Veterinary technology programs, also knowns as vet tech programs, develop the skills you need to assist veterinarians in treating animal illnesses and injuries. They can help you prepare for supporting roles in animal hospitals and health clinics and for advanced veterinary education.
Online vet tech programs let you study from anywhere while providing more control over your schedule. Explore their features and connect with properly accredited learning opportunities.
Degree at a Glance
Typical Program Length: Two years with full-time study (associate degree)
Typical Admission Requirements: Schools usually require a high school diploma with a satisfactory academic record. Some prefer applicants with existing vet tech coursework.
Top Skills Gained: Veterinary medicine and nursing procedures, veterinary pharmacology, imaging and lab skills, case documentation, client communication
Popular Concentrations: Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) certification track
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Vet Tech Programs
Price Check
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the average vet tech salary increased by 25% from 2016 to 2022, reaching $52,000 per year.
Why Get a Vet Tech Degree?
Learners who pursue a vet tech degree can enter the workforce sooner than students who enroll in a four-year program. A vet tech degree also provides a solid foundation for a bachelor's program in veterinary medicine. Vet tech graduates can seek certification in a specific interest area, such as emergency and critical care, equine nursing, and nutrition.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), a recognized and respected professional organization in the field, includes several colleges and universities in its list of institutions offering an accredited veterinary technician degree online.
Distance learners often spend less on their degree than learners who attend on-campus programs since they do not incur expenses for room and board and campus resources.
Career Outlook for Vet Tech Graduates
Several factors impact vet techs' earning potential, including their industry and location. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), veterinary technicians earn the highest median wages working in Washington state ($59,080), followed by New York ($58,830), Virginia ($55,790), and California ($55,080).
Vet techs who go on to earn a bachelor's in the field usually earn higher salaries and enjoy lower unemployment rates. The BLS reports that, as of 2024, bachelor's degree-holders earned a weekly median salary of $1,543 and had an unemployment rate of 2.5%, while associate-trained workers earned $1,099 per week and faced an unemployment rate of 2.8%.
| Job | Annual Mean Wage, May 2024 | Projected Job Growth (2024-2034) |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | $45,980 | +9% |
| Veterinarians | $125,510 | +10% |
Vet Tech Licensing and Certification Requirements
Veterinary technician licensing and certification requirements vary by state. Professional titles also vary among jurisdictions, and commonly include:
Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)
Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT)
Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)
To earn a CVT, LVT, or RVT credential, you will usually need to graduate from an AVMA-accredited vet tech program and pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). The AASVB can link you to your state's credentialing body, where you can find details specific to your location.
Ways to Save on a Vet Tech Degree
Given the rising costs of higher education, it makes sense to seek out every opportunity to save that you can find. These strategies can help you reduce the costs of your vet tech education:
Study Online
Online vet tech degrees help you avoid relocation and transportation costs. Some schools also charge lower tuition rates, since online students do not use as many campus-based services.
Seek Scholarships
Veterinary technology is a niche but high-growth field, and scholarship providers support emerging professionals with funding programs. Start your search with the AVMA's scholarship portal.
Work or Volunteer in a Vet Clinic
Some vet clinics offer tuition assistance or reimbursement programs to their employees or volunteers. Seek these opportunities, but be mindful of their terms and conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vet Tech Programs
Veterinary technicians assist veterinarians in their daily practice. Becoming a vet tech typically requires only a two-year associate degree, while veterinarians complete a bachelor's degree plus four years of veterinary school to earn their professional degree. In short, it takes about two years to become a vet tech and 8-10 years to become a veterinarian.
