Vet Tech Schools & Programs

Veterinary technicians earn a median salary of $41,240 per year, with job growth projected at 20% through 2032 – much faster than average. Vet tech programs train you to perform the clinical and laboratory work that keeps veterinary practices running, from anesthesia and surgical assisting to diagnostic imaging and dental care. Veterinary technicians are the nurses of the animal world, and demand for qualified vet techs continues to grow. If you are passionate about animal health and want a hands-on medical career, a vet tech program can get you there in about two years.

What Is a Vet Tech Program?

Veterinary technology programs train students to assist veterinarians with animal care, surgical procedures, diagnostic testing, and client education in clinical settings. Programs accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) provide the education required to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), which is the gateway to state licensure or certification. The AVMA currently accredits over 230 programs across the United States, and graduating from an accredited program is a requirement for licensure in most states. Vet techs work in private practices, animal hospitals, emergency clinics, research facilities, and zoos.

What You’ll Learn

• Animal anatomy, physiology, and pathology
• Veterinary pharmacology, anesthesia, and pain management
• Surgical assisting, instrument care, and sterile technique
• Diagnostic imaging (radiography, ultrasound)
• Clinical laboratory procedures (hematology, urinalysis, cytology, parasitology)
• Veterinary dentistry including prophylaxis and dental radiographs
• Animal nursing care, fluid therapy, and emergency and critical care
• Client communication and patient history documentation
• Large animal and exotic species handling and care
• Veterinary practice management and medical recordkeeping

How Long Does Training Take?

Associate degree programs take about 2 years of full-time study and are the most common pathway. You must graduate from an AVMA-accredited program to be eligible for the VTNE exam in most states. Bachelor’s degree programs in veterinary technology take 4 years and can open doors to supervisory roles, teaching positions, or specialized fields. Clinical rotations and hands-on lab work are major components of vet tech programs – expect to spend significant time working with live animals in campus labs and at affiliated veterinary practices. Program costs range from approximately $5,000 to $15,000 per year at community colleges and $15,000 to $30,000 or more per year at private institutions. Financial aid, scholarships from organizations like NAVTA, and employer tuition assistance programs can help offset costs.

Admissions & Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required
• Prerequisite courses in biology and chemistry are required by many programs
• Comfort handling animals of all sizes, including large animals at some programs
• Up-to-date vaccinations including tetanus and rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis (recommended)
• Physical stamina for lifting, restraining animals, and standing for long periods
• AVMA-accredited programs may have competitive admission with limited seats
• Minimum GPA requirements (typically 2.5 or higher) for many programs

Licensing & Certification

Veterinary technicians must pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) and obtain state licensure or certification to practice. The credential title varies by state: Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT), Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), or Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT). Most states require graduation from an AVMA-accredited program as a prerequisite for the VTNE. State licensure must be renewed periodically, and continuing education is typically required. The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) also offers Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) credentials in areas like anesthesia, dentistry, emergency and critical care, and internal medicine for experienced vet techs who want to specialize. Some states also require background checks and proof of professional liability insurance.

Career Outlook & Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, OEWS, May 2024), veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median annual salary of $41,240. The top 10% of earners make over $61,860, while entry-level positions start around $24,740. Job growth for this occupation is projected at 20% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The BLS reports approximately 14,900 annual job openings. Demand is driven by increasing pet ownership, growth in veterinary specialty medicine, and expansion of roles for vet techs in emergency and critical care settings. Vet techs who earn Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) credentials or work in emergency, specialty, or research settings tend to earn above the median. Geographic location also significantly impacts salary, with vet techs in metropolitan areas and states with high demand often earning considerably more.

Where You’ll Work

Veterinary technicians work in a wide range of clinical and non-clinical settings. Private veterinary practices are the largest employers, from small general practices to multi-doctor clinics. Animal hospitals, emergency and critical care centers, and specialty practices in areas like oncology, cardiology, and orthopedics offer opportunities for vet techs who want to work on complex cases. Research facilities, pharmaceutical companies, zoos, aquariums, and wildlife rehabilitation centers also employ vet techs. Some vet techs work in veterinary education as lab instructors, and others pursue roles in veterinary equipment sales or technical support.

Online vs In-Person Options

Vet tech programs require substantial in-person clinical training with live animals, so fully online programs are not an option for the complete degree. However, several AVMA-accredited programs offer a distance learning or hybrid format where didactic coursework (anatomy, pharmacology, medical terminology) is completed online while clinical labs and externships are completed at approved veterinary facilities near the student’s home. This distance format is popular with working adults and students who do not live near an AVMA-accredited campus. Verify that any program you consider holds full AVMA accreditation, as non-accredited programs will not qualify you for the VTNE in most states. The AVMA maintains a searchable directory of accredited programs on its website.

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Career Guide

Veterinary technology offers a rewarding hands-on career in animal healthcare with strong job security and multiple paths for specialization. Our career guide covers daily responsibilities, salary expectations across practice types, specialty certification options, and long-term career development strategies. Career Guide: Vet Tech →

FAQs

What is the VTNE and how do I prepare for it?

The Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) is a standardized exam administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). It covers pharmacology, surgical nursing, laboratory procedures, anesthesia, animal care, and dentistry. Graduating from an AVMA-accredited program prepares you for the exam content. Many students supplement with VTNE review books and practice exams. Pass rates vary, but solid performance in your clinical courses is the best preparation.

Can vet techs specialize?

Yes. After gaining experience, vet techs can pursue Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) credentials through the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. Specialty areas include anesthesia and analgesia, emergency and critical care, dentistry, internal medicine, zoological medicine, clinical pathology, and more. Earning a VTS requires additional training, case logs, and passing a specialty exam. Specialists often earn higher salaries and work in advanced clinical settings.

What is the difference between a vet tech and a veterinary assistant?

Vet techs complete an AVMA-accredited associate degree (or bachelor’s) program and pass the VTNE to become licensed. They can administer anesthesia, take radiographs, perform dental cleanings, and run lab tests. Veterinary assistants typically complete shorter certificate programs and work under the supervision of vet techs or veterinarians, handling tasks like animal restraint, exam room setup, and basic care. The scope of practice, training requirements, and salary are all higher for vet techs.

How competitive is admission to AVMA-accredited vet tech programs?

Admission competitiveness varies by program and location. Popular programs at community colleges in metropolitan areas often have more applicants than available seats, making admission competitive. Strong grades in prerequisite courses (especially biology and chemistry), volunteer or work experience at a veterinary clinic, and a well-written personal statement can strengthen your application. Some programs use a points-based admission system that weights GPA, prerequisite completion, and relevant experience. Applying to multiple programs increases your chances of acceptance.

Is veterinary technology a good stepping stone to veterinary school?

While vet tech education and veterinary school are separate tracks, many vet techs find that their clinical experience gives them a strong foundation if they decide to pursue a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. Some veterinary schools value applicants with vet tech backgrounds because of their hands-on clinical skills and understanding of veterinary practice operations. However, vet tech programs do not replace the prerequisite courses required for DVM programs, so additional undergraduate coursework in organic chemistry, physics, and advanced biology would still be needed.

What is the job outlook for vet techs compared to other healthcare careers?

The 20% projected growth rate for veterinary technicians from 2022 to 2032 is among the highest of any healthcare support occupation. By comparison, registered nursing is projected to grow at about 6%, and medical assistants at about 14% over the same period. The strong outlook for vet techs reflects increasing pet ownership, growth in veterinary specialty care, and the expanding scope of practice for vet techs in many states. Burnout and turnover in the field also contribute to consistent demand for new graduates.

Salary data reflects U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for May 2024 where available, supplemented by industry reports. Actual earnings vary by location, experience, and employer. Program availability and costs vary by school.

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