinary care through comprehensive hands-on training. Students gain skills in animal restraint, medical history recording, surgical preparation, and assisting veterinarians, concluding with an externship for real-world experience. Graduates are equipped to work in various settings, including veterinary hospitals, private practices, and zoos.
YTI Career Institute (Rating: 2.6 out 5)
YTI Career Institute’s AVMA-CVTEA accredited Veterinary Technician program offers a hybrid education model, combining online learning with two hands-on externships at approved sites. The 20-month program leads to an Associate in Specialized Technology degree and prepares graduates for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), a required step for state certification. With a focus on practical skills, critical thinking, and professionalism, this program equips students for careers in veterinary practices, research facilities, zoos, and beyond.
Salary Range
Below is median salary date for PA from major job sites.
- ZipRecruiter.com: $32,927
- Talent.com: $34,125
- Salary.com: $35,549
- Indeed.com: $40,440
- Bureau of Labor: $44,250
Wages for different parts of the state are as follows:
| Area | Per Hour | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton | $17.41 | $36,220 |
| Altoona | $15.44 | $32,100 |
| Chambersburg-Waynesboro | $16.08 | $33,440 |
| East Stroudsburg | $16.56 | $34,450 |
| Erie | $15.28 | $31,780 |
| Gettysburg | $16.14 | $33,570 |
| Johnstown | $15.12 | $31,440 |
| Lancaster | $16.72 | $34,780 |
| Leba | $16.05 | $33,390 |
| Northern Pennsylvania | $15.71 | $32,670 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | $18.77 | $39,050 |
| Pittsburgh | $17.48 | $36,350 |
| Scranton–Wilkes-Barre–Hazleton | $16.51 | $34,340 |
| Southern Pennsylvania | $15.70 | $32,650 |
| State College | $16.63 | $34,590 |
| Western Pennsylvania | $15.49 | $32,230 |
| Williamsport | $16.04 | $33,360 |
Occupation: Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers (SOC Code319096)
source: data.bls.gov
Working at a university research lab can increase wages to around $19.00 hourly, and certifications and further education as a veterinary technician can boost job candidates’ earnings.
Pennsylvania Veterinary Assistant Requirements
There are two popular certifications for this field. Students who graduate from a National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) approved veterinary assistant school in PA can take an exam to earn the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) designation.
An Additional Certification Option
Job seekers with laboratory animal work experience can also become certified through the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) and progress through three levels of certification: Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT), Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT), and Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG).
Job Description
Vet assistants work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian and may be responsible for administering medications, performing routine lab tests, helping with surgeries and other duties.
What Do They Do?
Some specific tasks that veterinary assistants perform often include:
- Providing basic animal care, such as feeding, watering, and cleaning their living areas.
- Assisting with examining and treating small and large animals, including taking vital signs, administering medication, and performing basic laboratory tests.
- Maintaining medical records and other documentation.
- Answering phones and scheduling appointments for clients.
- Assisting with surgery prep and supporting the veterinarian during procedures.
- Educating clients on the proper pet care and treatment.
- Assisting with facility maintenance, including cleaning and sterilizing equipment and instruments.
Other Skills Needed
In addition to technical skills, veterinarian assistants should also have strong communication skills and a compassionate and caring attitude, as they will interact with both animals and their owners regularly.
What Pennsylvania Employers Are Looking for in a Veterinary Assistant
In Pennsylvania, veterinary employers are seeking compassionate, skilled, and adaptable Veterinary Assistants (VAs) who can contribute to both the clinical and administrative sides of veterinary care. The ideal candidate possesses a blend of technical proficiency, emotional intelligence, and customer service excellence. Employers prioritize individuals who are not only capable of handling routine patient care but are also effective communicators, organized, and comfortable working in fast-paced, emotionally charged environments.
Key Skills and Qualities Sought by Pennsylvania Employers
Animal Care and Handling:
Pennsylvania veterinary employers expect VAs to have strong skills in handling and restraining animals with care and confidence. This includes assisting with procedures such as drawing blood, administering medications, and preparing animals for surgery. Employers like BluePearl Pet Hospital, which also operates in Pennsylvania, emphasize the importance of maintaining calm, compassionate handling, especially in high-stress emergency situations.
Technical Skills:
Veterinary assistants are often responsible for performing basic diagnostic tests, lab work, and imaging. Clinics such as VCA Animal Hospitals seek candidates who are proficient in operating diagnostic equipment, preparing surgical suites, and ensuring the accuracy of patient records. Experience with veterinary software and patient management systems is also a plus.
Customer Service and Client Communication:
Front-facing veterinary roles require excellent communication and customer service skills. Employers value VAs who can explain procedures clearly, offer emotional support to clients, and remain calm under pressure. BluePearl specifically highlights the need for Veterinary Receptionists and Assistants to be compassionate listeners and provide clear communication, especially when dealing with anxious or grieving pet owners.
Emotional Resilience and Compassion:
The veterinary field can be emotionally demanding, requiring VAs to provide comfort to distressed pet owners while maintaining professionalism. Compassionate end-of-life support and grief counseling skills are highly regarded, with employers expecting staff to show empathy and discretion when handling sensitive situations.
Flexibility and Multitasking:
Vet assistants in Pennsylvania are often expected to manage a wide range of responsibilities, from administrative tasks to hands-on animal care. Petco Vetco Clinics specifically look for adaptable, team-oriented individuals who can work efficiently in varying clinic settings, demonstrating flexibility and strong multitasking abilities.
Cross-Disciplinary Skills:
There is notable crossover into other disciplines, with some employers preferring candidates who have experience in reception, administrative support, or even human healthcare roles. The Animal Hospital of Mt. Pocono, which hires vet assistants with or without direct experience, values transferable skills such as organizational abilities, multitasking, and customer service expertise. This flexibility opens the door for candidates with diverse backgrounds, including those with experience in grooming, pet boarding, or human healthcare.
Common Job Responsibilities in Pennsylvania Veterinary Clinics
- Clinical Support: Assisting veterinarians and technicians with exams, administering medications, and monitoring patient recovery.
- Surgical Prep and Support: Cleaning and sterilizing equipment, preparing animals for procedures, and monitoring vital signs.
- Client Interaction: Greeting clients, scheduling appointments, and providing post-treatment care instructions.
- Record-Keeping and Administration: Maintaining accurate patient records, processing payments, and handling appointment confirmations.
- Facility Maintenance: Ensuring cleanliness of kennels, surgical suites, and treatment areas.
Employer Expectations: Examples from Pennsylvania Companies
- BluePearl Pet Hospital (Multiple Locations in PA)
- Seeks veterinary assistants and receptionists with strong customer service skills.
- Emphasizes the ability to provide emotional support to grieving clients.
- Values team members with technical proficiency in lab work and patient care.
- Offers career advancement opportunities through its CareerTrax leveling system.
- Banfield Pet Hospital (Various Locations)
- Prioritizes candidates with multitasking abilities and strong interpersonal skills.
- Requires VAs to assist with diagnostic imaging and anesthesia monitoring.
- Offers continuing education and opportunities for cross-training.
- Petco Vetco Clinics (Pennsylvania)
- Values flexibility and adaptability, as VAs travel between multiple locations.
- Seeks individuals with a customer-first mindset and basic veterinary care skills.
- Provides on-the-job training, making it accessible for entry-level candidates.
Additional Skills That Stand Out
- Bilingual Abilities: In Pennsylvania, bilingual candidates (especially in Spanish) are highly valued due to the diverse population.
- Tech-Savviness: Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems is often preferred.
- Experience with Exotics: Some Pennsylvania clinics cater to exotic pets, making experience with reptiles, birds, or small mammals a plus.
- Pet CPR or First Aid Certification: Although not always required, having certification in pet CPR or first aid can give candidates a competitive edge.
Conclusion
Employers in Pennsylvania are seeking Veterinary Assistants who demonstrate compassion, technical competence, and customer service excellence. The role involves a blend of clinical support, client communication, and administrative duties. Clinics like BluePearl Pet Hospital and VCA Animal Hospitals prioritize emotional resilience, while mobile services like Petco Vetco value flexibility and adaptability. With opportunities for training, certification, and career advancement, the veterinary assistant role in Pennsylvania offers a rewarding path for those passionate about animal care.