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.

If you’re passionate about working with animals and in veterinary medicine, there are many essential roles on the veterinary team. Some positions, such as Registered Veterinary Technologists (RVTs) and Veterinarians, require formal education and professional registration. Other important support roles don't require formal schooling, allowing individuals to gain hands-on experience in the field right away.

Support roles such as veterinary assistants and client care representatives play a key role in patient care, client communication, and hospital operations. Although formal education is not required, available programs can provide strong entry-level experience, build confidence, and serve as a stepping stone toward continued growth in veterinary medicine.

While veterinary assistant programs and entry-level support positions offer valuable experience, they do not meet the educational or registration requirements to become an RVT.

Learn How to Become an RVT

Roles

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

Veterinary assistants support clients, RVTs, and veterinarians through animal handling, surgical preparation, procedure assistance, and patient record management.

Education Required for Employment: No, but may be requested for some places of employment.
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, handling client communication, scheduling, billing, and patient records. A VMA or VOA certificate supports strong client service and office management skills.

Education Required for Employment: No, but may be requested for some places of employment.
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 have a broader role that includes overall practice management and business operations. They focus on day-to-day clerical and administrative tasks within a veterinary practice, including managing the client care team, overseeing office supply inventory, and maintaining client and patient records.

Education Required for Employment: No, but experience and knowledge are essential in this role.
Certificate Programs Available: VHMA (VOM, VCOM)

Veterinary Practice Manager

Practice Managers oversee the daily operations and business activities of a veterinary practice or hospital, with responsibilities that may vary depending on the size of the facility. Duties can include personnel management, accounting, inventory control, equipment purchasing, and implementing business plans.

Education Required for Employment: No, but experience and knowledge are essential in this role.
Certificate Programs Available: Olds College (VPM), VHMA (VPM, CVPM)

Animal Care Attendant

Animal care attendants and assistants provide care for animals that are hospitalized or boarded within a veterinary practice. Duties vary by species but generally include non-medical care such as feeding, grooming, exercise, enrichment, cleaning and disinfecting enclosures and equipment, and maintaining overall cleanliness within the practice or hospital.

Education Required for Employment: None
Certificate Programs Available: None