![\"Stonebridge](\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Vet-24.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIs being a Veterinary Support Assistant right for me?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This is the ideal role for people who want to work with animals while enjoying diversity in their day to day tasks. No two days will be the same with the range of duties and responsibilities you\u2019ll be assigned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You might be at the surgeon’s aid during operations, or you will provide calming and reassuring presence for animals post-treatment and even a source of information and advice for pet guardians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aside from this, your duties can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Administering vaccinations and medication<\/li>
- Assisting with x-rays<\/li>
- Prepping animals for surgery<\/li>
- Answering calls and booking appointments<\/li>
- Sterilising medical equipment and surgical instruments<\/li>
- Record keeping<\/li>
- Teaching owners about animal care<\/li>
- Applying bandages to fractures and wounds<\/li>
- Giving animals food, water and fresh bedding<\/li>
- Assisting with euthanasia<\/li>
- Monitoring pets before, during and post-surgery<\/li>
- Restraining animals during treatment and examinations<\/li>
- Assisting veterinarians during surgery<\/li>
- Responding to emergencies<\/li>
- Keeping rooms and kennels in the practice clean and sanitised<\/li>
- Exercising and grooming inpatients<\/li>
- Preparing the surgery area with the required equipment<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Working evenings or shifts can be common as animals will need monitoring overnight following surgery or being treated for illnesses. This is especially the case of veterinary hospitals or practices that offer emergency care. But generally veterinary clinics, laboratories, research or teaching institutions that employ veterinary staff work between 9am-5pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whichever environment you work in, there will be long days and the work is often physically and emotionally demanding. However, helping animals recover from injury or illness provides a sense of fulfilment you won\u2019t find in many other careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Stonebridge](\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Vet-15.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Skills you\u2019ll Need<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Besides being prepared to work long hours, there are certain skills and character traits employers will be looking for. As these will reassure them that you\u2019re cut out for the work ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They\u2019ll want to see that you\u2019re a hard worker. But more than that, they need to know you\u2019re dependable and confident performing duties unsupervised. And perhaps most importantly, that you can handle the emotional challenges the job can present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The top traits you need to demonstrate are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Confidence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
While you\u2019ll be supervised a lot of the time, there will be occasions you\u2019ll be working alone. Most vet teams are small and cover an expansive workload. So veterinarians want employees who they can trust to get the work done when they aren\u2019t there. They\u2019ll also need to see that you can work equally well with animals and their owners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dedication<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Long hours are common, especially in cases of emergencies. So flexibility and commitment to care are essential, even if that means staying late.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Empathy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll be working around animals who are injured, in pain, or sick. Which can be distressing for both the animal and the carer. You\u2019ll need to be equally empathetic for the animal receiving treatment and their emotional guardian. Being able to provide calm, reassuring support for them both in difficult times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Patience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Such a fast-paced and at times, chaotic environment can leave emotions running high. The veterinarians will want to see that you can keep your cool with the public and your teammates. Remaining calm and patient, no matter how busy things get or how other people and animals are behaving. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Resilience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
For the most part, your work will revolve around helping animals get back to good health. But there will be times where this outcome isn\u2019t possible and animal patients pass away or have to be euthanised. Though difficult, you have to separate your feelings from the situation and continue to perform your duties. So the veterinarian will want to see that you\u2019re resilient. Not only for your own emotional well being but because you\u2019ll need to support pet carers during these times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Stonebridge](\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Vet-22.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Education you need for the role<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You can start getting educated for this role with a knowledge based-course. This Veterinary Support Assistant<\/strong><\/a> course focuses on teaching you the responsibilities you\u2019ll have in a supportive role at a veterinary practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During your studies you will learn:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Animal Diet and Nutrition <\/li>
- Animal Disease<\/li>
- Basic Small Animal Anatomy and Physiology<\/li>
- Care of Ill Animals<\/li>
- Diagnostic Tests used by Vets<\/li>
- Euthanasia<\/li>
- Handling Animals<\/li>
- Infection Control<\/li>
- Operation Care<\/li>
- Safety and Welfare<\/li>
- Small Animal Emergency Nursing<\/li>
- Veterinary Medical Terminology<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s an ideal starting point as you learn exactly how this type of role provides support to a qualified veterinary team. You\u2019ll cover topics that prepare you for your duties and responsibilities at work, plus part of the course helps you prepare for employment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So once you\u2019ve completed this course and obtained a Level 2 regulated qualification you\u2019ll have the best chance of success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Veterinary Nurse Assistant Level 2 Diploma (RQF)<\/strong><\/a> would be an excellent follow on from this course to get qualified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Get Started Online<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A great benefit of studying the Veterinary Support Assistant<\/strong><\/a> course is that your initial period of study is completely online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This course has no practical element. And since the materials are completed at your pace, you can structure your education around your lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019ve successfully completed this qualification, the Veterinary Nurse Assistant Level 2 Diploma (RQF)<\/strong><\/a> provides you with the regulated qualification you need. As well as the opportunity to gain the practical learning experience that is valued by employers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With both qualifications and hands-on experience, you\u2019ll be able to seek employment as a veterinary support assistant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Find out more about starting this journey with Stonebridge Associated Colleges<\/strong><\/a>, by clicking the link to our course below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Stonebridge](\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/SAC-How-do-I-Become-a-Veterinary-Support-Assistant-cta-1024x413.png\")
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