July 29, 2025 | British Columbia

If you’re a medical assistant or considering becoming one and you also have a deep love for animals, you might be wondering: Can a medical assistant work in a veterinary office? The short answer is not typically without additional training. While both professions share similar administrative and clinical tasks, working with animals requires specialized skills, knowledge, and certifications that medical assistant training programs usually don’t cover. 
 

In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between human and animal healthcare roles, the transferable skills medical assistants bring to the veterinary field, and how programs like the Veterinary Health Care Assistant Diploma at CDI College can bridge the gap. 

Understanding the Differences: Human vs. Animal Health Care 

Medical assistants are trained to work in clinics, hospitals, and physician offices, supporting doctors in:  
 

• Taking patient histories and vital signs  
• Administering injections and performing simple lab tests  
• Handling billing, scheduling, and recordkeeping 
   

While some of these skills are transferable, veterinary medicine requires an entirely different approach:  
 

• You’re working with multiple species, not just humans  
• Communication is with pet owners, not the patients themselves  
• Medical procedures, medications, restraint techniques, and behaviours are different for each animal 
   

This means medical assistants cannot seamlessly move into a veterinary role without learning the foundational elements of animal care. 

Transferable Skills From Medical Assisting 

That said, many soft and administrative skills do carry over. These include: 

• Organizational and multitasking skills  
• Empathy and client communication  
• Understanding of clinical safety and hygiene protocols  
• Recordkeeping and managing patient data  
• Teamwork and time management in busy environments 

If you already have experience as a medical assistant, you likely have a strong head start on the non-clinical side of veterinary office work. 

Where the Gaps Are 

To work in a veterinary office in a clinical support role (like a veterinary assistant or technician assistant), you’ll need to learn:  
 

• Animal anatomy, physiology, and behaviour  
• Handling, restraint, and safety protocols for pets  
• Feeding, grooming, and administering medications  
• Surgical prep and sterilization specific to animals  
• Diagnostic imaging and lab testing tailored to animals 
   

You’ll also need to become comfortable working with distressed or aggressive animals, dealing with pet loss, and assisting in procedures like euthanasia. 

The Solution: Specialized Veterinary Training 

If you’re a medical assistant looking to transition into veterinary care, a diploma program like the Veterinary Health Care Assistant Diploma at CDI College is the ideal next step. This 40-week program provides:  

• Training in veterinary clinical and administrative procedures  
• Animal care fundamentals and practical experience  
• A 120-hour practicum in a real veterinary clinic  
• Certifications in WHMIS, CPR-C/AED, and DOGSAFE® Canine First Aid 

You’ll gain the essential veterinary-specific knowledge to make a smooth and credible shift into the animal care industry. 

Can Medical Assistants Work at the Front Desk in a Vet Clinic? 

Possibly yes. Some vet clinics may hire candidates with medical admin backgrounds to help with reception, appointment scheduling, and billing. However, if you want to work hands-on with animals or assist in medical procedures, veterinary-specific training is a must. 

Why CDI College Is the Right Fit 

The Veterinary Health Care Assistant Diploma at CDI College is designed for career changers and new students alike. You’ll benefit from:  
 

• Expert instruction from professionals in the field  
• Blended delivery options at British Columbia campuses  
• Career services to support your job search 

 
Whether you’re shifting from human health care or starting fresh, CDI College helps you build a future in animal care. 

Final Thoughts 

Can a medical assistant work in a veterinary office? Not without the right training. But with your transferable skills and the right diploma, you can make a successful transition. The Veterinary Health Care Assistant Diploma at CDI College gives you the practical skills, clinical knowledge, and certifications needed to work confidently in a veterinary environment. 
 

If your passion for animals is calling, CDI College can help you answer. Reach out today to learn how to make the switch from human to animal care.