Vet Tech Schools In Massachusetts

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Becoming a Veterinary Technician in Massachusetts

If you are interested in becoming a veterinary technician, a good thing to know is that the state of Massachusetts does not require a license to be able to work.

Since veterinary technicians work under the supervision of a veterinarian, they can learn the job duties during the day, which some of them succeed in.

However, many veterinary technicians decide to continue their further education, focus on gaining new knowledge related to work in a veterinary clinic and get certified, thus improving their chances of finding a better job.

If you possess a high school diploma or GED equivalency, which is obligatory, you can take a look at the vocational schools and colleges’ websites and search for an accredited program to enroll in.

The Massachusetts Veterinary Technician Association determines the education requirements for a veterinary technician’s certification in Massachusetts and only the accredited programs make students eligible for licensure.

Educational Requirements for Veterinary Technicians in Massachusetts

The veterinary technology programs accredited by the AVMA in Massachusetts are:

• Becker College
• Holyoke Community College
• Massasoit Community College
• The University of Massachusetts-Amherst at Mount Ida campus
• North Shore Community College

Prerequisites to the program include having had a tetanus shot, a rabies immunization, and proof of medical insurance.

Education can be achieved online, as there are nine AVMA-accredited veterinary technician programs available.

A veterinary college or institution gives you the chance to choose between an Associate of Science (A.S.) in Veterinary Technology, an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Veterinary Technology which both take two years to complete or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Veterinary Technology which lasts four years.

The differences between the above-mentioned programs are that an A.A.S. in Veterinary Technology provides you with education which will make you immediately successful as a veterinary technician while an A.S. program offers you enough knowledge which has to be supplemented with continuing education and specialization.

The B.S. offers full education which makes you able to work not only in veterinary clinics but also in aquariums, vet schools, laboratories, wildlife preserves, and zoos.

The program curriculum includes both general courses and specialized courses as well.

The lessons are focused on animal health issues and how to deal with it.

Gaining experience is a compulsory part of your education and it can be achieved through internships.

The number of internships varies from program to program as an A.S. or A.A.S. program requires one to two internship assignments, but a B.S. program may include even six internship assignments.

Internship in Massachusetts can be done in:

• Massachusetts Veterinary Referral Hospital
• Bulger Animal Hospital
• Massachusetts Animal Medical Center

It is designed to get you involved in the real clinical setting and prepare you for your future work.

Many students who prove their abilities become employed after graduation in clinics where they finished their internship.

Veterinary Technician Examination and License

As you have decided to become licensed, you will need to fulfill some other requirements besides graduation from a post-secondary school.

What awaits you is the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) which is administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).

The price is $300 and you must forward your official transcript to the AAVSB which proves that you have finished an accredited Veterinary Technician program.

Then, you can register online at the AAVSB website.

An Authorization-to-Test letter (ATT) will be sent to you from the Professional Examination Service (PES) via Email.

Prometric Licensing and Examination Providers are in charge of the exam and they require you to bring government-issued ID when coming to the exam.

The VTNE Candidate Handbook is a very useful source to prepare for the examination as well as practice tests that can be found online.

To do the practice tests, you will need to pay $45 per attempt.

The VTNE exam takes 3 hours to complete and there are 170 questions, of which 20 are not counted in your score, as they are only pilot questions.

The VTNE questions are related to:

1. Animal Care and Nursing
2. Anesthesia
3. Laboratory Procedures
4. Pharmacy and Pharmacology
5. Surgical Nursing
6. Diagnostic Imaging
7. Pain Management/Analgesia
8. Dentistry
9. Emergency Medicine/Critical Care

You will immediately get the scores on the screen.

Massachusetts is one of the very few states that neither requires veterinary technicians to possess certification nor to pass any kind of education, but many young people are eager to achieve the proper knowledge before start working.

The Massachusetts Veterinary Technician Association (MVTA) is in charge of the licensure and to get it, you are supposed to:

• Complete the MVTA application form.
• Provide documentation of a passing score on the VTNE.
• Provide all official transcripts from your completed AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technician program.
• Pay a $50.00 fee.

The license is prone to renewal each year, by filling in a certification renewal form, finishing 12 hours of continuing education on seminars and online courses suggested by the MVTA and paying a $35.00 renewal fee.

Salaries for Massachusetts Veterinary Technicians

Vet techs working in Massachusetts can expect to command a competitive salary. The average annual pay for a vet tech in the state is $40,120, as compared to the national average of $32,570. Vet techs can earn as much as $54,590 on the high end of the pay scale. Veterinary assistants and animal caretakers earn less, with an average salary in Massachusetts of $32,280. These positions generally require less training and experience.

Requirements for Veterinary Technicians Working

There are no official licensing requirements for vet techs in the state, although the Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure does define the tasks a vet tech can do without direct or immediate supervision by a veterinarian. Although there is no licensing, it is essential that a vet tech be trained through a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). A hopeful vet tech should also take and pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) to demonstrate proficiency to future employers. Many employers will also want to see that a vet tech has been voluntarily certified through the Massachusetts Veterinary Technician Association.

Read on to discover the career outlook for vet techs in MA, as well as to learn about accredited programs and professional certification.

SCHOOL WEBSITE	MAIN ADDRESS	ONLINE PROGRAM	AVMA ACCREDITED
Becker College	61 Sever St, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01609-2165	No	Yes
Holyoke Community College	303 Homestead Ave, Holyoke, Massachusetts, 1040	No	Yes
Massasoit Community College	1 Massasoit Blvd., Canton, Massachusetts, 2302	No	Yes
Mount Wachusett Community College	444 Green Street, Gardner, Massachusetts, 01440	No	Yes
North Shore Community College	1 Ferncroft Rd, Danvers, Massachusetts, 01923-0840	No	Yes
University of Massachusetts- Amherst at Mount Ida campus	777 Dedham St, Newton, Massachusetts, 02459	No	Yes

AVMA-ACCREDITED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN PROGRAMS IN MASSACHUSETTS

For prospective vet techs in Massachusetts, there are six programs accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA), the predominant accrediting body for vet tech programs nationwide. Graduating from a CVTEA-accredited program is a prerequisite to credentialing in most states in the US.

Also, according to O*NET (2020)—a data organization and affiliate of the US Department of Labor—68 percent of its vet tech respondents nationwide held associate degrees, the most common entry point for this occupation.

Here is a breakdown of the six CVTEA-accredited vet tech programs in Massachusetts:

Becker College, of Worcester, offers an accredited associate of science (AS) degree in veterinary technology, a vet tech bachelor of science (BS) and a vet tech BS with a pre-veterinary minor. Its graduates have gone on to jobs not only in veterinary clinical settings, but also in public health organizations, zoos, and pharmaceutical companies.

Courses in the 64-credit AS program include anatomy and physiology of domestic animals; laboratory animal science; clinical pathology; farm animal skills; and more. Students complete practical experiences and an externship to gain hands-on experience.

The BS degree consists of 122 credits, and includes the courses for the AS degree as well as pathophysiology of disease; animals in society; clinical veterinary nutrition; and more. In addition students complete general education requirements, electives, and additional externship opportunities. The BS with a pre-veterinary minor is also 122 credits. Notably, 75 percent of the Becker program graduates passed the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) on their first attempt between 2016 and 2019.

Holyoke Community College also has a two-year, CVTEA-accredited AAS program to impart the fundamentals of the field such as how to handle animal patients, administer medications, collect and process laboratory samples, and carefully document records.

Holyoke expresses a wealth of objectives for their veterinary technician program graduates. In addition, they follow the code of ethics outlined by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), and veterinary students take an oath, promising to provide excellent care to animals, alleviate their suffering, and more.

Courses at Holyoke include veterinary practice management; anatomy and physiology of domestic animals; animal diseases; animal nursing; vet laboratory procedures; exotic pets; and veterinary radiology. Students complete two externships during the program. Holyoke graduates had a first-time pass rate on the VTNE of 75 percent between 2016 and 2019.

Massasoit Community College also offers a two-year AAS degree in veterinary technology at their Canton Campus. This program also requires attendance at an information session in order to apply. Prerequisites include intermediate algebra, preparing for college reading; introductory writing; and biological principles.

Students are trained in animal anatomy and physiology; patient assessment; proper handling and restraint; office procedures; veterinary parasitology; client service; surgery and anesthesia; and more. Because Massasoit recently gained accreditation, no VTNE first-time pass scores are available at this time for the program.

Mount Wachusett Community College offers a two-year associate degree in veterinary technology for prospective applicants seeking a highly selective program. Courses include animal diseases, veterinary radiology, anatomy and physiology of domestic animals, and even farm animal medicine.

Students also complete two 120-hour internship rotations where they can intern in emergency and specialty medicine, wildlife, farm animals, aquatic medicine, and even exotic species! This program is recently accredited, so VTNE first-time pass scores are not available yet.

North Shore Community College of Danvers offers a two-year associate of science (AAS) degree in veterinary technology with classes such as canine and feline behavior; medical terminology; veterinary parasitology; ethics and law for pet care professionals; math for business and finance; surgical nursing and anesthesia; theriogenology; and more.

Because the admission process is selective, all prospective students must attend an information session in which they will learn about the program and admission requirements as well as import application dates. A certificate of attendance will be administered upon completion of the information session which must be submitted with the application.

Notably, NSCC ensures all animals used at the institution are handled, treated, housed, cared for, and transported in humane and ethical ways through their Institution Animal Care and Use Committee which is guided by the Animal Welfare Act. North Shore boasts an 86 percent first-time passing rate on the VTNE among its graduates between 2015 and 2018.

The University of Massachusetts – Amherst (Mount Ida campus) is offering a new four-year bachelor of science (BS) program in veterinary technology. This rigorous program provides students with two years of intensive classroom and lab instruction at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, followed by two years at the dedicated veterinary technology facilities at the Mount Ida campus. Coursework includes large animal clinical nursing, veterinary microbiology, small animal anaesthesia and surgery, and even parasitology. This program was accredited in January 2020, so VTNE score rates are not yet available.

ONLINE VET TECH PROGRAMS

For some students with time or distance-based restrictions, attending an on-campus program can be difficult. Luckily there are currently several CVTEA-accredited online programs in veterinary technology. These programs typically involve a rigorous combination of online coursework and a clinical mentorship which can be completed close to a student’s home.

It’s important to note that Massachusetts has relatively strict regulations with respect to online education, and some programs acknowledge in “state authorization” disclosures that they’re unable to provide their program to MA-based students. Prospective students are encouraged to verify with program administrators that MA residents are eligible prior to applying.

One CVTEA-accredited online program is offered part-time through Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), which requires three visits to the Loudoun, VA campus per semester. In addition, there are some required training activities and off-campus field trips. This program—ideal for veterinary assistants working at least 20 hours weekly who want to advance their skills—includes general education classes and vet tech fundamentals such as animal diseases, clinical pathology, and wildlife medicine. Between 2016 and 2019, an impressive 83.3 percent of program graduates passed the VTNE on their first attempt.

Alternate Paths to Becoming a Veterinary Technician

Massachusetts allows several alternate paths to becoming a veterinary technician, but in all cases, the individual must have taken and passed the VTNE in order to be considered for certification.

Most of the methods listed below have strict record keeping and reporting requirements, so any individual considering using them should check with the MVTA to ensure that they qualify. By completing any one of the following methods, a candidate who has successfully passed the VTNE may become a certified veterinary technician.

• An associate degree in animal or biological sciences, coupled with at least three years of full-time employment as a veterinary technician.
• The individual must have a degree in an un-accredited veterinary technology program, with at least one year of full-time experience as a vet tech.
• The candidate must have been employed for at least five years as a full-time veterinary technician, and also have at least 18 semester hours of college credit in biological or animal sciences.
• The candidate must have been employed as a full time veterinary technician for at least eight years.

Vet Tech Colleges

Veterinary technician programs teach the skills necessary to work in the fast-growing field of veterinary tech. These programs introduce the fundamentals of nursing, anesthesia, pharmacology, surgery, and other veterinary functions. Students also learn important computer, IT, and interpersonal skills.

Most schools offer veterinary technician associate degrees, which take two years to complete. Learners complete hundreds of hours of clinical experience through internships and externships. Because many vet technician programs embrace online learning, students often pay relatively low tuition rates.

Online vet tech programs lead to positions as veterinary technologists and technicians. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), vet technologists and technicians earned a median salary of $35,320 in 2019. The BLS projects jobs for these professionals to grow by 16% between 2019 and 2029, which is much faster than average. With additional education, some vet techs find positions as veterinarians.

WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN PROGRAM?

Most veterinary technician programs lead to two-year associate degrees. During these programs, learners complete courses online and gain clinical experience onsite at veterinary practices, human societies, zoos, wildlife facilities, and research facilities.

Specifics vary by program, but most veterinary tech programs blend introductory veterinary coursework with business, mathematics, communications, and computer courses. For example, schools may require learners to finish college mathematics and information literacy courses before diving into more advanced vet tech courses like surgical nursing and radiography.

During their vet tech programs, students must complete at least one externship to learn practical skills. Programs usually include externships, which require at least 200 supervised clinical experience hours, in their required curricula. Vet tech program applicants must submit high school diplomas or GED certificates, and some programs require applicants to first complete prerequisite courses in biology and medical terminology.

By the end of their online vet tech programs, learners demonstrate verbal and written communication skills, computer literacy, and knowledge of pharmacology, nursing, and anesthesia techniques. Graduates meet the minimum requirements to work as veterinary technologists or technicians and, if required by the state, secure professional licensure.

BENEFITS OF PURSUING A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN CAREER

“HELPING ANIMALS, AND SOMETIMES SAVING THEIR LIVES, CAN BE INCREDIBLY REWARDING.”

Aside from entering a high-growth field, veterinary technicians get to work closely with animals and sometimes save their lives. Some benefits of pursuing a veterinary tech career include:

• HIGH JOB GROWTH RATEThe BLS projects jobs for veterinary technologists and technicians to grow by 16% between 2019 and 2029, much faster than the national average growth rate for all occupations.
• LEARN VALUABLE SKILLSVeterinary techs learn biology, nursing, anesthesia, surgical nursing, and radiography skills, along with professional skills like communication, information technology, and mathematics.
• WORK FLEXIBLE HOURSAnimal emergencies happen at any time, and veterinary techs often work odd hours. This could mean picking hours that fit around personal schedules.
• WORK WITH ANIMALSAnyone who loves animals could enjoy a career as a veterinary tech. These professionals work with dogs, cats, birds, fish, snakes, and other household and exotic pets.
• PERSONAL SATISFACTIONVeterinary technicians check up on animals and ensure they stay healthy. Helping animals, and sometimes saving their lives, can be incredibly rewarding.

HOW TO BECOME A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN

Prospective veterinary technicians should first earn a veterinary technician associate degree. Employers prefer candidates who hold at least an associate degree, and some states require veterinary technicians to complete a minimum level of education. The BLS recommends that current high school students who plan on becoming veterinary technicians should take biology courses in high school. This could satisfy prerequisite courses for associate programs.

While specifics vary by state, most veterinary techs must earn a license or certification. For example, states commonly require prospective veterinary techs to complete the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), a standardized exam offered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards. Eligibility requirements for the VTNE also vary by state.

While eligibility requirements for certification or licensure vary by state, most states require at least 250 supervised clinical hours to sit for the VTNE. Accredited veterinary tech programs usually require learners to complete these hours before graduating, ensuring graduates can immediately become certified or licensed.

According to the BLS, veterinary technicians and technologists earn an annual median wage of $35,320, though the top 10% of earners make more than $51,230 per year. Between 2019 and 2029, the BLS projects an added 18,300 veterinary tech positions to the U.S. economy. Professionals who want to increase their earning potential can continue their schooling and become veterinary technologists or veterinarians.

FINDING A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN PROGRAM

“FORTUNATELY, MANY ONLINE VET TECH PROGRAMS OFFER AFFORDABLE RATES, ESPECIALLY COMPARED TO ON-CAMPUS COUNTERPARTS.”

Learners interested in veterinary technician programs likely want an affordable degree with excellent career outcomes. Tuition rates greatly influence which programs students select. Fortunately, many online vet tech programs offer affordable rates, especially compared to on-campus counterparts. Prospective learners can also research financial aid opportunities, including scholarships, grants, and paid internships.

Program length also plays an important role in choosing a school. Most associate degrees take full-time enrollees two years to complete. However, year-round learners, online courses, and accelerated programs all lead to faster program competition times. Finishing the vet tech degree faster could cut total tuition costs while letting graduates begin their new career even sooner.

Learners who select an online vet tech program should consider faculty, course structure, and in-person requirements. Faculty sometimes teach both onsite and online courses, meaning online students receive the same quality education.

Course structure, specifically synchronous or asynchronous courses, influences students’ flexibility within the program. Synchronous courses set a rigid schedule while asynchronous courses let students complete courses at their own pace. Finally, all vet tech programs require at least some in-person clinical experience, but schools may organize on-campus immersions.

ACCREDITATION FOR A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN PROGRAM

When researching online vet tech programs, prospective students should pay special attention to accreditation. Accreditation verifies the academic quality of a school or program. To find organizations that extend accreditation, consult the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, one of the main bodies that approve accrediting organizations.

Community colleges, universities, and colleges receive either national or regional accreditation. While both demonstrate academic quality, the best schools receive regional accreditation. Learners should only consider schools with regional accreditation as employers and other schools may not accept applicants with a degree from a nationally accredited school.

After ensuring the school received regional accreditation, applicants should look for programmatic accreditation. For veterinary technician programs, look for accreditation from organizations like the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Organizations like the AVMA ensure that vet tech programs meet industry standards, improving graduates’ chances of finding a good position after graduation.

COURSES IN A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN PROGRAM

Curricula for veterinary technician programs begin with important foundational courses, gradually moving on to advanced topics. Foundational courses cover subjects like mathematics and English, and teach critical skills for day-to-day veterinary technician tasks. Advanced courses cover topics such as biology and nursing, and build off the foundational courses. Learners gain the knowledge necessary to become certified.

Some programs might allow for specialized elective courses that focus on a specific animal or technique. However, most vet tech degrees only cover topics required for licensure. While specific course requirements and subject matter vary by program, many vet tech degrees require the following courses. Small Animal Husbandry and Restraint

Usually offered early on in vet tech programs, this course teaches the basics of housing and providing care to small animals. The course also includes methods of safely handling and treating small animals, particularly cats and dogs. Students must learn to work with small animals before beginning an externship and earning clinical experience. Animal Anatomy and Physiology College Mathematics Radiography for Veterinary Technicians Surgical Nursing for Veterinary Technicians

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSURE FOR VETERINARY TECHNICIANS

While requirements vary by state, most veterinary technicians must earn professional certification. Many states use the Veterinary Technician National Exam, a standardized test offered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). If students prefer to work in a similar role, such as veterinary assistant or veterinarian, they must earn additional certifications.

VETERINARY TECHNICIAN NATIONAL EXAM

This test is required to work as a vet tech in most states. The exam evaluates the competency of test-takers. To sit for the exam, individuals must first complete an approved vet tech program, including accredited vet tech associate degrees. AAVSB only offers this exam three times per year.

APPROVED VETERINARY ASSISTANT EXAM

Those who plan on becoming veterinary assistants must pass this exam. Offered by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), the exam recognizes an individual’s ability to work as an approved veterinary assistant across the United States. To become eligible, learners must complete a NAVTA-approved veterinary assistant program.

VETERINARY CERTIFICATION

Offered by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, this certification qualifies individuals to work as veterinarians. Test-takers also select a specialty when applying, demonstrating their expertise with a specific breed or type of animal. To qualify for the certification, students must finish an approved veterinarian program.

QUESTION	ANSWER
How do you become a veterinary technician?	Veterinary technicians must complete at least an associate degree, earn satisfactory clinical experience, and pass a certification or licensing exam.
What is the role of a veterinary technician?	Veterinary technicians perform various tests to diagnose ailments to animals. Tasks including observing animals, administering anesthesia, and providing emergency care.
Do vet techs make good money?	According to the BLS, vet techs earn about $17 per hour. However, specific pay rates vary by state, experience, and industry.
How much does a veterinarian technician make a year?	Veterinary techs earn a median annual salary of $35,320, according to the BLS However, the top 10% of earners make more than $51,230.

 VETERINARY TECHNICIAN PROGRAMS

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1	Purdue UniversityWEST LAFAYETTE, IN	Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN, offers on-campus vet tech programs that include hands-on experience working with animals. The programs include a bachelor of science degree, an associate of applied science degree, and a bachelor of science completion option. These degree paths take between three and four years to complete. A maximum of 30 students are admitted to the vet tech program each year.For those who prefer to take classes online, Purdue’s veterinary technology distance learning program offers an associate of applied science degree. The curriculum consists of 27 didactic courses and 18 clinical mentorships. It is designed to be taken part-time over a period of three years. Most students who take this program are already working for a veterinarian and plan to continue this career path.	VISIT SITE
2	University of New HampshireDURHAM, NH	University of New Hampshire, located in Durham, offers an associate of applied science degree in veterinary technology. The program provides students with hands-on experience working with animals in shelters and at a low-cost vaccination clinic off campus, and a full-service veterinary clinic on-campus. Students have opportunities to work with large animals on campus. Applicants must have passed college-preparatory math, biology, and chemistry classes. Prior experience working with animals in a professional setting is recommended.	VISIT SITE
3	SUNY College of Technology at AlfredALFRED, NY	SUNY College of Technology, located in Alfred, NY, offers a two-year vet tech program. Graduates earn an associate of applied science degree in veterinary technology and are prepared for licensure exams. A 240-hour preceptorship is also required for graduation, which can be completed by working part-time at an appropriate veterinary facility.	VISIT SITE
4	SUNY College of Technology at DelhiDELHI, NY	SUNY College of Technology, located in Delhi, NY, offers an associate of applied science degree in veterinary science technology. The program offers facilities for hands-on education with companion, lab, and farm animals. The large complex houses livestock, including horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and chickens. Students receive on-the-job training during required preceptorships. Special educational opportunities include working with shelter animals, raising “Guiding Eyes for the Blind” puppies on campus, special electives, and a wildlife management study abroad program in South Africa.	VISIT SITE
5	Johnson CollegeSCRANTON, PA	Johnson College, located in Scranton, PA, has an associate of science degree in veterinary technology that prepares students for work as entry-level technicians. Second-year students gain hands-on experience by completing clinical rotations in the on-campus pet wellness center. The program consists 69 credit hours taken during a two-year period.	VISIT SITE
6	Northwestern State University of LouisianaNATCHITOCHES, LA	Northwestern State, located in Natchitoches, offers an associate degree in veterinary technology. The program consists of 81 credit hours which are taken over three years. An veterinary internship provides real-world experience.	VISIT SITE
7	Vermont Technical CollegeRANDOLPH, VT	Vermont Technical College, located in Randolph Center, offers a two-year veterinary technology program. The faculty includes two full-time veterinarians and a certified veterinary technician. Students receive hands-on experience working with animals. The facility on the main campus gives students the chance to work with various companion animals, sheep, chickens, and rabbits. The college farm provides opportunities to work with dairy cattle and horses.	VISIT SITE
8	Ogeechee Technical CollegeSTATESBORO, GA	Ogeechee Technical College in Statesboro, Georgia, offers a veterinary technology associate of applied science degree. Students must earn at least 80 credit hours and complete a minimum of 1,995 contact hours. This program can be completed in six semesters. The vet tech internship requires a minimum of 540 hours in a supervised clinical setting, with students receiving hands-on experience performing the functions of an actual tech.	VISIT SITE
9	Northeast Community CollegeNORFOLK, NE	Northeast Community College in Norfolk, Nebraska, offers an associate of applied science degree in veterinary technology. This program requires students to earn at least 77 credit hours, including an internship in a veterinary clinic during the last semester. Applicants must complete 50 hours of observation with a licensed veterinary technician.	VISIT SITE
10	SUNY College of Technology at CantonCANTON, NY	SUNY College of Technology in Canton, New York, blends classroom instruction with practical, hands-on experience. Graduates earn an associate of applied science degree in veterinary science technology. The degree requires 66 credit hours and is taken over a two-year period, but students have up to four years to complete the degree. Students work with animals in small laboratory sections that include an average of about 20 students each. In the final year of the program, each student must complete two 120-hour preceptorships in a facility such as a veterinary hospital, animal shelter, animal research facility, or zoo.	VISIT SITE
11	Medaille CollegeBUFFALO, NY	Medaille College in Rochester, New York, offers an associate of applied science degree in veterinary technology that can be earned either on campus or through an online program. The on-campus program includes hands-on training and consists of 70 credit hours taken over two and a half years. Students meet one evening per week from 6:00-10:00 p.m. in order to accommodate students who are working full-time. The online program consists of 70 credit hours taken over two years. The in-person program is AVMA-accredited, and Medaille College has applied for AVMA accreditation for the online program.	VISIT SITE
12	Central Carolina Community CollegeSANFORD, NC	Central Carolina Community College, located in Sanford, North Carolina, offers a program which consists of 71 credit hours. The program takes five semesters to complete and leads to an associate in applied science degree in veterinary medical technology. The program gives students access to a diverse selection of animals, including a large dog and cat ward and other large animals. Students receive hands-on experience and view demonstrations of various techniques. Classes are held on campus during weekdays. Some classes may be taken online, but the majority must be attended in person.	VISIT SITE
13	Morehead State UniversityMOREHEAD, KY	MSU, located in Morehead, KY, offers an associate of applied science in veterinary technology. The six-semester program consists of 62 credit hours. Applicants must have completed a minimum of 120 hours of supervised work or volunteer experience in a professional veterinary setting. A written recommendation from the supervising veterinarian also is required. Enrollment is limited to 40 students per year.	VISIT SITE
14	Gaston CollegeDALLAS, NC	Gaston College offers an associate of applied science degree in veterinary medical technology. The program consists of 73 credit hours which are taken over six semesters. Classes are held during weekdays, generally running from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Beginning in the third semester, students must complete daily kennel duty and animal care duty. Some courses are available at night, but all veterinary classes are held during the day.	VISIT SITE
15	Nebraska College of Technical AgricultureCURTIS, NE	Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, located in Curtis, offers an an associate of applied science degree in veterinary technology systems. Students will gain hands-on experience working with a wide variety of animals, and can learn more by completing internships, working in laboratories, or traveling with the NCTA Safari Club.	VISIT SITE
16	Lincoln Memorial UniversityHARROGATE, TN	Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee, offers an associate of science degree in veterinary medical technology. The program can be completed in two years with a curriculum that consists of 73 credit hours, or completed in three years which takes 78-80 credit hours. Applicants must complete 20 hours of observation in a veterinary facility before applying and submit confidential evaluator forms from two separate sources. The program emphasizes hands-on experience with animals, preventative medicine, and community service.	VISIT SITE
17	Bellingham Technical CollegeBELLINGHAM, WA	Bellingham Technical College, located in Bellingham, Washington, offers a vet tech program which leads to an associate of applied science degree. The program consists of 155 credit hours, spanning the pre-program and six quarters. Students receive hands-on training, which prepares them for their career as a vet tech, and 97% of learners who complete the program are employed within nine months of graduation.	VISIT SITE
18	Shawnee Community CollegeULLIN, IL	Shawnee Community College, located in Ullin, Illinois, offers an associate of science degree in veterinary technology. The two-year program consists of 67-68 credit hours. Applicants must complete 30 hours of supervised veterinary clinical observation or employment before admission. The program is offered through the Southern Illinois Collegiate Common Market (SICCM). This allows students from several colleges across southern Illinois to take general education courses on their own campuses and veterinary courses together in a central classroom on the SICCM campus in Herrin, IL.	VISIT SITE
19	Southeastern Illinois CollegeHARRISBURG, IL	Southeastern Illinois College in Harrisburg, IL, offers an associate of science degree in veterinary technology. The two-year program consists of 68 credit hours. The program is offered through the Southern Illinois Collegiate Common Market (SICCM), which allows students from several colleges across southern Illinois to take general education courses on their own campuses and veterinary courses at a central classroom on the SICCM campus in Herrin, IL.	VISIT SITE
20	Colby Community CollegeCOLBY, KS	Colby Community College, located in Colby, Kansas, offers an associate of applied science degree in veterinary technology, available either on campus or online. Both options consist of 82 credit hours. On-campus students can complete the program in two years. Online students have the option of either a part-time or full-time course load, which takes four years and two years respectively. On-campus students receive hands-on training with various animals and have access to large animals on the 60-acre farm located east of Colby.	VISIT SITE
21	Southern Regional Technical CollegeTHOMASVILLE, GA	Southern Regional Technical College in Thomasville, Georgia, offers an associate of applied science degree in veterinary technology. The six-semester program consists of 81 credit hours, including a clinical internship in the final semester. Students receive hands-on training with cats and dogs. They also learn how to identify the parasites most commonly found in small animals, how to perform x-rays, and how to perform an intravenous catheterization on cats and dogs.	VISIT SITE
22	Ridgewater CollegeBRIDGEWATER, VA	Ridgewater College in Willmar, Minnesota, offers an associate of applied science degree in veterinary technology. The program consists of 75 credit hours. It is designed to be completed in about two years, but a student may take three or more years if they are simultaneously working more than 20 hours per week. Classes start each fall, with approximately 60 students in each class. These classes are divided into lab groups, containing no more than 16 students per lab, and each lab has a veterinarian instructor and a certified veterinary technician laboratory assistant. The small student-to-instructor ratio guarantees each student will receive personal attention.	VISIT SITE
23	Becker CollegeWORCESTER, MA	Becker College in Worcester, Massachusetts, offers an associate of science degree in veterinary technology. The program lasts two years and consists of 64 credit hours. Students receive classroom instruction and gain hands-on experience at Becker’s Lenfest Animal Center, which features a busy veterinary clinic. Additional learning opportunities include field trips to shelters and large animal facilities, and an externship experience in an approved veterinary practice or facility.	VISIT SITE
24	Northern Virginia Community CollegeANNANDALE, VA	Northern Virginia Community College, located in Sterling, offers an associate of applied science degree in veterinary technology. A full-time program is available for on-campus students, which is designed to last two years. A part-time, online course is available as well for students who work as a veterinary assistant at an approved practice site for an average of at least 20 hours per week. The online program takes three years to complete.	VISIT SITE
25	Athens Technical CollegeATHENS, GA	Athens Technical College in Athens, Georgia, offers an associate of applied science degree in veterinary technology. Students must complete a minimum of 80 credit hours to earn this degree. The program is designed to allow graduates to obtain entry-level employment as a vet tech working with any type of animal. It is recommended that applicants have previous experience, either volunteer or paid, working in a veterinary hospital or other animal care facility under the supervision of a veterinarian.