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Healthcare

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

Feed, water, and examine pets and other nonfarm animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury in laboratories and animal hospitals and clinics. Clean and disinfect cages and work areas, and sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment. May provide routine postoperative care, administer medication orally or topically, or prepare samples for laboratory examination under the supervision of veterinary or laboratory animal technologists or technicians, veterinarians, or scientists.

Median salary (BLS)

$38,150

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$30k – $49k

Job outlook

+9% (faster than average)

AI exposure

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Education

Typical entry: No degree required

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How to qualify

EstimateLicense required

Cost to qualify

$200–$1,150

Time to qualify

8 mo

Renewal

$75/yr

  1. 1

    High school diploma or GED

    Course

    Expected by most employers; if you need the GED, test fees run $0–$150 depending on the state.

    $0–$150 · 3 months · varies by state source

  2. 2

    On-the-job training

    Experience

    Employer-provided and typically paid — days to a few months for most no-degree roles.

    Cost varies · 3 months source

  3. 3

    National & state licensure

    License

    A national board/registry exam plus a state license application (the NCLEX pattern). Exact exam and fees depend on the role and state.

    $200–$1,000 · 2 months · varies by state · renews every 2 yr source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

  1. Junior Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

    Entry / Junior

    $30,120

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

    Established

    $38,150

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

    Senior

    $43,650

Key skills

A typical day

  • •Hold or restrain animals during veterinary procedures.
  • •Monitor animals recovering from surgery and notify veterinarians of any unusual changes or symptoms.
  • •Fill medication prescriptions.
  • •Clean and maintain kennels, animal holding areas, examination or operating rooms, or animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease.
  • •Examine animals to detect behavioral changes or clinical symptoms that could indicate illness or injury.

Fields of study

Any field

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.