collageIf you’ve ever considered becoming an online vet tech, do you know what it will take? Not just studying online, but also paying for your education. This can be stressful for some people as they worry about how they’re going to pay for their vet tech schooling. If you’re having this issue, fortunately, there are a number of schools that accept financial aid!
“Vet tech school”…three words that strike fear in the hearts of students and parents across the country. Online vet tech schools that accept financial aid can cost just as much or more than traditional vet tech programs. No one wants to take out student loans and add to their already overwhelming debt load, which is why it’s important to educate yourself on what programs and grants you qualify for.
If you are considering online vet tech programs in Florida or seeking the best online veterinary schools, look no further. Vet Tech is the speciality field in the healthcare career that requires specialized training in animal health care, with a focus on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of injuries and illnesses. A person in this field can earn either a certificate or associate’s degree in vet tech through accredited colleges.
What’s more? In the article below, you will discover the most up to date information on Penn foster vet tech, vet tech schools near me, vet tech programs & Ashworth college veterinary assistant. So, all you have to do is read on to know more.
affordable vet tech programs
With more and more schools offering vet tech programs online, finding the right one can take time and research. Students must first decide whether they want to complete a diploma, certificate, or degree, as this will dictate their options in the future if they want to receive additional training. It can also dictate their salary.
They also need to review subject matter, accreditation, and the program’s ability to prepare students for the credentialing exam. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, students need to review financial aid support. Schools going above and beyond to help learners finance their educations often provide a breakdown of funding options, a list of scholarships, and knowledgeable financial aid staff who can guide them through the process. See which of today’s online vet tech schools offer top-notch financial aid support to their students.
CareerStep
PROGRAM: VETERINARY ASSISTANT
Become a Veterinary Assistant with just 1 month of full-time training or 3 months of part-time training! CareerStep’s focus on flexibility allows you to work at your own pace, create your own schedule, and study almost exclusively online. Are you ready to turn your passion for animals into a rewarding career? Get started today.Sponsored
ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGE
St. Petersburg College in Florida offers an associate of science degree in veterinary nursing for aspiring vet techs. This online and campus-based program prepares graduates to sit the national certification exam and allows them to complete clinical practicums at an approved location near where they live. The program also receives accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association through the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities.
The curriculum covers important topics in the field, including animal anatomy, veterinary office procedures, animal anesthesia, avian and exotic pet medicine, and large animal diseases. Students complete a number of labs and clinicals to help them gain more hands-on skills. Before starting on major coursework, students must complete at least 18 of the 22 required general education courses. The school also requires that all applicants spend at least 40 hours working or volunteering at a veterinary hospital to meet clinical observation requirements and 20 hours per week while they are enrolled. Applicants must also fill out forms on veterinary hospital observation and discussion in order to receive consideration. The department provides six scholarships specifically for vet techs along with a robust financial aid department.
CEDAR VALLEY COLLEGE
Cedar Valley College, a member of the Dallas County Community College District, serves students in Texas and beyond with an online veterinary technology distance education program. This associate of applied science requires 60 credits in total that span both general education and vet tech courses. Some of the topics learners can expect to take include veterinary pharmacology, equine clinical management, veterinary parasitology, anesthesia and surgical assistance, and large animal assisting techniques. CVC’s program receives accreditation via the American Veterinary Medical Association and prepares learners for state and national exams that allow for credentialing. The school maintains a 73% pass rate for the veterinary technician national examination for first-time test takers.
In-district learners pay $1,770 per semester when taking 15 credits, while those considered out-of-district pay $3,330 for the same amount. When totaling the number of credits required, this means, local students pay $7,080 and non-resident learners pay $13,320. Degree seekers should also consider costs related to books and supplies, health insurance, room and board, transportation, and any other miscellaneous personal expenses. Fortunately, the school provides a number of institutional scholarships as well as links to outside scholarships and grants that might help cover their costs.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
The University of Missouri’s Mizzou Online provides a veterinary biomedical technology program as a certificate to meet varied student needs. The certificate requires 15 credits and is estimated to cost $6,562.35, inclusive of tuition and fees. Learners may need to pay additionally for books and supplies. All courses are made available fully online to ensure no student needs to visit campus. They are also taught asynchronously so individuals who want to continue working can do so while enrolled. Applicants must hold either an associate’s degree or have taken prerequisite courses designated by UM before being cleared for enrollment.
Some of the topics covered in this program include veterinary medical terminology, animal sanitation and disease prevention, specialty careers for veterinary technicians, clinical veterinary neurology, and fundamentals of small animal emergency and critical care. The College of Veterinary Medicine receives full accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education. The department offers several academic scholarships to help offset costs and provides helpful financial aid tools such as a list of outside scholarships, a cost calculator, and access to financial aid officers who can provide tailored information to prospective learners.
Featured Programs
Penn Foster College
PROGRAM: VETERINARY TECHNICIAN ASSOCIATE DEGREE
Our AVMA-CVTEA fully accredited Veterinary Technician training program can help you gain the skills to take the first steps towards an exciting new career in the booming field of veterinary technology. In our online veterinary technician school, you’ll study a wide range of topics and gain real-world vet technician experience during the clinical externship portions of the program. Plus, our online courses allow you to earn your associate degree and prepare for the VTNE exam at home or on the go, and study on your schedule.
Ashworth College
PROGRAM: VETERINARY TECHNICIAN
Earn your AVMA CVTEA accredited associate degree through our flexible, affordable, and career-focused vet tech program online. The program includes 270 hours of clinical experience, giving you hands-on practice working with animals while you do your coursework online. Upon graduating with your Veterinary Technician Associate Degree, you will be eligible to pursue professional credentialing/testing or licensure and ready to reach your potential in the booming pet care industry.Sponsored
Scholarships & Grants for Vet Tech Students
As the cost of higher education rises, many students look to scholarships to help ease their financial burden. Fortunately, options can be found from colleges, professional organizations, foundations, and regional groups. Award amounts vary, with some renewing each year and others only existing as a one-time installment. Check out the list of 20 scholarships that vet tech students can apply to, but also complete additional research to find more options.
Adrianna Andreini Scholarship
Awarded by the American Quarter Horse Association, these $8,750 scholarships exist for AQHA members in at least their second year of college.
Alabama Veterinary Technician Association Scholarship
Full-time online vet tech students residing in Alabama who maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA and can submit an essay are eligible for this $1,000 award. Applications are due in October.
Alice Villalobus Student Essay Contest
The Society for Veterinary Medical Ethics provides an award of up to $2,000 to vet tech students who write an essay about economic euthanasia. Applications are due in December.
Dr. Jack Walther Leadership Award
This $1,000 award exists for vet tech students who can attend the Western Vet Conference annual meeting. Winners also receive transportation, lodging, and a stipend to attend the conference. Applications are due October 31.
International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories
IAPCC offers a $1,000 scholarship to vet tech students who write an essay on the topic of compassionate aftercare. Applications are due June 1.
John D. Spurling Scholarship
The AKC Humane Fund provides $2,000 scholarships to full-time vet tech students with an interest in working with dogs. The application deadline varies.
Kelly Stadler Animal Lovers Memorial Scholarship
Associate and bachelor’s level vet tech students enrolled at St. Petersburg College can apply for this $750 scholarship by submitting an essay on why they want to pursue these studies. Scholarship applications are due with institutional applications.
Laurie Page-Peck Scholarship
The Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians offers an award of $1,500 to vet tech students who want to work in zoos. Applicants must write a scientific paper than can be presented at the group’s annual conference and submit it by March 1.
Maine Veterinary Education Foundation Scholarship
The Maine Veterinary Medical Association offers awards of varied amounts to students in their second year of vet tech studies. Students must complete an online application by October 31.
Mollie Jean Mahowald Award
Vet tech students from Minnesota can take advantage of this $1,000 award from the Minnesota Association of Veterinary Technicians if they hold a GPA of 3.5, are classified as a junior or above, and write a 500-word essay. Applications are due December 31.
National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America Scholarship
NAVTA provides $1,000 scholarships to member students enrolled full-time in an accredited veterinary tech program. Application deadlines vary.
Oxbow Animal Health Scholarship
This $500 award exists for vet techs enrolled on a full-time basis who can write a 500-word essay on why they want to work with exotic animals. Applications are due March 2.
Pre-Veterinary and General Animal Husbandry Education Scholarships
Golden Meadows provides $1,000 scholarships to students attending accredited programs who can write a 1,000-word essay on one of the advertised topics. Applications are due December 31.
Pride Veterinary Medicine Community Scholarship
PVMC offers $500 scholarships to vet tech students who either identify as LGBTQ or as an ally. Students must supply a personal biography and a report on how they plan to use the funds. Applications are due December 1.
University of Missouri Scholarship
The online veterinary biomedical technology provides awards of varied amounts to students who graduated in the top 10% of their class and achieved an ACT score of 27 or higher. Students are automatically considered when they submit their application.
Veterinary Technician Scholarship
Students with a GPA of 2.75 who are enrolled full-time and can write an essay on the most important characteristics of being a vet tech can apply for this award if they attend Truckee Meadows Community College. Applications are due September 7.
Vet Partners Scholarship
Part- and full-time vet tech students enrolled at Harcum College can apply for this award if they are about to begin practicum requirements, maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA, and are employed by a partner veterinary practice. Applications are due September 17.
Vet Tech Scholarship
The New Hampshire Veterinary Technician Association provides $1,000 scholarships to full-time vet tech students who are permanent residents of New Hampshire. Applications are due December 31.
Walkin’ Pets Scholarship
This $1,000 award is given to vet techs committed to working with aging, injured, or disabled pets. Applications are due July 31.
Wisconsin Veterinary Technician Association Scholarship
Students living in Wisconsin who are enrolled in a full-time, accredited program can apply for this $500 award, provided they can demonstrate leadership and involvement in extracurricular activities. Applications are due in April.
Other Ways to Fund Your Vet Tech Education
While financial aid offers a great option for securing vital funding, students should remember that several other forms exist to help them pay for college. Learners should review the following section to get a better sense of where all they can look when completing this part of the process.
Private student loans: Students can apply for private loans through online lenders, credit unions, and banks. They should seek an options with the lowest fixed interest rate. Most learners seek these after they have exhausted other lending options yet still need more funding.
Installment payment plans: Rather than requiring a full payment at the beginning of the program, some schools provide payment plans to offset costs. At Penn Foster College, for example, students can make payments as low as $59 per month until they cover the full $1,597 cost of the program.
State-based financial aid: Some state governments and local organizations offer scholarships to individuals living and/or studying in that particular area. Our scholarship section highlights several state-based nonprofits, but learners should research options in their state to find out what’s available
Federal financial aid: Federal financial aid options include loans, work-study programs, and grants that help students achieve their academic goals. The following section takes a look at the various ways students can request funding from the federal government and what their repayment options for loans looks like.
Can Vet Tech Students Qualify for Federal Financial Aid?
Students can take advantage of federal grants, work-study programs, and loans, but they must first fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA must be filled out annually to requalify for federal financial aid, with applications opening October 1 of each year. Funds are disbursed on a rolling basis, so learners should get theirs in as soon as possible for the best chance of receiving assistance. Many schools use information provided on the FAFSA to award programmatic and institutional grants, so it is well worth it to complete this step in the process. Specific federal financial aid options include:
Stafford loans: These loans exist for undergraduate students and lending amounts must be determined by the school, but cannot exceed $5,500. Interest rates currently sit at 5.05% but because this loan is subsidized, students enrolled on at least a part-time basis can avoid interest accrual while in school.
PLUS loans: PLUS loans can be taken out by the parents of dependent undergraduate students. These loans are charged at a 7.6% interest rate. The maximum amount available is the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid received. The PLUS loan is not subsidized, meaning interest accrues while the student is enrolled.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants: FSEOG grants exist for students demonstrating exceptional financial need who attend a participating institution. Applicants receive between $100 and $4,000 annually based on need, application date, amount of other aid available, and available of funds at the school.
Federal Pell Grants: These awards, which do not have to be repaid, exist for students demonstrating exceptional financial need who have not previously completed a degree. Applicants can receive up to $6,095 annually, although the exact figure is calculated based on expected family contribution, cost, and status as a full- or part-time learner.
To learn more about maximizing your possibilities for gaining financial support for your higher education, check out our in-depth guide to financial aid for medical support and healthcare students.
Additional Financial Aid Resources for Vet Tech Students
In addition to the financial aid resources highlighted throughout this guide, several more exist. Check out the links below to get a fuller sense of funding available to you and how to avoid paying the sticker price for your vet tech education.
Fastweb. Students looking for help finding vet tech scholarships, internships, and career advice can find all this and more at Fastweb.
Federal Student Aid: This U.S. Department of Education website provides detailed information on all federal funding options.
FinAid. This comprehensive website offers tips, advice, and resources on every topic related to financial aid.
How to Ask Your Employer to Pay for Your Degree: Coursera provides helpful information for students already working at a vet clinic who want to seek funding from their employer.
Student Loan Hero: This one-stop-shop for all things loans provides concrete and helpful information.
online vet tech programs florida
Ashworth College
Veterinary Technology Distance Education Program
5051 Peachtree Corners Circle, Suite 200
Norcross, GA 30092
800-957-5412
Megan Chadwick, CVT Director
Associate of Applied Science
Initial Accreditation: August 29, 2018; Next Evaluation: 2023
INITIAL ACCREDITATION
Dallas College
Veterinary Technology Distance Education Program
3030 N. Dallas Ave.
Lancaster, TX 75134
972-860-8267
Associate in Applied Science
Kelly Alan Black, DVM Director
Initial Accreditation-September, 2001
FULL ACCREDITATION
Colby Community College
Veterinary Technology Distance Learning Program
1255 S. Range Ave
Colby, KS 67701
785-462-3984
Jennifer Martin, DVM, Director
Associate of Applied Science
Initial Accreditation: September 12, 2014; Next Evaluation: 2019
INITIAL ACCREDITATION
Jefferson State Community College
Veterinary Technology Distance Education Program
2601 Carson Road
Birmingham, AL 35215-3098
205-856-8519
Jodi Turner Bloch, DVM Director
Associate in Applied Science
Initial Accreditation-March 16, 2007
FULL ACCREDITATION
Medaille College-Online
Veterinary Technology Program
18 Agassiz Circle
Buffalo, NY 14214
800-292-1582
Renee Bugenhagen, DVM Director
Associate of Applied Science
Initial Accreditation: August 10, 2018; Next Evaluation: 2023
INITIAL ACCREDITATION
Northern Virginia Community College
1000 Harry Flood Byrd Hwy.
Sterling, VA 20164-8699
703-450-2525
Associate in Applied Science
Mary Aller, DVM Director
Initial Accreditation-February 20, 2004
FULL ACCREDITATION
Penn Foster College
Veterinary Technician Distance Education Program
14300 N. Northsight Blvd, Suite 125
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
800-275-4410
Megan Leonard, CVT Director
Associate in Science
Bachelor of Applied Science
Initial Accreditation January 5, 2006; Next Evaluation: 2021
FULL ACCREDITATION
Purdue University
School of Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary Nursing Distance Education Program
West Lafayette, IN 47907
765-496-6579
Associate of Applied Science
Chad Brown, DVM Director
Initial Accreditation-July 31, 2002
PROBATIONARY ACCREDITATION
St. Petersburg College
Veterinary Nursing Distance Education Program
12376 Ulmerton Road
Largo, FL 33774
727-341-3652
Tricia Gorham, CVT Director
Associate in Science
Initial Accreditation-November, 1995
Bachelor of Applied Science
Initial Accreditation-April, 2005
FULL ACCREDITATION
San Juan College
Veterinary Technology Distance Education Program
4601 College Blvd.
Farmington, NM 87402
505-566-3182
David Wright, DVM Director
Associate of Applied Science
Initial Accreditation-November 8, 2006
FULL ACCREDITATION
best online vet assistant programs
Get ready for the first step towards a career as a veterinary technician by checking out the different programs available for this growing profession online. Consider the emphasis of the program you want, in addition to cost and schedule.
1. Penn Foster College – Associate of Science in Veterinary Technician
- Low tuition price below $100 per credit hour; Penn Foster College also offers payment plans with no interest.
- Award-winning faculty and a strong vet tech student community
- Interactive coursework
- Clinical externships can be completed with one of the national veterinary hospital partners
- Courses include live webinars and asynchronous course elements and are mobile-friendly
- Up to 75% of credits toward the degree may transfer from other institutions
- Can be completed in four semesters
- Prepares students to take the VTNE
2. San Juan College – Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology
- Accredited by the AVMA
- Multiple start dates—fall, spring or summer
- Specialized vet tech courses last 12 weeks each
- 100% asynchronous online program designed for working professionals
- Hands-on labs designed to be performed at a veterinary clinic in student’s area
- Students work with both a companion animal site and a Food and Farm Animal site
- Fast-track labs for large animal skills on-site in Waco, Texas or another off-campus clinical instruction site
- One to four courses per semester
- Full-time students can complete the program in two years and then sit for the VTNE or similar state exams
- Open to international students
- Prior relevant work experience or college credit may be transfer credits or allow students to test out of some courses
3. Purdue University – Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology
- Part-time program that can be completed in three to five years
- “Veterinary nursing program” is a term that accurately represents the rigorous science-based curriculum and job duties of this profession
- Students may already work in veterinary practice
- Students are responsible for securing their own mentorship sites
- Online veterinary science degree graduates have a 90% pass rate on the VTNE
- Open to international students
- All students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residence
- Hands-on skills practiced with a mentor in the student’s area; Purdue holds on-campus workshops for students seeking large animal experience
4. St. Petersburg College – Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology
- Accredited by the AVMA and the American Animal Hospital Association
- Training includes radiology, nursing, dentistry, anesthesia, surgical preparation, and clinical laboratory tests
- Students must complete 18 or 22 credits of the general education requirements and have worked or volunteered at least 40 hours in an animal hospital before applying to the online animal science associate’s degree
- Coursework is completely online; students complete the clinical practicum with a mentor in their area
- Most learning is asynchronous
- Students must spend at least 20 hours per week in a veterinary clinic
- Florida residents pay less than a third of the tuition charged out-of-state students; there is the possibility to combine on-campus and online learning to fit the schedule needs of area students
5. Colby Community College – Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology
- The convenience of distance learning can be combined with weekend on-campus mentorships for specialized subjects
- All coursework can be completed online asynchronously with practicums in student’s residential area
- On-campus weekend mentorships for large animals, laboratory/exotic animals, and microbiology
- Online students required to work with veterinary hospitals in their area to cover hands-on skills
- Can be completed in three years part-time or two years full-time
- Tuition is very affordable, especially for Kansas residents, but tuition for out-of-state and international students is also very low
- Courses are offered three semesters per year, though not all courses are offered every semester
6. Barton County Community College – Associate of Science in Veterinary Medicine
- Cost per credit hour is very low for all students regardless of residency
- Transfer credits are allowed but must be verified by transcript
- The online animal science associate’s degree program is a total of 64 credit hours and begins with a number of general education requirements, including foundation studies, humanities, social and natural sciences, and mathematics
- Required courses for the Veterinary Medicine emphasis are chemistry, physics, and zoology; there are elective options in anatomy and physiology, statistics, and organic chemistry
- Flexible scheduling allows for shorter or longer course terms, from four-week intersession courses up to sixteen-week full semester classes
- Free online tutoring is available through this military-friendly school
- Practicum requirements, field work, internships, and clinical experiences
7. Allen County Community College – Associate of Science in Pre-Veterinary Medicine
- Tuition well under $100 per credit hour
- Credit for prior learning or military experience is available after completing 12 credit hours of work
- The recommended sequence of courses allows students to complete the program in as little as four semesters
- Specialty courses for the veterinary technician program include animal science and industry, fundamentals of animal nutrition, and agricultural economics
- Transfer agreements with public universities in Kansas for further education
- Open to international students and out-of-state students with the same incredibly low tuition costs
- Writing center for individual tutoring, math tutors, access to the online library, and technical assistance
st petersburg college vet tech
St Petersburg College Veterinary Technology Program offers dog and cat adoptions to veterans through its partnership with Pets for Patriots, and will help them find their new best friends.
The college holds the prestigious AAHA accreditation, certifying that it meets the highest standards of veterinary diagnostics and medical care. Animals in their care have been rescued from Pinellas County Animal Services. They stay at the college for several weeks prior to being made available for adoption.
No experimental or unnecessary procedures are ever performed on the animals. During their stay, the dogs are clicker trained by animal behavior students.
Pets available for adoption through St Petersburg College Veterinary Technology Program are networked through the group’s Facebook page and at offsite adoption events.
collage