Online veterinary technician degree programs usually take two years to complete and prepare students to work under the supervision of licensed veterinarians. Purdue University, San Juan College and St. Petersburg College are among the academic institutions offering online veterinary technician (technology) degree programs.
Purdue Global in Fort Wayne, Indiana
The university offers an online Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology degree program, which takes between four and five years to complete for part-time students. In addition to the online program, students participate in a clinical mentorship program with licensed veterinarians in their area who can administer tests and provide practical experience. Graduates are eligible to take the National Veterinary Technician Exam to become licensed. Courses address:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Imaging
- Pharmacology
- Parasitology
- Animal diseases
- Clinical pathology
- Small and large animal nursing and health management
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThesePrograms">Important Facts About These Programs</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Prerequisites</td><td> Previous work/volunteer experience in a veterinary office or animal hospital; to access certain required coursework, students may be required to begin or continue such work</td></tr>
<tr><td>Degrees/Certificates</td><td>Associate's degree and certificate programs</td></tr>
<tr><td>Online Availability</td><td>Partly online; internships, labs, and clinical work are typical</td></tr>
<tr><td> Continuing Education</td><td> May be required to maintain licensure (varies by state)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Median Salary (2021)</td><td>$36,850 <i>(Veterinary Technologists and Technicians)</i></td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td>20% <i>(Veterinary Technologists and Technicians)</i></td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i>
</p><h3 id="section---St.PetersburgCollegeInFlorida">St. Petersburg College in Florida</h3><p>St. Petersburg College provides students with the opportunity to earn an online Associate of Science Veterinary Technology. The program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The curriculum includes courses in animal medicine, pharmacology and physiology. Veterinary work experience in an emergency clinic, shelter or veterinarian's office is required. Online courses include:
</p><ul><li>Animal nursing
</li><li>Animal laboratory procedures
</li><li>Avian and exotic pet medicine
</li><li>Large animal diseases
</li><li>Animal emergency medicine
</li></ul><h3 id="section---SanJuanCollegeInFarmingtonNewMexico">San Juan College in Farmington, New Mexico</h3><p>Founded in 1956, San Juan College is a community college offering an AVMA-accredited online Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology program. Students will learn how to assess animal health, dispense medication, operate equipment and analyze lab specimens. They learn how to assist vets in diagnosing and treating animals during routine exams and during surgeries. In addition, they will learn about veterinary business practices. Off-campus clinical instruction is achieved at an approved veterinary site. Upper tier students must also complete clinical activities on food and farm animals at an appropriate facility. Courses may address:
</p><ul><li>Small and large animal diseases
</li><li>Vet anesthesia and surgical assistance procedures
</li><li>Clinical procedures for lab and exotic animals
</li><li>Emergency care
</li><li>Diagnostic imaging</li></ul>
