Veterinary Technician Programs

Veterinary Technician Programs

Regardless of which veterinary tech specialty you choose, you'll need to have a love for animals, basic math and analytical skills, the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and potentially grueling environment, and the capability to communicate effectively with pet owners.

Most veterinary technicians work at a private practice, under the guidance of a licensed veterinarian. Technicians may help gather medical histories, collect blood, tissue, or other specimens that might be helpful in diagnosing the patient, and assist in medical or surgical procedures. A slightly smaller percentage of veterinary technicians work at research facilities to learn more about the care and treatment of animals, or to conduct other animal-related research projects.

Average Veterinary Technician Programs Salaries

$51,000
In USD as of Apr 15, 2011
20k40k60k

View Average Salaries of Veterinary Technician Programs Jobs

Veterinary Technician Programs Career Guide

What Is a Veterinary Technician?



Recommended Schools

Kaplan College

Associate
Associate of Occupational Studies: Veterinary Technology
Arizona

Globe University

Associate, Bachelor
BS in Veterinary Technology: Do you love working with animals? Consider a career as a veterinary technician. In this fast-paced, dynamic field you will have the opportunity to serve as the interface between humans and the animals that rely on them for care. At Globe University/Minnesota School of Business you can get the skills you need to succeed.
Other programs available at Globe University: AAS in Veterinary Technology
Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota

Animal Behavior College

Certificate
Veterinary Assistant: The Animal Behavior College (ABC) Veterinary Assistant Training Program is designed for anyone wishing to pursue a successful career as a Certified Veterinary Assistant. The program is structured to offer you the convenience and cost of a home-study program with the added benefit of working one-on-one with veterinary professionals in hospital and clinical settings.
Other programs available at Animal Behavior College: Certified Dog Trainer Instructor Course
Online School

National American University Campus

Associate, Diploma
Veterinary Technology: This is an 8-quarter program with the last quarter consisting of an externship during which students will work with a veterinarian in a veterinary office. The veterinary technology program is accredited by the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA), a division of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Other programs available at National American University Campus: Veterinary Assisting
South Dakota

Ashworth College

Coursework, Diploma
Veterinary Assisting: If you're interested in the health and welfare of dogs, cats, horses and other creatures, and if you want to gain a scientific understanding of animal care, this course is for you.
Other programs available at Ashworth College: Animal Care Specialist
Online School

Penn Foster College

Associate
Veterinary Technician
Online School

Broadview University

Associate
Veterinary Technician, Associate in Veterinary Technician
Utah

Vet Tech Institute

Associate
Veterinary Technician
Pennsylvania

Harrison College

Associate
Veterinary Technology
Indiana

Hickey College

Associate
Veterinary Technician
Missouri

International Business College - Indianapolis

Associate
Veterinary Technician
Indiana

International Business College - Fort Wayne

Associate
Veterinary Technician
Indiana

Minnesota School of Business

Associate, Bachelor
Veterinary Technology
Minnesota

Argosy University

Associate
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Veterinary Technology
Minnesota

Brown Mackie College

Associate
Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology: The Veterinary Technology program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills leading to entry-level employment in a variety of veterinary clinical settings and related fields. Graduates of this program will be prepared to provide a wide range of clinical skills including animal patient care, laboratory procedures, medical imaging, anesthesia administration and monitoring, and surgical assistance for a variety of domestic animals.
Other programs available at Brown Mackie College: Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology
Kansas, Ohio, Missouri, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, New Mexico

Vancouver Career College

Diploma
Veterinary Office Management
British Columbia

Vatterott College

Associate
Veterinary Technician
Nebraska

Kaplan Continuing Education

Certificate
Veterinary Assistant
Online School

Fox College

Associate
Veterinary Technician
Illinois

Anthem College

Associate
Veterinary Technician
Arizona, Missouri

Bradford School

Associate
Veterinary Technician
Ohio

Carrington College California

Associate
Veterinary Technology
California

Carrington College

Diploma, Certificate
Veterinary Assisting
Arizona, Oregon, Washington

San Joaquin Valley College

Associate
Veterinary Technology
California

Average Veterinary Technician Programs Salaries

veterinary medical officer $69,000supervisory public health veterinarian $57,000animal health technician $33,000veterinarian $64,000associate veterinarian $60,000veterinary technician $31,000wildlife biologist $46,000loan assistant $32,000
In USD as of Apr 15, 2011
25k50k75k

Other Community and Technical Colleges

Kirkwood Community College

6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, 52406
Telephone:(319) 398-5411
http://www.kirkwood.edu

North Carolina A & T State University

1601 E Market St, Greensboro, 27411
Telephone:(336) 334-7500
http://www.ncat.edu

Harcum College

750 Montgomery Ave, Bryn Mawr, 19010
Telephone:(610) 525-4100
http://www.harcum.edu

Employment Prospects for Vet Techs

Employment prospects for vet techs are high for the next 5 to10 years as the government predicts that the need for vet techs will be greater than the number of qualified individuals in this profession. This means that, for students entering vet tech programs, the job opportunities that will be available once they graduate should provide them with the chance to find a job in the area they desire with many of the perks and benefits they want. read more [+]

Why are Vet Techs in High Demand?

In most cases the demand for vet techs in all type of clinics, practices, and even animal hospitals will grow in the next decade. This is a result of the need for vet techs growing faster than the number of students graduating from vet tech programs each year. Although 3,000 students on average graduate from a vet tech school each year, more jobs become available than these students can fill. In addition, there are fewer veterinarians graduating, increasing the demand for vet techs to assist with care in clinics, hospitals, and private practices.

Also, more and more pet owners are viewing their pets as part of their family rather than simply an animal, so they request more care and services than pets in previous decades. Healthcare services for pets have become more advanced and specialized in recent years through research of diseases and treatments as well as development of technologies used to diagnose and treat animals. Dental health and surgical technologies are two of the largest developments in pet healthcare in recent years.

The demand for vet techs working with large animals will grow as well. Most of the job opportunities with this particular group will be in rural areas providing care and treatment for farms which are home to large animals. Employment prospects in these areas should be high due to the low number of vet tech students choosing to specialize in large animals.

Most Wanted Job

Although the demand for vet techs is expected to grow in the coming years, the number of job opportunities in certain areas of animal care is expected to remain limited. Zoos, aquariums, and other facilities which house animals continuously are expected to have only a small number of openings each year for vet techs. The desire to work in these facilities is often shared by many vet techs which is why turnover in these positions are low. In addition, not as many vet tech positions exist within zoos and aquariums as in private clinics and practices.

Why is Now a Good Time to Choose this Career?

Since the demand for skilled workers is only expected to grow in the future, now is the time to consider a career as a veterinary technician. Most schools only offer a two-year program, making it possible for students interested in working with animals to quickly complete their education and fill one of the jobs in this needed career field.

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