Trade Schools
A career path as a veterinary technician is an excellent vocational option for individuals who care about animals, are at ease with decision-making, are detail-oriented, and enjoy working with people and their pets.
A veterinary technician assists and works under the oversight of a veterinarian, all in the service of helping animals.
Veterinary technicians assist during exams, complete laboratory tests such as blood draws, and support the medical team during surgery.
This is an essential role in the clinical care of animals, and the position calls for comprehensive medical skills and knowledge.
Earn your accredited, affordable Veterinary Technician Associate Degree online with Penn Foster!
Responsibilities
Veterinary techs examine animal patients, usually under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
This could include animal companions (and their person) in a telehealth appointment.
The position often includes educating people on the best nutrition, grooming, and healthcare options for their animal companions.
It is like the relationship between a physician and a nurse for people.
As part of their duties, veterinary techs take specimens for laboratory tests, draw blood, and conduct diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays.
They prepare the operating room and their animal patients for surgery.
They also administer and monitor anesthesia.
Working with the veterinarian, vet technicians take and record the vital signs, administer medications, and vaccinations prescribed by the veterinarian.
Veterinary technicians record patient medical records and keep the office running as smoothly as a kitten purrs by performing administrative tasks, including following up on patients and scheduling appointments.
Interpersonal Communication and Emotional Skills
Successful vet technicians have excellent interpersonal communication skills, physical stamina, and the ability to work long shifts.
They also have to respond quickly and compassionately to unpredictable situations.
Understanding and empathy are needed to care for patients and their people, particularly in stressful situations while working and remaining calm under pressure.
They also need to be able to work as part of the team to foster a supportive clinical environment.
Education
To become a vet technician, candidates must complete a two—or four-year accredited program and earn a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree.
To be eligible for state credentialing, candidates need to earn an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology from an AVMA-accredited program and pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE).
An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology can be earned through public or private universities, community colleges, or online learning.
Most employers seek to hire vet technicians who have earned a degree from an accredited program.
However, three states, Alaska, California, and Wisconsin, currently have an alternate pathway to the VTNE.
The Alternate Pathway is another way for candidates to be eligible to take the VTNE by providing On-the-Job Training (OTJ) or alternate degrees for VTNE eligibility.
Degrees
Bachelor’s Degree
To gain entry into the field, a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science or Biology can start a howlingly bright career.
There are a number of options to earn a Bachelor’s degree.
For example, the Bachelor of Veterinary Technology from Charles Sturt University allows veterinary technology study and work for a degree on campus or online, part-time or full-time.
The cost in the US, on average, is $9,750 for out-of-state tuition and $28,386 for full-time tuition.
On average, room and board at a public four-year college is $12,639 and $14,406 at a private institution annually.
Associate Degree
Community colleges often offer the most affordable option, especially for in-state students.
Tuition varies widely, depending on whether the school is public or private, offers in-state or out-of-state tuition, or is a university or community college.
On average, tuition runs $3,500 to $5,000 yearly at a US public two-year college.
Private schools typically have higher tuition but don’t differentiate between in-state and out-of-state students.
A private veterinary technician program can cost from $15,000 to $30,000 yearly.
Tuition is influenced by many factors and is based on school, location, and other factors.
Still, typically, the tuition for a four-semester Associate degree program for veterinary technicians ranges from $7500 to $8000.
Online Education
Candidates can also study through online and international educational opportunities.
Depending on the program, yearly costs range between $5,000 and $50,000 or more.
Books and Supplies
Generally, veterinary school books and supplies can range from $1,500 – $3,600 annually.
Licensing & VTNE Costs
To become a credentialed technician, registered, licensed, or certified, depending on where the candidate practices, a candidate must pass a state board test for licensure!
The VTNE
Veterinary technicians must pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
The fee is $345.
The test consists of 150 operational and 20 pilot questions, each with a different point value.
Licensing Fee
There is also a state licensure fee ranging from $177-$250, depending on the state the candidate practices in.
Career Outlook for Vet Technicians
The employment picture for vet technicians is expected to grow 9 percent from 2024 to 2034, which is a rate that is much faster than the average for all occupations.
