Certified Veterinary Assistant Paid Apprenticeship

## Description Are you interested in becoming a Certified Veterinary Assistant and earning a wage while gaining valuable hands-on experience? No need to worry about tuition fees for technical school or college – at AscendVets, we offer a unique Certified Veterinary Assistant Apprenticeship Program where you can learn on the job, alongside our exceptional team, all while receiving a starting pay rate of **$16/hr with an opportunity to be making $18/hr. within a year!** AscendVets has crafted a comprehensive 12-month program designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills essential to kickstart your career in veterinary medicine. Prior veterinary experience is not required – all we ask for is your enthusiasm for this opportunity and a commitment to learning. As a participant in the Veterinary Assistant Apprenticeship Program, you can expect: - Two weeks of in-person, interactive training at the beginning of your employment, led by professional trainers. - Ongoing coaching and support throughout your apprenticeship, including mentorship, hands-on training, and individualized instruction aligned with the standards set by the Florida Veterinary Medical Association. - Access to an online learning platform allowing you to progress at your own pace over the twelve-month period. - Potential for two pay increases based on skill development and knowledge acquisition during the apprenticeship. - Dedicated assistance to ensure you meet all the requirements of the Florida Veterinary Medical Association for eligibility to sit for the Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA) exam – we'll even provide a proctor and cover your exam fees! - Future growth opportunities through our fully funded Certified Veterinary Technician Scholarship Program. Veterinary Assistant Apprentices will primarily work at Parkway Veterinary Emergency Clinic during evening and weekend hours for the initial 6 months. Flexibility is key, as individuals will be *required* to work overnight shifts, and holidays, and rotate through other AscendVets locations for training and staffing purposes. The two-week training period is scheduled to commence in early August. ## Requirements - Adherence to attendance policy. - Manageable control of animal-related allergies through medication. - Ability to lift 40 pounds. - Willingness to work extended hours under pressure conditions. - Physical capabilities for constant walking, bending, standing, and reaching during a minimum 8-hour day. - Visual acuity for accurate record-keeping, recognizing people, and understanding written directions. - Adequate speaking and hearing abilities for effective communication in person and over the telephone. - Fine motor skills necessary for nursing tasks such as phlebotomy and using hospital equipment. - Must be 18 years or older **Benefits:** - Competitive benefits package for full-time team members, including health insurance contribution (Medical, Dental & Vision). - Paid Time Off. - Retirement Plan (401k). - Optional supplemental insurance plans. - Long Term Disability Insurance. - Continuing Education and development opportunities. - Generous pet discount. - Paid holidays and holiday incentive pay. - Company-provided uniforms. AscendVets and Parkway Veterinary Emergency Clinic are proud Equal Opportunity Employers and Drug-Free Workplaces. Successful candidates are subject to drug screening, and those requiring reasonable accommodation under the ADA are encouraged to notify us. Job Type: Full-time Pay: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour Schedule: - 10 hour shift - Day shift - Evening shift - Holidays - Night shift - Overnight shift - Rotating weekends