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There are a number of quality vet tech schools in Pennsylvania. In order to become eligible for practice, candidates must graduate from a program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Accreditation ensures that schools are meeting standards of quality, including instruction, curriculum, clinical opportunities, and student outcomes. Prior to enrolling in a program, all prospective veterinary technicians in PA are advised to check the AVMA status of their programs. All programs include labs and some sort of clinical experience such as a preceptorship or externship.
As of 2020, there are 11 AVMA-accredited vet tech programs in PA:
Harcum College, located in Bryn Mawr, offers students an associate of science (AS) degree program in veterinary technology. In addition to taking courses such as anatomy and physiology of domestic animals, pharmacology and anesthesia, and advanced nursing skills, students have the opportunity to gain clinical experience at the prestigious University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.
This program typically takes six semesters to complete both the didactic and clinical practicum requirements. The first-time pass rate for Harcum graduates on the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) was 80 percent between 2016 and 2019.
The Institute of Medical and Business Careers in Erie offers a veterinary technician associate in specialized technology (AST) program. Students enrolled in the program are trained in a new 12,000-square-foot facility. They receive hands-on experience with animals at partnered clinical sites such as the ANNA West shelter.
In addition to coursework including parasitology, laboratory and clinical skills for veterinary technicians, companion animal imaging, and more, students enrolled in the program are expected to complete general education requirements such English, math and biology. The program takes 1.5 years to complete, is offered in a daytime or evening format, and students will enjoy a class size of 35 or less. With initial CVTEA accreditation earned in 2019, first-time VTNE pass rates are not yet available.
The Vet Tech Institute, with locations in six cities across the country, is another popular veterinary technician school in PA. Taking only 18 months to complete and conveniently located in Pittsburgh, this program prepares students to sit for the veterinary technician national exam (VTNE) in Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
Courses include animal technology; radiography; clinical medicine; anesthesia; and large animal theory. The Vet Tech Institute had a 73.3 percent passing rate on the VTNE among Pittsburgh graduates between 2016 and 2019.
Manor College is another esteemed vet tech program in PA, accredited by the AVMA since 1992, and boasting a beautiful 35-acre campus and 50-acre farm. The campus offers hands-on labs in surgery, large and small animals, radiology, and more. Courses include hematology; animal medicine; veterinary radiology; veterinary pharmacology, anesthesiology and pain management; animal nutrition; small animal dentistry; and more. Most notably, the clinical sections are relatively small with only six to nine students to guarantee adequate individual instruction.
The college is only a short distance from Philadelphia and offers a two-year associate of science (AS) degree to graduates after coursework in subjects such as breeds and behavior, laboratory animal science, and hematology. VTNE first-time pass scores averaged an impressive 83 percent for Manor graduates from 2016 to 2019.
Wilson College in Philadelphia is another one of the available vet tech schools in PA. Wilson offers a four-year bachelor’s of science (BS) degree in veterinary technology. This program has three concentrations for students depending on their career aspirations: veterinary biology, veterinary business management, and Equi-Assist. All concentrations offer core courses such as parasitology; animal management; animal diseases and nutrition; laboratory animal science; veterinary anatomy and physiology; and more. Here are the courses within the unique concentrations:
- The vet biology concentration has courses in biology, chemistry, microbiology, and college algebra.
- The veterinary business management concentration has courses in financial accounting; biology; management; entrepreneurship and small business management; marketing and others.
- The Equi-Assist concentration has courses in equine management; ground training the horse; equine health management; advanced equine techniques; equine clinical and surgical practices; and more.
While a BS program takes more time to complete than an associates degree, it can offer students more advanced instruction and may enhance one’s career prospects and chances of passing the VTNE. The first-time pass-rate for graduates of Wilson College between 2014 and 2017 was 62.5 percent (as of 2020, this figure has not been updated on the website).
The YTI Career Institute in York, PA, offers a 21-month associate in specialized technology degree. Some portions of the program are taught at Leg Up Farm and White Oak Farm where students have the opportunity to learn and practice their skills with large animals such as cows and horses. Students are trained in animal anatomy and physiology; animal nursing; sanitation; animal behavior; euthanasia; animal husbandry; and more.The first-time pass-rate for graduates of YTI graduates between 2016 and 2019 was 56.25 percent.
Johnson College offers a 71-credit associate of science (AS) degree in veterinary technology. On-campus, students gain hands-on knowledge and skills at the Johnson College Animal Care Center, which offers routine exams, dental care, spays and neuters, and lab diagnostics to dogs and cats.
Courses include clinical applications for small and large animals; animal anatomy and physiology; parasitology and immunology; animal husbandry/breeds/nutrition; surgical nursing; and more. Johnson College graduates have a three-year, first-time VTNE pass rate of 63 percent (2016-2019), with candidates in 2018 boasting an impressive 95 percent first-time pass rate.
Lehigh Carbon Community College offers an associate of applied science (AAS) degree in veterinary technology. Courses include animal management and nutrition; an introduction to computers and applications; physiological chemistry; veterinary clinical laboratory techniques; veterinary parasitology; animal disease; and more.
In collaboration with Lehigh Carbon Community College, Northampton Community College in Bethlehem, PA, also offers an AAS degree in veterinary technology. Students at Northampton complete courses and labs there, while also taking part in clinical training at Lehigh’s veterinary technician barn, working with large and small animals. Lehigh and Northampton graduates boast a VTNE first-time pass rate of 91.4 percent (2016-2019).
Another option is offered through Lancaster County Career and Technology Center. Future vet techs will complete a 21-month, 74-credit associate degree program (AST) at the Willow Street campus. Courses include laboratory animals, avians, and exotics; large animal science; veterinary office management; emergency small animal; veterinary dentistry; veterinary nutrition; veterinary anesthesia/surgical nursing; and more. Clinical externship sites include veterinary offices, animal hospitals, and the Humane League of Lancaster County. Seventy percent of candidates from Lancaster County CTC passed the VTNE on their first try between 2016 and 2019.
Finally, the Pittsburgh Career Institute offers an associate in specialized technology (AST) degree in veterinary technology. The 88-credit program combines hands-on practice at their on-campus laboratory, x-ray, and surgical facilities, as well as at clinical instruction sites including agricultural farms, equine veterinary offices, animal shelters, animal hospitals, and clinics. Courses include hematology and urinalysis techniques; internal parasitology; breeds/preventative medicine; specialized nutrition; avian and exotic care; veterinary surgical nursing; and more. Between 2016 and 2019, PCI graduates experienced a first-time VTNE pass rate of 50 percent.
For information on distance-based vet tech programs, visit our online vet tech programs page
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