Your apprenticeship at VetTrust

At VetTrust, around 45 apprentices across 27 locations are completing their training as veterinary practice assistants (TPA EFZ). They are supported by experienced practice trainers and teams, learning everything needed for a successful start in the veterinary profession. From the very beginning, our apprentices are valuable members of our teams: they take on responsibility, contribute fresh perspectives, and shape our future as the next generation of professionals. Find out more about training at VetTrust below, and let’s shape the future of veterinary care in Switzerland together.

The veterinary practice assistant apprenticeship (Swiss Federal VET Diploma)

Welcoming and supporting pet owners, and advising them on animal health, including by telephone
Scheduling appointments and maintaining client records
Carrying out a range of tasks involving animals during medical care and hospitalisation
Assisting during consultations and supporting treatments
Collecting and processing laboratory samples
Assisting with X-rays, ultrasound examinations and anaesthesia monitoring
Maintaining and sterilising surgical instruments
Cleaning, managing stock and ordering animal feed
Carrying out administrative tasks to support the team

Welcoming and supporting pet owners, and advising them on animal health, including by telephone
Scheduling appointments and maintaining client records
Carrying out a range of tasks involving animals during medical care and hospitalisation
Assisting during consultations and supporting treatments
Collecting and processing laboratory samples
Assisting with X-rays, ultrasound examinations and anaesthesia monitoring
Maintaining and sterilising surgical instruments
Cleaning, managing stock and ordering animal feed
Carrying out administrative tasks to support the team

3 years, starting each August

A passion for animals
An interest in and aptitude for working with other people
Empathy, composure and excellent interpersonal skills
Being comfortable dealing with unpleasant smells, blood and faeces
The ability to grasp new information quickly
Willingness to work on Saturdays

A passion for animals
An interest in and aptitude for working with other people
Empathy, composure and excellent interpersonal skills
Being comfortable dealing with unpleasant smells, blood and faeces
The ability to grasp new information quickly
Willingness to work on Saturdays

Career progression to a lead veterinary practice assistant role (LTPA), with responsibility for professional supervision and team management
Various further training options, for example as a veterinary anaesthesia technician (VAT), veterinary dental assistant (TDA), or medical practice coordinator with a Swiss Federal Diploma of Higher Education specialising in practice management, as well as training in laboratory work and nutrition

Career progression to a lead veterinary practice assistant role (LTPA), with responsibility for professional supervision and team management
Various further training options, for example as a veterinary anaesthesia technician (VAT), veterinary dental assistant (TDA), or medical practice coordinator with a Swiss Federal Diploma of Higher Education specialising in practice management, as well as training in laboratory work and nutrition

In the 1st year of the apprenticeship: CHF 680.00
In the 2nd year of the apprenticeship: CHF 1,045.00
In the 3rd year of the apprenticeship: CHF 1,470.00

We follow the salary recommendations of the Society of Swiss Veterinarians (GST).

In the 1st year of the apprenticeship: CHF 680.00
In the 2nd year of the apprenticeship: CHF 1,045.00
In the 3rd year of the apprenticeship: CHF 1,470.00

We follow the salary recommendations of the Society of Swiss Veterinarians (GST).

25 days per year of training

Vocational school provides the theoretical foundations of the training. Classes take place one day a week in Zurich, Bern or Lucerne.

Intercompany courses complement workplace and school-based training and teach fundamental professional skills. They comprise 16 days in the first year, 11 days in the second year and 3 days in the third year of the apprenticeship.

Where we train you

Your request for a taster placement

Are you not yet sure whether a veterinary practice assistant apprenticeship is right for you? Would you like an initial, no-obligation insight through a taster day or placement on site? Contact the locations that interest you directly and ask about the opportunities available.

Explore your opportunities

Your application

1. Enquire about an apprenticeship:

Contact the VetTrust practice or hospital of your choice and ask whether an apprenticeship is available.

2. Submit your application:

If an apprenticeship is available, we look forward to receiving your application. It should include:

CVa short cover letteryour latest school report or school-leaving certificate

3. Trial placement:

After reviewing your application, we invite you to a trial placement. This lets you experience everyday work as a qualified veterinary practice assistant and meet our team in person.

4. Feedback:

After the trial placement, we give you feedback on the next steps.

5. Receive an apprenticeship offer:

If it’s a good fit for both sides, you will receive an offer for your apprenticeship at VetTrust. We look forward to welcoming you to our team!

What we offer you

The opportunity to gain experience at other VetTrust locationsInsights into day-to-day hospital work and the opportunity to build your knowledge in a veterinary hospitalAccess to the internal VetTrust Academy and specific further training opportunities for apprentices

Three tips for starting your career

Find out about the veterinary practice assistant apprenticeship leading to the Swiss Federal VET Diploma (TPA EFZ) online or through a careers guidance service. Compare the typical tasks and career prospects with your interests, strengths and plans for the future. If possible, talk to current or former veterinary practice assistant apprentices.

Start thinking about whether you would prefer to complete your apprenticeship in a small-animal practice or a veterinary hospital. A small-animal practice typically means a small team and routine examinations, while a veterinary hospital offers a large team and specialist services. Depending on your personality and preferences, one setting may suit you better than the other.

Write down all your questions and anything you are unsure about, with help from your parents, teachers or friends if you wish, and bring them to your taster placement. The sooner things become clear, the sooner you will know whether the apprenticeship and VetTrust are right for you.

Your contact person

Do you have questions or would you like to know more?

Fabienne is here to help (feel free to use her first name).

Email: abc.def@vettrust.ch

Phone: *41 41 123 45 67

Your apprenticeship at VetTrust

The veterinary practice assistant apprenticeship (Swiss Federal VET Diploma)

Typical tasksTypical tasks

Typical tasks

Typical tasks

DurationDuration

Duration

Duration

RequirementsRequirements

Requirements

Requirements

ProspectsProspects

Prospects

Prospects

PayPay

Pay

Pay

HolidaysHolidays

Holidays

Holidays

SchoolSchool

School

School

Intercompany coursesIntercompany courses

Intercompany courses

Intercompany courses

Where we train you

Your request for a taster placement