Requirements to Become  a Veterinary Assistant in South Africa

What qualifications do I need to be a veterinary care assistant?

However, to apply for Veterinary Assistant jobs, you only need one significant qualification from a single course – an accredited Level 2 diploma – which you can study over the course of a year. This means that in around 12 months you will be qualified to work as a Veterinary Care Assistant.

How much do veterinary welfare assistants earn in South Africa?

In South Africa, the average pay for a Vet Assistant is ZAR 150,637 a year and ZAR 72 an hour. The average salary range for a Vet Assistant is between ZAR 112,978 and ZAR 176,998.

What does a Veterinary Assistant do in South Africa?

In South Africa, a veterinary assistant is an essential personnel  of any veterinary team providing health care to animals in laboratories, animal hospitals and clinics. They work under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian or veterinary technician, performing routine but essential tasks on sick or injured animals, and helping manage pet owners’ questions and concerns. As veterinary assistants are required to  gain experience, they may take on more complicated tasks, such as administering medication, but essentially they perform the following duties to ensure a comfortable, safe and sanitary environment:

• feeding, exercising and grooming animals
• cleaning and disinfecting cages and work areas
• sterilizing laboratory and surgical equipment restraining and handling animals.

What are the Requirement to Study Veterinary Assistant in South Africa?

In order to become a veterinary assistant, candidates typically need at least a high school diploma to qualify. O*NET (2021) found that 78 percent of responding veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers have a high school diploma as their highest academic credential. According to the statement from  South African Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA 2021), veterinary assistants support the clinical activities of veterinary technicians and veterinarians by performing clerical work, animal restraint, and daily caretaking of veterinary patients.

Where can I study to become a Veterinary Assistant in South Africa?

• Tshwane University of Technology.

National Diploma: Veterinary Technology.

• North-West University.

Bachelor of Science: Agriculture (Animal Health);

Diploma: Animal Health. www.nwu.ac.za.

• UNISA.

Diploma: Animal Health. www.unisa.ac.za.