Veterinary Technician College and Degree Programs
Veterinary technicians work with animals and provide day-to-day assistance to veterinarians. You will need an associate's or bachelor's degree in veterinary technology from an accredited college. Get information on obtaining professional credentials, and learn about job growth and salary projections for veterinary technicians. Schools offering Veterinary Technology degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
What You Need to Know
In much of the same manner as a nurse would assist a doctor, a veterinary technician assists the work of a veterinarian. As a veterinary technician, you would conduct laboratory tests, prepare tissues samples, run diagnostic tests and assist with dental work. In addition to going into private practice, veterinary technicians also assist veterinarians and physicians in laboratories.
| Degrees | Associate's and bachelor's of science |
| Certification | Professional certification from the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science |
| Median Salary | $31,070 per year |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2014)
What Type of Education do I Need?
As a veterinary technician, you will need to earn at least an associate's degree in veterinary technology from a two-year college. However, earning a Bachelor of Science in this subject will make you more valuable to employers when you look for a job. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) offers accreditation to 191 veterinary technology programs, including 21 four-year degrees. All but five states and the District of Columbia have colleges offering AVMA-accredited veterinary technology programs.
What Happens After I Graduate?
Depending on the state you live in, you may need to pass an examination to become a credentialed veterinary technician. For credentialing purposes, most states use the Veterinary Technician National Exam, which requires applicants to have a veterinary technology degree from an AVMA-accredited school.
Another way to boost your credentials as a veterinary technician is to obtain a professional certification from the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS). The AALAS offers three tiers of certification; these tiers include the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT), the Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) and the Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG). The more education you have, the less laboratory requirements you will need to achieve before becoming eligible for certification.
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:
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