The increase in technology and digital learning has made it possible for prospective veterinary technicians to complete their education easily, even if they stay far away from the school. There are multiple AVMA-accredited vet tech programs that are available online from the best online vet tech schools.
With the best online vet tech schools, you do not have to leave the comforts of your home. Therefore, in this article, we will discuss some of the best online vet tech schools in the world, including the programs they offer.
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Table of Contents
HOW TO BECOME A VET TECH
Here is a typical guide on how to become a professional veterinary technician:
1. EARN A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR GED
One of the first steps to becoming a professional vet tech is to earn a high school diploma or GED. This can be earned from a physical academy or the best online vet tech school.
2. ENROLL IN AN ACCREDITED PROGRAM
Enrolling in an accredited program will enable you to secure a job without hassle. Therefore, it is vital, that you research whether the program is accredited or not.
3. COMPLETE SPECIALIZED TRAINING
The next step is to complete a specialized training. More so, completing Specialized training will provide you with skills and abilities that will help you become professional in the long run of your career.
4. PASS THE VTNE TO BECOME CERTIFIED
Passing the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) is the next step to becoming a certified vet tech. Most online vet schools provide resources and programs on how to ace the exam.
5. APPLY FOR STATE CREDENTIALS
Once you have successfully passed the VTNE, you should consider applying for the state credentials. As this will also help you practice in the state.
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HOW MUCH DO VETERINARY TECHNICIANS EARN?
The average salary of a veterinary technician is $19.20 per hour in the U.S.A. However the salary varies depending on some factors such as the employer, qualification, certification, experience, and region.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for vet technicians and technologists is $36,850 per year in 2021, so you can potentially earn more. for example, the highest-paid vet tech in 2023 earns $60,000 per year.
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13 BEST ONLINE VET TECH SCHOOLS
Here are some of the best online vet tech schools:
1. TARLETON STATE UNIVERSITY
Tarleton State University offers an online bachelor of applied science (BAS) in veterinary technology, that is open to students with an associate of applied science (AAS) in veterinary technology.
Tarleton State University is one of the best online vet tech schools. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on college (SACSCOC). Students are required to complete 120 credit hours, 42 of which must be completed at TSU.
Tarleton State University provides two concentrations for its BAS in veterinary technology program – practice and common practice, both options cover 120 credit hours. You can expect to complete these credits in four years.
2. SAN JUAN COLLEGE
Founded in 1956, San Juan College is a community college located in Farmington, New Mexico. It was founded as a branch of the New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts but became an independent community college in 1981.
San Juan College is one of the best online vet tech schools. The school offers an online AAS in veterinary technology, which requires 76 to 80 credit hours to complete.
San Juan College’s vet technology program has an excellent track record of preparing students for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). Graduates from this school had an 84.62% pass rate for 2020-2023, the school’s vet technology program is only one of its kind.
The veterinary technology AAS is a part-time program, and you will complete one to four courses per semester. Each course is five to seven hours per week. The Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
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3. COLBY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Colby Community College is one of the best online vet tech schools. The school offers an online veterinary nursing program with an Associate of Applied science degree. This program consists of 82 credit hours of coursework and takes around two years to complete.
The program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. It requires students to complete clinical requirements and demonstrate clinical skills by video recording under the supervision of a licensed professional in the field. Colby Community College ranks #1 in graduation and retention.
4. PURDUE UNIVERSITY
Next up on our list of best vet tech online schools is Purdue University. This university is known for its exceptional education and excellence. Its Associate of Applied Science in Technology nursing program is only one of its kind. Requiring 70 credit hours of coursework.
The programs offered are designed to allow students to gain the knowledge, information, and skills needed to practice as a veterinary nurse. On completion of the program, you will be eligible to become a credentialed veterinary nurse in your state.
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5. PETERSBURG COLLEGE
St. Petersburg College has an online associate of science in veterinary technology which is designed to prepare students for professional positions in the field of veterinary technology in private or public health facilities. The education and curriculum emphasize the required topics and teach the knowledge and skills of veterinary technology.
Students who want to gain admission to the program must have completed at least 18 of the required 22 general education credits before enrollment and need to complete 73 credit hours of coursework during the program, as well as 280 clinical hours in the vet clinic each semester.
St. Petersburg College also offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in veterinary technology. The program consists of 120 credit hours.
6. NORTHERN VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
This community college in Northern Virginia Community College offers a high-quality veterinary technology program. It’s an associate of applied science degree. It is one of the best online vet tech schools.
This program can be completed in two and a half years of full-time study and requires 65-70 credit hours of coursework. It is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMC) and boasts hands-on training that allows students to gain practical experience with animals.
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7. PENN FOSTER
Training competent and successful veterinary technologists is what Penn Foster’s online associate of applied science in veterinary technology aims to do. This makes the school one of the best online vet tech schools.
Penn Foster’s vet tech program includes two clinical internships where students gain real-world experience under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Students learn through online coursework, interactive curriculum, and hands-on training. During this program, students take classes in Animal anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, laboratory procedures, nursing care, and veterinary practice management.
Penn Foster’s online vet technology associate degree provides flexibility for students to study at their own pace. Enrolled students can expect to get their degree in as few as twelve months per semester.
8. DALLAS COLLEGE
Dallas College is one of the best providers of Distance education veterinary technology programs (DEVTP). The program consists of 60-61 credit hours and takes around two years to complete. Students complete clinical requirements at nearby local animal hospitals.
The vet tech program is designed to provide the graduate with the information, experience, and skills needed to perform all technical duties in practice, excluding diagnosis prescribing, and surgery.
Students of this program graduate with an associate of applied science degree. They also qualify to take the Texas Veterinary Medical Association examination to become a licensed veterinary technician (LVT).
Admission to this online vet school is limited, and applicants are assessed and advised before enrolling in the program. Students are encouraged to have a good academic background in mathematics, English, and Biological sciences.
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9. JEFFERSON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Jefferson State Community College offers a unique online associate of applied science in veterinary technology. The program consists of 76 credit hours and takes two years to complete.
Also, the vet technology program at Jefferson State Community College is a distance learning education that requires you to have access to a computer and the internet and be available to work or volunteer as a veterinarian for a minimum of 20 hours per week.
The majority of the coursework can be completed online or by working with a local animal clinic. However, the school does advise that you make at least one visit per semester to its Birmingham campus.
Upon completion of the program, graduates can take the veterinary technician national exam and will be eligible to take the Alabama state boards to become licensed veterinary technicians.
10. UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
If you are interested in pursuing a BS in Veterinary technology, you should take a look at the University of Missouri. The program is an online four-year degree program specifically designed to meet the needs of practicing registered veterinary technicians (RVTs).
Students will earn an advanced degree in their field, enhance their professional knowledge base in multiple aspects of veterinary science, and develop essential skills and expertise in veterinary.
This program includes 58 credit hours of coursework. All coursework can be completed entirely online. Graduates of the program will have the competency to function as veterinary team leaders and transition into other animal health professions.
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11. MEDAULLE COLLEGE
Medaulle College’s associate of applied science degree in veterinary tech is an accelerated online program. designed for students who wish to complete their degree faster and are willing to take on more credit hours each semester.
The Associate of Applied Science Veterinary Technology degree requires students to complete 72 credit hours of coursework, as well as 360 clinical hours to develop the skills and experience needed to become successful in the field.
Students who complete the program within six months will be eligible to take the veterinary technician (licensing) exam (VTNE). Additionally, online graduates will acquire the terminal degree necessary for licensure in New York State as a veterinary technician.
12. BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Next on our list of best online vet schools is the Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology from Blue Ridge Community College. This is another outstanding program for students who wish to gain expertise as a vet technician.
The program requires students to complete a total of 72 credit hours and a coordinated internship, including 350 clinical hours in a veterinary hospital. Upon completion of the program, students will be qualified to take the veterinary technician national examination (VTNE) and apply for a license to practice as a veterinary technician.
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13. ASHWORTH COLLEGE
Ashworth College offers an online associate of applied science degree in veterinary technology. This program can be completed in as early as two years.
In this vet tech program, students will learn the foundational skills necessary to become successful vet technicians, as well as to be prepared for real-world work through 270 hours of clinical experience that will help them apply what they learned online to the actual duties of a vet tech.
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to take the national credentialing exam (VTNE).
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A VET TECHNICIAN?
Depending on the type of degree you pursue, it could take two to four years to become a licensed veterinary technician.
WHO HAS THE BEST ONLINE VET TECH PROGRAM?
Some of the best online vet tech schools with unique programs include Purdue University, St. Petersburg College, Northern Virginia Community College, Penn Foster, Dallas College, and others.
WHICH YEAR OF VET SCHOOL IS THE HARDEST?
Undoubtedly, the first year of vet school is usually the hardest. Vet schools require the utmost attention and focus. This can be challenging for most students.
CONCLUSION
Becoming a vet technician is not impossible to achieve, and there are several ways by which you can become a professional vet tech. One of these means includes enrolling in one of the best online vet tech schools. These schools will provide you with the skills and abilities that will help you become a professional. We hope this article is helpful to your search.
REFERENCE
- Accelerated-online-college.org
- Learn.org
- Vettechcolleges.com
- Premiumschools.org