Supporting Roles in Veterinary Medicine

Many veterinary practices and hospitals rely on a dedicated, skilled team to provide patient care and ensure smooth operations. Every role within the veterinary team plays a critical part in delivering exceptional care to animals and supporting their families.

If you’re passionate about working with animals and working within veterinary medicine, there are a variety of essential roles within the team. Some, like Registered Veterinary Technologists (RVTs) and Veterinarians, require formal education and professional registration. However, there are also vital support roles that do not require formal schooling, allowing individuals to gain hands-on experience in the field right away.

It’s important to note that while veterinary assistant programs and entry-level support positions provide valuable experience in the veterinary field, they do not fulfill the educational or registration requirements needed to become an RVT. To become an RVT, individuals must complete an accredited veterinary technology program and pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). However, gaining experience in a support role can be an excellent way to explore the profession, build foundational skills, and prepare for further education and career advancement in veterinary medicine.

These roles, such as veterinary assistants and client care representatives, play a key role in patient care, client communication, and hospital operations. While formal education is not required for these positions, there are programs available that provide excellent entry-level experience and foundational knowledge. These programs can help individuals develop valuable skills, improve confidence, and serve as a stepping stone for further career advancement in veterinary medicine.

Roles:

Veterinary Medical Assistant (VMA) | Veterinary Technical Assistant (VTA)

Veterinary assistants provide support to clients, RVTs and veterinarians by performing tasks such as animal handling, preparing surgical instruments, assisting during procedures, and managing patient records.

• • Other Titles: Veterinary Assistant (VA)
  • Education Required for Employment: No, but may be requested for some places of employers.
  • Certificate Programs Available: 1-year certificate programs are available at NAIT (VMA, in-person), Lakeland College (VMA, in-person), Robertson College (VA, in-person), CDI College (VA, in-person), Keyano College (VA, online). Alternatively, a 4-month certificate is available at Olds College (VTA, in-person).

Client Care Representative (CCR)

Client Care Representatives are the ‘face of the practice’. They manage client communications, schedule appointments, handle billing, and maintain patient records. A VMA/VOA certificate equips students with the skills needed for client communication and office management in veterinary settings.

• • Other Titles: Veterinary Office Assistant (VOA), Veterinary Medical Receptionist (VMR)
    
  • Education Required for Employment: No, but may be requested for some places of employers.
    
  • Certificate Programs Available: Certificate programs are available at Olds College (VMR), Norquest (VOA), Bow Valley College (VOA), Academy of Learning (VOA)

Veterinary Office Manager (VOM)

Veterinary Office Managers often concentrate on the day-to-day clerical tasks within a veterinary practice and may include managing the client care team, office supply inventory and maintain client and patient records. Office managers generally focus more on administrative tasks whereas practice managers have a broader scope which includes overall management of the practice and business operations.

• • Other Titles: Clinic Manager
  • Education Required for Employment: No, but experience and knowledge is essential in this role.
    
  • Certificate Programs Available: VHMA (VOM, VCOM)

Veterinary Practice Manager

Practice Managers oversee the daily operations of a veterinary practice or hospital as well as manage the responsibilities of the business activities of the practice and may have different responsibilities depending on the size of the hospital or practice. Responsibilities may include managing personnel, accounting, and managing inventory and equipment purchasing and fulfilling business plans. Veterinary Practice Managers can gain additional credentials that are widely recognized throughout the veterinary profession through the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association. The CVPM credential is awarded by either an assessment-based certificate, or attendance in a recognized certificate program. More information can be found here.

• • Other Titles: Veterinary Practice Manager (VPM), Veterinary Hospital Manager (VHM), Certified Veterinary Practice Manager* (CVPM)
  • Education Required for Employment: No, but experience and knowledge is essential in this role.
    
  • Certificate Programs Available: Olds College (VPM), VHMA (VPM, CVPM)

Animal Care Attendant

Animal care attendants and assistants focus on providing care for animals who may be hospitalized or boarding within a veterinary practice. Duties depend on the types of animals present, but include providing, general, non-medical care for animals being hospitalized or boarded such as: cleaning and disinfection equipment and enclosures, feeding, grooming, exercising and providing enrichment as well as general maintenance and maintaining cleanliness of the veterinary practice or hospital.

• • Other Titles: Kennel Assistant, Barn Assistant, Animal Care Assistant
  • Education Required for Employment: No
  • Certificate Programs Available: None