Step 1: GED or High School Diploma / Degrees
- Complete high school or a GED and take courses in science, biology, and computer basics.
- Graduate from an accredited veterinary technology training program with laboratory and internship work, with hands-on training
- Pass a national exam to demonstrate knowledge.
- In states that require Licensed Veterinary Technicians, pass state exams and licensing requirements such as background checks.
Veterinary technician education has three levels; they are the certificate, the associate, and the bachelor’s degree levels. The certificate has two meanings. The entry-level document is an approximately one-year course of study that may also require a specific number of supervised practices. Another reference to certification involves specialties after completion of an associate or bachelor’s degree. These certifications can add valuable depth and versatility to the veterinary technician’s career. For example, there are certifications for emergency veterinary technicians. Emergency veterinary technology is a relatively new accreditation field.
Compare Veterinary Technology Schools
Certificate in Veterinary Technology
This entry-level program equips graduates to work in clinical, hospital, and practice settings. The veterinary technician degree includes about 60 credit hours, plus an important period of hands-on experiences such as an internship or another type of workplace situation. Most students can complete an associate degree in 24 months. The below-listed items are examples coursework that may appear in one of these programs.
Example Courses:
- Pharmacy and Pharmacology
- Surgical Preparation and Assisting
- Dentistry Procedures
- Laboratory Procedures
- Animal Nursing
- Radiography, Ultrasound, etc.
- Anesthesia
Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology
The Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology is the most common career path for veterinary technicians. Students can complete the degree in 16 to 24 months.
Example Courses:
- Basic Animal Nursing Care
- Anesthesia Training
- Biochemistry
- Vet Anatomy and Physiology
Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Technology
The BS in Veterinary Technology is a four-year degree. It can add valuable opportunities at higher levels of pay than an associate degree. Students must weigh the costs and time required when contrasted with a two-year associate degree.
Example Courses:
- Surgical Nursing for Animals
- Animal Diseases
- Vet Pathology
- Pharmaceutical Training
Associates & Certification Cost with Range for Each
Associate degree costs are in the range of $3,500 to $7,500 per year for two years. The range is wide, and prices could be as low as $1,500 and as high as $30,000.
Typical certificate courses range from $1,500 to $3,500. Variations based on state law and varying requirements can add substantially to the costs such as in heavily regulated states like California.