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Veterinary nurse vs assistant

The differences between veterinary nurses and assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a veterinary nurse, becoming an assistant takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an assistant has an average salary of $37,363, which is higher than the $34,511 average annual salary of a veterinary nurse.

The top three skills for a veterinary nurse include patients, patient care and PET. The most important skills for an assistant are patients, customer service, and patient care.

Veterinary nurse vs assistant overview

Veterinary NurseAssistant
Yearly salary$34,511$37,363
Hourly rate$16.59$17.96
Growth rate20%-8%
Number of jobs17,000557,900
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 50%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Average age3250
Years of experience122

Veterinary nurse vs assistant salary

Veterinary nurses and assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Veterinary NurseAssistant
Average salary$34,511$37,363
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $44,000Between $16,000 And $82,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CABoston, MA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaMassachusetts
Best paying companyCVS HealthLatham & Watkins
Best paying industryHealth CareEducation

Differences between veterinary nurse and assistant education

There are a few differences between a veterinary nurse and an assistant in terms of educational background:

Veterinary NurseAssistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 50%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Most common majorMedical Assisting ServicesBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of FloridaWestern Carolina University

Veterinary nurse vs assistant demographics

Here are the differences between veterinary nurses' and assistants' demographics:

Veterinary NurseAssistant
Average age3250
Gender ratioMale, 14.8% Female, 85.2%Male, 40.7% Female, 59.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 2.7% Unknown, 6.8% Hispanic or Latino, 10.9% Asian, 2.1% White, 77.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 3.8% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage9%6%

Differences between veterinary nurse and assistant duties and responsibilities

Veterinary nurse example responsibilities.

  • Place intravenous catheters manage iv lines and medication administration.
  • Monitor anesthesia and first-assist in surgical procedures -assist doctors in filling prescriptions, communicating with pet owners, and monitoring patients.
  • Prepare oxygen, fluid and catheter equipment for routine use and emergency situations.
  • Administer vaccinations, medications, catheter placement, surgery assisting and monitoring.
  • Collect laboratory speciments and run routine tests.place IV catheters and monitor fluids.
  • Prepare surgical suites, monitor anesthesia, maintain and sterilize equipment, recording patient history, prescription and laboratory information.
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Assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage circulations, including educational textbooks and DVDS, video technology and supplies.
  • Manage branches providing information technology support, logistics, training and operational support.
  • Manage company's twitter account and communicate with multiple physical therapy providers around the country
  • Optimize productivity in prioritizing and managing special projects, PowerPoint presentations for classes, and proctore exams for undergraduate classes.
  • Assist in jewelry design and assembly, manage company Facebook page, participate in wholesale buying, and manage retail inventory
  • Manage and update company Facebook page with daily updates, finding/sharing relevant and interesting information, and encouraging fan engagement.
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Veterinary nurse vs assistant skills

Common veterinary nurse skills
  • Patients, 21%
  • Patient Care, 8%
  • PET, 8%
  • Catheter, 6%
  • Medical Procedures, 6%
  • Vital Signs, 5%
Common assistant skills
  • Patients, 27%
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • Patient Care, 8%
  • CPR, 5%
  • Sales Floor, 5%
  • Scheduling Appointments, 3%

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