Veterinary Technician Schools

Veterinary Technicians

Veterinary techs are the nurses of the animal world. Their responsibilities may include administering medication, laboratory analyses, and assisting with surgeries.

Veterinary Assistants

Veterinary assistants maintain veterinary offices. Their responsibilities typically involve scheduling appointments with pet-owners, maintaining medical records, and feeding or grooming patients.

Vet Tech Schools By State

Here is an interactive map which links to detailed pieces about how to become a vet tech in specific states, including discussions of AVMA-accredited programs, salary information, and credentialing procedures.

AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY DC

Online Vet Tech Schools

For aspiring vet techs living in rural states or those with familial or professional commitments, there are ten AVMA-accredited online vet tech programs. These distance-based programs typically combine online coursework with in-person clinical trainings at approved veterinary facilities close to a student’s home. For example, Indiana-based Purdue University provides an online associate of applied science (AAS) program in veterinary nursing, which comprises 35 classes and 17 mentorships in specific subjects. Notably, between 2020 and 2023, 92.9 percent of Purdue’s online veterinary nursing (formerly named veterinary technology) students passed the VTNE on their first attempt.

 

Ashworth College, based in Georgia, provides 270 hours of clinical experience working with animals. With no scheduled start times, students may enroll anytime and complete the coursework at their own pace, with clinical hours included in each semester. This program is ideal for anyone with a high school diploma or GED who loves caring for animals, but doesn’t necessarily want to put forward the time and money to become a full-fledged veterinarian. Faculty are industry-leaders in their fields with extensive experience, and this is one of the most affordable online veterinary technician programs available.

 

Penn Foster (sponsor) offers competitively priced programs. The Penn Foster veterinary technician associate degree program features two clinical externships for hands-on experience, and has partnerships with some of the largest corporate veterinary hospitals in the country—including VCA Animal Hospital, Banfield, and BluePearl—who recognize the quality of the college’s AVMA-CVTEA fully accredited program. With faculty that include Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS), textbook authors, and national leaders in the profession, as well as a first-time VTNE pass rate of 78.2 percent (2020-2023), Penn Foster is one of the largest accredited online vet tech programs in the country.

 

Please visit the main online vet tech programs page to learn about the gamut of distance-based programs available and expected coursework.

Become a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS)

Animal-Care
Veterinary Radiology Technician - Vet X-Ray Tech
Veterinary Radiology Technician - Vet X-Ray Tech

Sometimes ill or injured animals need testing that goes beyond a routine veterinary examination. In this case, veterinary radiology technicians can perform advanced diagnostic testing, such as x-rays, computed tomography (CT), nuclear imaging, digital fluoroscopy, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Veterinary Nutrition Technician
Veterinary Nutrition Technician

Veterinary nutrition techs provide guidance in maintaining animal health by way of proper eating and exercise routines. They work in animal clinics and hospitals, or offer outpatient consulting services for animals in need. Their responsibilities include keeping abreast of scientific developments in animal nutritional science and providing pet-owner education.

Veterinary Dental Technician
Veterinary Dental Technician

Veterinary dental techs assist in giving animals the dental services they need. They work in private clinics, hospitals, zoos, or large farms. Their responsibilities typically include administering anesthetics, oral cleaning and plaque removal, surgical assistance, and dental hygiene education for animal-owners.

Vet Tech Blog - The Latest

The VTC blog offers a wealth of resources for people interested in veterinary technician schools and careers. It provides advice about education in specialized careers such as equine vet techs and exotic animal vet techs, as well as interviews with esteemed animal healthcare professionals across the country. In addition, VetTechColleges.com bloggers offer a fresh perspective on scholarships, professors, and how to start a career in veterinary technology.

A Guide to Pet Sitting Services for Summer Vacations and Business Trips

Traveling with Pets for the Holidays? What to Consider

November 20, 2024

If you are planning to fly with your pet, checking the airline's pet policies is essential. Each airline has its own set of rules and regulations for traveling with animals. Some airlines allow small pets in the cabin, while others require them to travel in cargo.

A Guide to Pet Sitting Services for Summer Vacations and Business Trips

How to Massage a Dog or Cat: Pet Pampering Guide

September 26, 2024

Massage therapy is widely recognized for its therapeutic benefits in humans, promoting relaxation, relieving stress, and alleviating muscle tension. These same advantages can be extended to our beloved pets, as they, too, experience physical and emotional strain in their daily lives. By incorporating massage into your pet care routine, you can enhance their well-being, foster a deeper bond, and improve their overall quality of life.

A Guide to Pet Sitting Services for Summer Vacations and Business Trips

How Can a Vet Tech Increase Their Earnings? Two Experts Weigh In

August 30, 2024

Increasing earnings as a veterinary technician often involves a combination of factors that can vary from individual to individual. “To start with, advocate for yourself and diversify your skill set,” advises Beauvais.