Veterinary Technician Schools in Pennsylvania

Strong Outlook for Vet Tech Jobs in Pennsylvania (PA)

There are strong job prospects for veterinary technicians both in Pennsylvania and nationally. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2022) estimates that there will be a 21 percent increase in openings for these professionals between 2022 and 2032—much more robust than the 3 percent growth projected for all occupations. With these 25,200 added jobs anticipated nationally, many of them in Pennsylvania, becoming a vet tech can be a wise career choice.

Projections Central (2023) offers more granular data on the future of vet techs in PA. It found that openings for veterinary technicians and technologists are expected to increase by 12.4 percent between 2020 and 2030.

Where Are Pennsylvania Vet Techs Employed?

In Pennsylvania, veterinary technicians typically work not only in veterinary clinics and hospitals, but also in zoos, kennels, animal rescue centers, shelters, adoption non-profit organizations, farms, laboratories, biomedical (or pharmaceutical) research facilities, aquariums, and universities. The same is true nationally.

If the traditional job-seeking websites are any indication, there should be plenty of opportunities in this field in the coming years. By illustration, Indeed (Oct. 2023) posted job openings for vet techs at places such as BluePearl Specialty + Emergency Pet Hospital, Banfield Pet Hospital, Murrysville Veterinary Associates, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Monster (Oct. 2023) had additional postings in PA at the University of Pittsburgh, Piper Companies, Hickory Veterinary Hospital, and Township Line Animal Hospital.

One way in which a PA veterinary technician can stand out from the crowd of job applicants is by becoming a veterinary technician specialist (VTS). The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) recognizes many subfields of veterinary technology, including equine science, dermatology, laboratory animals, dentistry, clinical pathology, zoological medicine, and anesthesia.

Vet Tech Salary in PA

The BLS (May 2022) reported that 5,220 vet techs in Pennsylvania make an average annual salary of $42,140, 3.5 percent higher than the average national salary for these workers at $40,770. Here is a comparison of the national and state salary data:

Given that vet tech school in Pennsylvania typically costs only a fraction of the expected annual salary for these professionals, this investment can pay off. In addition, Pennsylvania is ranked 27th in the most affordable states in which to live by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC 2023), boasting savings in housing.

It’s important to note that these figures also varied based on the source of data. For illustration, Indeed (Oct. 2023) found an average annual salary of $33,861 among Pennsylvania veterinary technicians.

Payscale (Oct. 2023), found the following percentiles nationally:

• 10th percentile: $29,000
• 50th percentile (median): $40,186
• 90th percentile: $56,000

How to Become a Vet Tech in Pennsylvania

Here are the typical steps to become a veterinary technician in Pennsylvania:

• Pass prerequisite classes in high school (four years). To gain admittance to an accredited program in Pennsylvania, aspiring vet techs typically must have taken algebra I/II, biology, and chemistry. Some programs also recommend classes in physics, calculus, or statistics to enhance a student’s candidacy.
• Graduate from an accredited vet tech program in Pennsylvania (two to four years). To become eligible for this profession, vet techs must complete a program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). These programs can last from 18 months to four years, generally resulting in an associate of science (AS), an associate of applied science (AAS), an associate in specialized technology (AST), or a bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) after completing all requirements. The O*NET (2023)—a partner of the American Job Center—reports that a majority of vet techs nationally hold a high school diploma or equivalent (41 percent) followed by an associate’s degree (26 percent). In these programs, Pennsylvania students may take classes such as veterinary clinical pathology, surgery, radiology procedures, and exotic animal nutrition, in addition to completing clinical practicums.
• Take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). To be eligible in this state, one must have passed the Veterinary Technician National Exam.
• Become certified with the Pennsylvania State Board of Veterinary Medicine (a few weeks). To become a certified vet tech (CVT) in this state, these prospective healthcare professionals must get credentialed. There is no special state test or jurisprudence exam in Pennsylvania, but students must complete an application and send their VTNE exam scores. Those licensed in other states can apply for a vet tech certification endorsement with a letter of good standing from their current licensing entity.
• Maintain certification (every two years). Students are expected to maintain their certification from the Pennsylvania State Board. The certifications expire in two years and candidates are eligible for recertification after completing 16 hours of continued education.

Therefore certified veterinary technicians in Pennsylvania can expect to complete two to five years of post-secondary work, depending on the degree attained, VTNE testing schedule, and application submission method (online or paper-based).

Finding Accredited Vet Tech Programs in Pennsylvania

There are many quality vet tech schools in Pennsylvania. To become eligible for practice, candidates must graduate from a program accredited by the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA), the main program approval entity of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Accreditation ensures that schools meet quality standards, including instruction, curriculum, clinical opportunities, and student outcomes. Prior to enrolling in a program, all prospective veterinary technicians in PA are advised to check the AVMA status of their programs. All programs include labs and some clinical experience, such as a preceptorship or externship.

As of 2023, there were 11 AVMA-accredited vet tech programs in PA:

Pennsylvania Western University

Pennsylvania Western University offers an associate degree in veterinary technology, preparing students to enter this exciting field as entry-level veterinary technicians. Students in this program will study laws about animal care. They will also learn about animal anatomy, diseases, and behavior, along with best practices for practice management, recordkeeping, and animal handling.

Made up of 60 credits, the program includes courses such as anatomy and physiology of domestic animals; introduction to veterinary technology; care and management of exotic and laboratory animals; veterinary clinical technology and laboratory procedures; veterinary pharmacy and pharmacology; and surgical nursing, anesthesia & pain management. Credits earned in this program can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology.

Upon completing the program, students will be eligible to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam. With initial CVTEA accreditation earned in 2021, first-time VTNE pass rates are not yet available.

• Location: California, PA
• Accreditation: AVMA-CVTEA; Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
• Estimated Tuition: Pennsylvania resident ($322 per credit); non-Pennsylvania residents ($482 per credit)

Harcum College

Harcum College, located in Bryn Mawr, offers students an associate of science (AS) degree program in veterinary technology. Students in this 92-credit program will be prepared to enter the workforce as veterinary technicians in private veterinary practices, zoo or wildlife medicine, pharmaceutical sales, biomedical research, teaching, raising livestock, humane societies, or anywhere that the welfare and health of animals are concerned. Also, students will be required to complete two 12-week practicums: one at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and one at New Bolton Center.

In addition to taking courses such as anatomy and physiology of domestic animals; pharmacology and anesthesia; laboratory animal science; intensive care rotation; anesthesia rotation; critical care rotation; and advanced nursing skills, students have the opportunity to gain clinical experience at the prestigious University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

This program typically takes six semesters to complete both the didactic and clinical practicum requirements. The first-time pass rate for Harcum graduates on the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) was 82 percent between 2020 and 2023.

• Location: Bryn Mawr, PA
• Accreditation: AVMA-CVTEA; Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Expected Time to Completion: Six semesters
• Estimated Tuition: $890 per credit

Institute of Medical and Business Careers

The Institute of Medical and Business Careers in Erie offers a veterinary technician associate in specialized technology (AST) program. Students enrolled in the program are trained in a new 12,000-square-foot facility. They receive hands-on experience with animals at partnered clinical sites such as the ANNA West shelter.

In addition to coursework including parasitology; laboratory and clinical skills for veterinary technicians; companion animal imaging; and more, students enrolled in the program are expected to complete general education requirements such as English, math, and biology. The program takes 1.5 years to complete, is offered in a daytime or evening format, and students will enjoy a class size of 25 or less. The three-year VTNE pass rate from 2020 to 2023 is 57.5 percent.

• Location: Erie, PA
• Accreditation: AVMA-CVTEA; Accreditation Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
• Expected Time to Completion: 18 months
• Estimated Tuition: $15,000

Johnson College

Johnson College offers a 74-credit associate of science (AS) degree in veterinary technology. On campus, students gain hands-on knowledge and skills at the Johnson College Animal Care Center, which offers routine exams, dental care, spays and neuters, and lab diagnostics for dogs and cats.

Courses include clinical applications for small and large animals; animal anatomy and physiology; parasitology and immunology; surgical nursing; and more. Johnson College graduates have an impressive three-year, first-time VTNE pass rate of 82 percent (2020-2023).

Graduates have opportunities in many areas of veterinary medicine such as research facilities, small and large animal clinics, zoos, academia, pharmaceutical companies, laboratories, and government agencies such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

• Location: Scranton, PA
• Accreditation: AVMA-CVTEA; Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
• Estimated Tuition: $17,700 per year

Lancaster County Career and Technology Center

Another option is offered through Lancaster County Career and Technology Center. Future vet techs will complete a 21-month, 74-credit associate degree program (AST) at the Willow Street campus. Combining classroom theory with laboratory experience, the program trains students on topics such as care, proper washing, surgical procedures, feeding techniques, and overall care of animals.

Courses include laboratory animals, avians, and exotics; large animal science; veterinary practice management; emergency small animal; surgical dentistry; veterinary nutrition; veterinary anesthesia; and more. Notably, 38 percent of candidates from Lancaster County CTC passed the VTNE on their first try between 2020 and 2023—the latest data available as of 2023.

Graduates will be prepared to perform several tasks such as obtaining animal health records, scheduling appointments, admitting and discharging patients, filing medical records, handling receipts, performing basic client education, and all aspects of customer relations.

• Location: Willow Street, PA
• Accreditation: AVMA-CVTEA; Commission of the Council on Occupational Education
• Expected Time to Completion: 21 months
• Estimated Tuition: $22,125 per year

Lehigh Carbon Community College

Lehigh Carbon Community College offers an associate of applied science (AAS) degree in veterinary technology working jointly with Northampton Community College. Students will be allowed to develop technical skills through several clinical experiences with live animals. Graduates will be prepared to sit for the veterinary technician national board examination.

Comprising 68.5 credits, the program includes courses such as animal management and nutrition; an introduction to computers and applications; physiological chemistry; veterinary clinical laboratory techniques; veterinary parasitology; animal disease; and more.

The first-time pass rate for Lehigh Carbon Community College graduates on the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) was 79 percent between 2020 and 2023.

• Location: Schnecksville, PA
• Accreditation: AVMA-CVTEA; Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
• Estimated Tuition: Sponsoring district of LCCC ($183 per credit); other PA residents ($327 per credit); out-of-state or foreign student ($471 per credit); residents of Schuylkill County ($260 per credit)

Manor College

Manor College is another esteemed vet tech program in PA, accredited by the AVMA since 1992, and boasting a beautiful 35-acre campus and 50-acre farm. The campus offers hands-on labs in surgery, large and small animals, radiology, and more.

Consisting of 85 credits, the program includes courses such as hematology; animal medicine; veterinary radiology; veterinary pharmacology, anesthesiology, and pain management; animal nutrition; small animal dentistry; and more. Most notably, the clinical sections are relatively small with only six to eight students to guarantee adequate individual instruction.

The college is only a short distance from Philadelphia. It offers a two-year associate of science (AS) degree to graduates after coursework in subjects such as breeds and behavior, laboratory animal science, and hematology. VTNE first-time pass scores averaged 80.82 percent for Manor graduates from 2020 to 2023.

• Location: Jenkintown, PA
• Accreditation: AVMA-CVTEA; Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
• Estimated Tuition: $796 per credit

The Vet Tech Institute

The Vet Tech Institute, with locations in four cities across the country, is another popular veterinary technician school in PA. Taking only 18 months to complete and conveniently located in Pittsburgh, this program prepares students to sit for the veterinary technician national exam (VTNE) in Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

The program consists of 63 credits, including courses in animal behavior; veterinary nursing; animal husbandry; veterinary medical terminology; veterinary nutrition; veterinary anatomy and physiology; veterinary clinical pathology; pharmacology; radiology; and anesthesia. The Vet Tech Institute had a 60.8 percent passing rate on the VTNE among Pittsburgh graduates between 2020 and 2023.

Students in this program will also spend eight weeks on an externship to practice what they have learned and make industry contacts.

• Location: Pittsburgh, PA
• Accreditation: AVMA-CVTEA; Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
• Expected Time to Completion: 18 months
• Estimated Tuition: $7,490 per semester

Wilson College

Wilson College in Philadelphia is another one of the available vet tech schools in PA. Wilson offers a four-year bachelor of science (BS) degree in veterinary technology. This program has three concentrations for students depending on their career aspirations: veterinary biology, veterinary business management, and Equi-Assist.

All concentrations offer core courses such as pharmacology; laboratory animal science; introduction to veterinary nursing; infectious diseases and diagnostics; veterinary anatomy and physiology; non-infectious diseases and nutrition; veterinary radiology; and more. Here are the courses within the unique concentrations:

• The vet biology concentration has courses in biology, chemistry, microbiology, and college algebra.
• The veterinary business management concentration has courses in financial accounting; biology; management; entrepreneurship and small business management; marketing and others.
• The equi-assist concentration has courses in equine management; ground training the horse; equine health management; advanced equine techniques; equine clinical and surgical practices; and more.

While a BS program takes more time to complete than an associate’s degree, it can offer students more advanced instruction and may enhance one’s career prospects and chances of passing the VTNE. The first-time pass rate for graduates of Wilson College between 2020 and 2023 was 69 percent.

• Location: Chambersburg, PA
• Accreditation: AVMA-CVTEA; Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Expected Time to Completion: 48 months
• Estimated Tuition: $865 per credit

YTI Career Institute

Finally, the YTI Career Institute in York, PA, offers a 20-month associate in specialized technology degree. Graduates of this hybrid program will be proficient in nutrition, animal anatomy and physiology, husbandry, breeding, behavior, sanitation, nursing, handling, euthanasia, and necropsy for various animal species. These skills will prepare them for employment as veterinary technicians in veterinary practices, research facilities, universities, zoos, pharmaceutical companies, or other areas where the skills of a veterinary technician are needed.

Courses include an introduction to veterinary technology; cellular biology; animal nutrition; veterinary pharmacology; veterinary parasitology; veterinary anesthesia; and more. The first-time pass rate for graduates of YTI graduates between 2020 and 2023 was 46 percent.

Students will be required to complete a clinical externship experience at a veterinary hospital of their choosing.

• Location: Altoona, PA; Lancaster, PA; York, PA
• Accreditation: AVMA-CVTEA; Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
• Expected Time to Completion: 20 months
• Estimated Tuition: $30,688

For information on distance-based vet tech programs, visit our online vet tech programs page.

Program Accreditation and Professional Certification for Vet Techs in Pennsylvania

Prospective veterinary technicians in Pennsylvania must seek out programs that are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) which gauges institutional quality in the following areas:

• Admissions
• Curriculum
• Faculty
• Facilities
• Library and resources
• Outcomes assessment

Graduating from an AVMA-approved program makes students eligible to sit for the veterinary technician national examination (VTNE), one of the requirements to become a certified veterinary technician in the state of PA.

According to the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association, vet techs must be certified to practice in this state. Before becoming a certified veterinary technician (CVT), prospective vet techs must have graduated from an AVMA-accredited program, completed an application, and passed the veterinary technician national examination (VTNE) with a score of at least 425. There is no state certification or jurisprudence exam required. Additionally, this certification must be renewed every two years with 16 hours of continued education.

Overall, with high employment and salary prospects in the state of Pennsylvania, becoming a veterinary technician can be a promising career choice for animal lovers.