The average pay for a vet tech is $37,860 a year. To be a veterinary technologist or technician, you'll need a bachelor's or associate degree, respectively. However, many trade schools and community colleges also offer veterinary technology programs to help you become a veterinary assistant.
Read on to learn all about the best vet tech programs, or find one of the top vet tech schools near you.
How to Choose the Right Vet Tech School
Finding the best veterinary technology schools can take a little bit of research. First, make sure your program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). This ensures you're receiving industry-standard instruction.
Also, to make sure you arrive at the best vet tech school, make sure it:
Has an on-site kennel, clinical lab, or a partnership with a veterinary practice
Provides externship opportunities
Offers career placement assistance for alumni
Has qualified instructors with both years of teaching and working in the field
How to Become a Vet Tech
Becoming a vet tech requires students to either pursue a veterinary technologist degree or a veterinary technician associate degree. Technologist degrees require a 4-year education at a college or university. Technician degrees require a 2-year education at a community college.
After obtaining either a bachelor's or associate degree, you must take your state's licensing exam to work as a technologist or technician. Most states use the American Association of Veterinary State Boards' national exam. The exam costs $230.
Before working in the field, many vet techs choose to do paid internships or externships. Under an experienced veterinary technician or technologist's guidance, students learn the ins and outs of the profession and helpful insights into unusual species.
You can also get your start in the field as a veterinary assistant, which typically involves a less time-intensive trade school education.
Other Ways to Become a Vet Tech
All future vet techs must attend an accredited school and pass the licensing exam before working as either a technician or technologist. It's not possible to bypass schooling and take the exam.
Many vet techs choose to go back to school to become veterinarians. You can put many of your classes and credits towards a veterinary degree. However, to become a veterinarian requires a bachelor's degree and a vet school degree, which is another 4-year degree. Once finished, you will be a doctor of veterinary medicine.
Financial Aid for Your Vet Tech Program
Vet Tech Scholarships
Walkin' Pets Veterinarian & Rehab/Vet Tech Scholarships
Who qualifies: Full-time students in accredited veterinary schools
What it covers: $500 for tuition
Deadline: July 31
Oxbow Animal Health Veterinary Technology Scholarship
Who qualifies: Aspiring vet techs with an interest in exotic animals
What it covers: $500 for tuition
Deadline: March 1
FAQs on Veterinary Technician Programs
10 Best Vet Tech Programs
The best vet tech programs prepare students for careers as veterinary technicians, technologists, or assistants. Each program on our list is accredited by the industry-standard American Veterinary Medical Association to offer the correct education.
The 10 best vet tech programs also:
Are institutionally accredited
Cost less than $30,000
Graduate more than 50% of their students
Here are 10 of the best vet tech programs in alphabetical order:
