Veterinary Technician Schools and Programs

Veterinary technicians could almost be described as the nurses of the animal world. When animals get sick or injured, vet techs examine them, administer first aid, collect laboratory samples, and perform certain tests under the direction of licensed veterinarians. Providing this type of hands-on animal care requires formal training and, in most cases, professional licensure. Candidates must graduate from veterinary technician schools accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam to be licensed.

The AVMA has accredited more than 200 veterinary technician schools in the United States, including a handful of online programs. Associate degrees are by far the most common training path, but some students can begin with certificates or earn bachelor’s degrees instead. The North American Veterinary Technician Association reports that demand for more specialized technicians has resulted in more programs offering targeted training in areas such as dental health, surgical technology, nutrition, zoological medicine, and more. Prospective students can visit the AVMA website for a complete list of accredited veterinary technician schools, including the following types of institutions.

Veterinary Technician Schools Must-Have Checklist

With so many different program options available today, some aspiring veterinary technicians may find it challenging to find the perfect program. There are hundreds of accredited veterinary technician schools in the United States, and a small-but-growing share of online programs makes training even more accessible. Each school strives to be unique, which means no two are ever truly alike. Degrees, courses, learning platforms, and even student services vary. What should savvy researchers look for when weighing their options? The following criteria are a good start.

Veterinary Technician Degrees and Certificates

Veterinary technician schools offer a wide range of credentials. Certificates are the most basic, conveying the most fundamental skills and knowledge. This means that they may be more suitable for veterinary assistants who perform few clinical tasks. Associate degrees are by far the most common training path. These programs usually require about two years of study and focus on the skills that veterinary technicians will put into practice every single day while on the job. Almost all states require veterinary technicians to earn associate degrees to practice.

Bachelor’s degrees the least common and tend to be clinical programs geared towards veterinary technologists. In fact, according to the BLS, most of these four-year programs target veterinary technologists working in scientific laboratories-not technicians in veterinary practices. These programs may nonetheless appeal to technicians looking for a competitive edge or considering more advanced careers in the field.

Veterinary Technician Associate Degrees

Associate degrees are hands-down the most popular credential that schools offer for vet techs. Associate of Science (A.S.) and Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees in Veterinary Technology, Veterinary Science, or Animal Science are just a few examples of academic options. Some associate programs also offer concentrations in NAVTA-approved specialties. At this level, 75 to 80 credit hours is typically the norm, which equates to approximately two years of full-time study. Accelerated options, however, can reduce this time to 18 months or less. Most veterinary technician schools require students to take general education classes in areas such as math, social science, and English in addition to core veterinary coursework. Laboratory classes and practical internships round out the degree program.

Here is an inside look at actual courses from real associate-level veterinary technician programs:

Veterinary Technician and Technologist Bachelor’s Degrees

Though rare, some schools do offer bachelor’s degrees, but these programs generally tend to be more tailored toward future veterinary technologists in medical and scientific laboratories. Vet techs may still enroll in such programs, whether to boost their resumes or open doors to more advanced careers in the near future. Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in Veterinary Technology, Veterinary Science or Animal Science are common options. These programs typically require about 120 credit hours, or four years of full-time study, but special completion programs can minimize requirements for students with relevant associate degrees.

Students seeking bachelor’s degrees complete a balance of general education courses, core courses, and specialized electives in both classroom and laboratory settings. Upper division courses can be highly technical and commonly include mandatory capstone projects or practicums. Some programs offer targeted specialty tracks in areas such as veterinary, clinical, and hospital management.

The following table features typical classes from actual veterinary technology bachelor’s degree programs.

Veterinary Technician Certificates & Diplomas

Stricter state licensing standards have made veterinary technician certificates and diplomas virtually extinct. Only experienced techs “grandfathered” into licensure or living in states that permit alternative training paths can get by with anything less than an associate degree. Most certificates are now in veterinary assisting, which has fewer clinical responsibilities.

It is important to distinguish postsecondary certificates from professional certificates. Professional certificates are designed for trained and licensed veterinary technicians who want to become Certified Veterinary Technicians (CVTs), or wish to be certified in a NAVTA-approved specialization. These are generally awarded by organizations within the field and help demonstrate professional expertise. Postsecondary certificates, on the other hand, are awarded by colleges and universities after a student completes an academic program in a specific area of knowledge.

Veterinary Technician Toolbox

So far this guide has emphasized the importance of veterinary technician schools and degrees, but formal training is not the only thing vet techs need to succeed. This section breaks down many of the skills that really set veterinary technicians apart, including those that cannot be learned in a classroom.

Vet Technologists and Technicians: Is there a difference?

“Vet techs” can include veterinary technicians and technologists, but these are two distinct groups. Key differences:

Veterinary Technician Specializations

Many veterinary technician schools teach students how care for and treat a wide breadth of animals in an even wider breadth of medical disciplines. This training works because most veterinary practices are more general in scope, but what about tech who work in clinics delivering more specialized care, such as an emergency room, surgical center, or exotic animal practice? Even vet techs who do not work in these settings may become more experienced with (or passionate about) certain fields of care. Pursuing a specialization can help established professionals as well as current or prospective students hone their skills on a particular area of personal and professional interest.

There are two ways veterinary technicians can become more specialized-the first of which is by enrolling in a program that offers the desired area of concentration. Students who want to work in emergency clinics or zoos, for instance, might pursue associate degrees with concentrations in surgical technology or exotic animal care. Because bachelor’s degrees are often designed for veterinary technologists, concentrations tend to be more research- or management-oriented.

The second common path to specialization is professional certification. Professional certifications allow new and practicing vet technicians to become certified in certain NAVTA-approved areas, usually by meeting certain education requirements and passing a national exam. Vet techs can be certified in several different areas; for example, anesthesia, critical care, zoological medicine, and equine nursing. For a full list of approved specializations, visit the NAVTA.

Interview with a Veterinary Technician

After Veterinary Technician School: What’s Next?

The first thing many new veterinary technician school graduates do is become licensed. All states require vet techs to be licensed, but specific licensure requirements vary. In most cases, candidates must have associate degrees and pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards. Candidates can visit the AAVSB website to learn more about the test and related requirements. New vet techs may also pursue Certified Veterinary Technician designations or other, more specialized certifications. These voluntary credentials can be a major resume boost, but may require specialized training or experience few recent graduates have. Veterinary technicians can research professional certification requirements and keep them in mind when applying for new positions.

Most new veterinary technicians begin work in private clinics and animal hospitals, but some head to boarding kennels, animal shelters, or zoos. Those working in practices that treat livestock may even work in the field. Duties vary, but usually include examining animals, administering basic medical care, and performing laboratory tests and procedures. Techs may also assist veterinarians in surgery and teach animal owners how to properly care for their pets. The work can be gratifying, but stressful-especially for techs in busy clinics or settings that handle a lot of abused, unwanted, or critically ill animals. Aggressive and scared animals can also bite, scratch and kick, a hazard the BLS says subjects veterinary technicians to higher-than-average rates of illness and injury.

The best way to learn more about the veterinary field is experiencing it first-hand. Internships, entry-level clerical or vet assisting jobs, and volunteer work are all excellent starting points.

Advice from a Veterinary Technician