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Veterinary Technician Schools in Kentucky + Licensing & Salary Info.

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VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SCHOOLS IN KENTUCKY

In the Bluegrass State, thereโ€™s much work to be done in the realm of animal welfare. Kentucky is in the bottom tier for animal protection laws, ranking 44 out of 50 according to theย Animal Legal Defense Fund. Some of the areas which beg improvement include law enforcement policies, general prohibitions against cruelty, and penalties for infractions. While this seems like bad news for animal-lovers in KY, cruelty statutes are beginning to advance.ย Michigan State Universityโ€™s Animal Legal and Historical Centerย (2021) found that a slew of new statutes against animal cruelty and fighting have recently emerged in Kentucky, reversing a longstanding trend.

For residents of KY who want to promote the wellbeing of furry, scaly-skinned, and feathered creatures, becoming a veterinary technician (vet tech) represents a strong possibility. In KY, vet techs must register with theย Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examinersย in order to work. Itโ€™s important to note that the scope of practice in this profession varies by state. In KY, vet techs must have an associate degree in veterinary technology (or a board-approved equivalent) and must be registered.

Most animal healthcare functions must be performed under the direct supervision of the licensed veterinarian; however, some duties can be performed under indirect supervision such as administering routine drugs, vaccines, parasite control medications, and growth-stimulating agents.

So what are some of the specific job duties of vet techs in KY? Theย National Association of Veterinary Technicians in Americaย (NAVTA 2021) outlines some common responsibilities which include assisting veterinarians with common dental, surgical, radiological, anesthetic, and other types of procedures; keeping medical records for animal patients; managing veterinary offices; taking samples (e.g., bodily fluids) and analyzing them in a lab; maintaining the cleanliness and sterilization of facilities and equipment; administering vaccines, first aid, or medications; restraining animals during examinations; educating pet owners on proper care and nutrition; and engaging in continued learning as veterinary care advances.

Additionally, theย Kentucky Veterinary Technician Associationย (KVTA) includes an extensive code of ethics for the profession as well as the veterinary technician oath:

โ€œI solemnly dedicate myself to aiding animals and society by providing excellent care and services for animals, by alleviating animal suffering, and by promoting public health. I accept my obligations to practice my profession conscientiously and with sensitivity, adhering to the professionโ€™s Code of Ethics, and furthering my knowledge and competence through a commitment to lifelong learning.โ€

SCHOOL WEBSITEMAIN ADDRESSONLINE PROGRAMAVMA ACCREDITED
Morehead State University150 University Blvd, Morehead, Kentucky, 40351NoYes
Murray State University102 Curris Center, Murray, Kentucky, 42071NoYes
Owensboro Community and Technical College4800 New Hartford Road, Owensboro, Kentucky, 42303NoYes

ACCREDITED VET TECH PROGRAMS IN KY

For aspiring vet techs in Kentucky, itโ€™s important to seek out accredited two-to-four-year educational programs. The primary accreditation body for veterinary technology schools is the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA), a branch of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Seeking out an AVMA-accredited program is crucial to qualify for professional credentialing in most states. Although theย Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examinersโ€”the predominant credentialing organization in the stateโ€”reserves the right to approve programs without AVMA accreditation, it is generally the exception rather than the rule. Therefore, KY vet techs are encouraged to seek out CVTEA-accredited programs.

Luckily for residents of the Bluegrass State, there are currently three accredited programs. Typical admissions requirements include sending oneโ€™s official high school transcripts with proof of specific coursework (e.g., biology, chemistry, English, algebra); writing a personal statement; showing proof of health insurance and immunizations; and paying an application fee. For non-native speakers of English, submitting qualifying TOEFL scores may also be required. Some programs also ask for experience working with animals, letters of recommendation, or a candidate interview.

Morehead State Universityย offers both an associate of applied science degree and a bachelorโ€™s degree in veterinary technology. Applicants must have completed 120 hours of supervised work experience with a veterinarian before being accepted into the programs. The AAS degree is a six-semester, 65-credit program, and graduates are eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).

Courses include veterinary clinical anatomy; animal care techniques; anatomy and physiology of livestock; surgical nursing; concepts of large animal disease; small animal medicine and surgery; veterinary dentistry; and much more. Enrollment is limited to 40 students.

The BS degree program throughย Morehead State Universityย consists of 120 credits and includes courses such as veterinary dentistry; small animal medicine and surgery; emergency and critical care; veterinary diagnostic imaging; small animal clinics; large animal clinics; and more. Students in both programs complete labs and internships/preceptorships to meet AVMA required skills demonstration.

Morehead has sent its graduates to work at places such as the USDA and Kentucky Department of Agriculture. In the four-year BS program, students can get the training they need to become veterinary technician specialists (VTS), specializing in areas including anesthesiology, clinical pathology, dentistry, diagnostic imaging, and surgical assistance. The vet tech program provides much of its training in the scenic 350-acre Derrickson Agricultural Complex, which houses cows, sows, horses, sheep, and more. Finally, among program graduates, 73 percent passed the VTNE on their first attempt between 2017 and 2020.

Murray State Universityย offers a bachelor of science (BS) in veterinary technology which prepares students to work in veterinary practices, universities, veterinary diagnostic laboratories, pharmaceuticals, the animal food industry, and more. Facilities used for this program include the E.B. Howton Agricultural Engineering Building, the south wing of the Oakley Applied Science Building, greenhouses, the Agricultural Engineering Building, and 4 farm complexes near campus.

Courses may include vet microbiology; animal anatomy and physiology; vet surgery and anesthesiology; animal nutrition, horse science, vet parasitology; vet hematology; and much more. Murray State vet tech students complete a number of labs and internships to gain practical, real-world experience as veterinary technicians. Students can also pursue pre-veterinary medicine through Murray State University. Between 2017 and 2020, 60.55 percent of program graduates passed the VTNE on their first attempt.

Owensboro Community and Technical Collegeย offers an AAS degree in veterinary technology that encompasses 69-72 credits. Courses in this CVTE.A-accredited program include veterinary lab procedures; pharmacology; introduction to veterinary technology; parasitology and clinical lab techniques; animal anatomy and physiology; and more. Students complete labs and clinical practicums to complete the requirements of the program and to prepare for the state and national exams. Between 2017 and 2020, 42 percent of Owensboro graduates passed the VTNE on their first attempt.

ONLINE VET TECH PROGRAMS FOR KENTUCKY STUDENTS

For some students in more rural regions of KY who are unable to attend any campus-based programs, there are eight CVTEA-accredited online programs available as well. These are typically open to students who have some veterinary experience and work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian close to their home. In addition to completing online didactic classes, students progressively get their skills evaluated by veterinary mentors at approved clinical preceptor sites.

One online veterinary technology program option is atย Colby Community Collegeย of Kansas. Colby has classes such as math for veterinary technicians; anatomy & physiology; small animal clinical procedures; animal facility management & sanitation; veterinary anesthesiology; and parasitology. Between 2017 and 2020, 76.47 percent of Colbyโ€™s graduates passed the VTNE on their first attempt.

St. Petersburg Collegeย (SPC)ย of Florida provides an online associate of science (AS) degree in veterinary technology. In addition to clinical practicums located close to studentsโ€™ homes, vet tech program students complete distance-based classes such as animal nursing; animal breeds & behavior; physiology; avian & exotic pet medicine; pharmacology; anesthesia; and pharmacology. This program begins in August, January, and May. Notably, between 2016 and 2019, 74 percent of program graduates passed the VTNE on their first attempt.

OCCUPATIONAL OUTLOOK FOR VET TECHS IN KENTUCKY

In the Bluegrass Stateโ€”a place which boasts the title โ€œHorse Capital of the Worldโ€โ€”thereโ€™s excellent news for aspiring veterinary technicians. By illustration, theย Bureau of Labor Statisticsย (BLS 2020) projects that job opportunities in this field will swell 16 percent between 2019 and 2029, substantially faster than the average growth predicted for all occupations during that time (4 percent). And the addition of 18,300 vet tech openings nationwide is only part of the good news. According to the most recent data from Projections Central (2021)โ€”an organization affiliated with the US Department of Laborโ€”there will be a 25.7 percent increase in positions for vet techs in KY between 2018 and 2028.

So how much do vet techs make around the country and specifically in KY? The BLS (May 2019) reported that there are currently 110,650 vet techs working nationwide with an annual average salary of $36,670โ€”the latest data available as of March 2021.

Here are how vet tech salaries at different earning levels compare to national averages:

UNITED STATESKENTUCKY
Number of vet techs employed110,6501,250
Average annual salary$36,670$31,630
10th percentile$24,530$19,450
25th percentile$29,080$24,720
50th percentile (median)$35,320$30,430
75th percentile$42,540$37,820
90th percentile$51,230$45,930

Itโ€™s important to note that while the KY salaries were noticeably lower than national averages, the cost of living in the Bluegrass State is also substantially more affordable than most of the nation. As proof of point, theย Missouri Economic Research and Information Centerย (MERIC 2021) found that KY is the 18th cheapest state in the nation, boasting particular savings in housing costs, health costs, and groceries.

In Kentucky, vet techs are employed in a wide range of environments. In a state famous for its horse culture, there may be ample opportunities for those with equine specialty training. In addition to stables, KY vet techs work in veterinary hospitals, zoos, farms, aquariums, laboratories, wildlife sanctuaries, kennels, shelters, private practice clinics, humane societies, and animal welfare organizations.

Theย Kentucky Veterinary Technician Associationย holds a variety of events such as its Spring Fling which raises money for the association and posts job opportunities at places including VetData. In addition to traditional job-hunting sites (e.g., LinkedIn, Monster, SimplyHired, CareerBuilder), iHireVeterinary provides a list of vet tech openings in KY. There have been local openings posted at the University of Kentucky, Three Springs Animal Hospital, IDEXX Laboratories Inc., UL Healthcare, CVCA, Eastern Kentucky University, and Banfield Pet Hospital.

Finally, there is a range of subfields in the field of veterinary technology. In KY, garnering specialized experience and coursework in equine nursing is one possibility. Other popular specializations include critical care, zoological medicine, animal behavior, dermatology, rehabilitation, and clinical pathology.

To learn more about how to become a veterinary technician specialist (VTS) in one of these specializations and more, please check out the mainย veterinary technician careersย page.

VETERINARY CAREERKENTUCKY JOBSSALARY DATA (BLS 2019)
LOW SALARY (10TH %ILE)MEDIAN SALARY (50TH %ILE)HIGH SALARY (90TH %ILE)
VET TECH1,250$19,450$30,430$45,930
VET ASSISTANT1,900$20,130$25,810$37,260

VET TECH REGISTRATION IN KENTUCKY

According to theย Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners, vet techs in KY must be registered prior to practice. In order to qualify for registration, vet techs must have the following:

  • Proof of having graduated from an AVMA-accredited program, or an educational equivalent approved by the board
  • Passing scores on a written and practical examination, ideally the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE)
  • A notarized letter of good standing from the candidateโ€™s supervising veterinarian
  • An application fee of $25.00

For more detailed information on each of these steps, please check out the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners website.

To maintain an active registration, vet techs in KY must submit an annual renewal application with a $30.00 fee and six hours of continuing education (CE). Theย Kentucky Veterinary Technician Associationย (KVTA) offers CE opportunities such as the Spring Dermatology Seminar and other specialized conferences, events, and training sessions. There is also a variety of CE opportunities online through sites such as VetMed Team, AtDove, the National American Veterinary Technicians Association (NAVTA), and Vetlearn.

VET TECH PROGRAM ACCREDITATION

As mentioned above, aspiring vet techs in KY are encouraged to seek out programs accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Associationโ€™s (AVMA)ย Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activitiesย (CVTEA), the primary accreditation body for vet tech programs in the nation. The CVTEA evaluates programs based on the following criteria:

  • Institutional accreditation
  • School finances
  • Organization & communications
  • Quality of facilities & equipment
  • Clinical training opportunities
  • Libraries & other resources
  • Admissions processes
  • Faculty & staff
  • Curriculum
  • Student outcomes assessment

For more information on the process, please visit the CVTEA accreditation standards page.

VET TECHS MUST BE LICENSED TO PRACTICELICENSED VET TECHS ARE CALLEDLICENSING REQUIREMENTSADDITIONAL RESOURCES
GRADUATE FROM AN AVMA-ACCREDITED PROGRAMPASS THE VTNEADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
YesRVTYesYesApplicants in Kentucky must also submit a letter from the veterinarian employing and supervising them.Kentucky Veterinary Technician Association

Veterinary Health Technology

Vet Tech
Vet Tech
Vet Tech
Vet Tech

The University of Tennessee at Martin’s Department of Agriculture, Geosciences, and Natural Resources (AGN) has developed an exceptional curriculum in the area of Veterinary Health Technology that provides extensive “hands-on” learning opportunities. Students completing this curriculum earn a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a concentration in Animal Science and an option in Veterinary Health Technology (VHT).

The University has a large 700 acre teaching farm with beef cattle, horses, sheep, swine, and a fully functional companion animal (dog and cat) laboratory/teaching facility. The primary purpose of the teaching farm is to provide experiential learning opportunities for students in the AGN department. The University of Tennessee at Martin also houses the West Tennessee Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory that performs necropsies and diagnostics for food and fiber producers and pet owners of West Tennessee. There are four full time Veterinarians and four Licensed Veterinary Technologists on staff. Students in the VHT Option are presented with numerous opportunities for “hands-on” learning activities with farm and companion animals. These facilities and dedicated personnel provide an outstanding platform for students to maximize their education through experiential learning.

Potential careers for veterinary health technologists include clinical practice, state and federal government, research positions, pharmaceutical sales, zoological positions, and many more. Veterinary Health Technology is a growing profession with excellent job opportunities.

Becoming a Veterinary Technician in Kentucky

A career working with animals is a rewarding one for anyone who loves and cares about animals. In Kentucky the number ofย opportunities for veterinary technicians, assistants and animal caregivers is always growing. Of these careers, only vet techs are licensed through the state, although proper training is important for any job working with animals.ย [Leer en espaรฑol]See Popular Schools in Kentucky

Veterinary Technician Salaries

Licensed vet techs in Kentucky can expect to earn an average annual salary of $27,980 or as much as $38,230 for those with more experience. Animal caregivers and veterinary assistants donโ€™t have to earn a degree or certificate, which means they earn less. A typical average salary for vet assistants and caregivers in Kentucky is $19,950.

Requirements for Being a Veterinary Technician

Vet techs in Kentucky must be licensed by theย Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners (KBVE), although licensing does not occur until the vet tech is employed by a licensed veterinarian. To become a vet tech, candidates must complete a two- or four-year veterinary technology program at an accredited school and pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination. Once hired by a licensed veterinarian, the vet tech must send the appropriate documents to the KBVE along with a letter from the veterinarian confirming employment.Featured School

Penn Foster College โ€“ Veterinary Technician Program

Full accreditationย from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).ย Clinical externshipsย through a private practice near your home or Penn Foster Collegeโ€™s partner VCA Animal Hospitals.ย Gain hands-on experienceย alongside licensed veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians.ย Callย 1-800-851-1819ย today.

Veterinary Technician Programs Accredited by the AVMA

Kentucky vet techs must complete an educational program that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) in order to be hired by a veterinarian and to become licensed. There are four such programs in the state:

  • Brown Mackie College, Louisville
  • Morehead State University, Morehead
  • Murray State University, Murray
  • Owensboro Community and Technical College, Owensboro

Veterinary Technician Employers in Kentucky

There are over 1,300 vet techs and more than 1,000 veterinary assistants and animal caregivers working in Kentucky for varied employers. These include:

  • Kentucky Humane Society, Louisville
  • Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Lexington and Saratoga Springs
  • Bluegrass Veterinary Specialists and Animal Emergency, Lexington
  • Evergreen Animal Hospital, Louisville
  • University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Lexington
  • Lexington Hospital for Cats, Lexington

Professional Organizations for Veterinary Technicians in Kentucky

Both students and working vet techs in Kentucky are welcome to join theย Kentucky Veterinary Technician Associationย (KVTA). The KVTA offers vet techs access to job openings in the state and other important resources, including an annual research and case study presentation. Vet techs in Kentucky can also join theย National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, which offers members even more national and professional resources, as well as group discounts on things like health insurance and hotels.

College and University Listings

  • Louisville-Jefferson County, KY-IN
  • West Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
  • West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
  • Owensboro, KY

Louisville-Jefferson County, KY-IN Area

Brown Mackie College-Louisville

3605 Fern Valley Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40219
Veterinary Technology โ€“ Associate Program

The Associateโ€™s degree program at Brown Mackie College is taught at their Louisville campus in the city of Louisville, Kentucky. This private, for-profit college has roughly 1,120 students in total, with the majority of students on 4-year programs. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. The cost of tuition is, as a rough guide, in the order of $12,672 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $603, although this varies from program to program.

Owensboro, KY Area

Owensboro Community and Technical College

4800 New Hartford Rd, Owensboro, Kentucky 42303
Veterinary Technology โ€“ Associate Program

Owensboro Community and Technical Collegeโ€™s Associate-level Veterinary Technology program is offered at their campus in Owensboro in Daviess County. Most of the schoolโ€™s 4,156 students are on 2-year programs. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is about $3,624 and for students from other states around $12,456 for each academic year. Study materials can cost roughly $1,000, depending on the program chosen.

West Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Area

Morehead State University

University Blvd, Morehead, Kentucky 40351
Veterinary Technology โ€“ Bachelor Program,ย Veterinary Technology โ€“ Associate Program

Morehead State University offers multiple training options, including a Bachelor program and an Associate program. Classes are taken at their campus in the town of Morehead, Kentucky. This is a full, 4-year public college with 11,052 students, of which 90% are undergraduates. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is roughly about $8,098 and for students from other states around $20,246 for each academic year, while books and supplies may cost roughly $1,200, although this varies from program to program.

West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Area

Murray State University

218 Wells Hall, Murray, Kentucky 42071-3318
Veterinary Hospital Management โ€“ Certificate Program,ย Veterinary Technology โ€“ Bachelor Program

Murray State University offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and a Bachelor program. All programs are taught at their campus in the town of Murray, KY. Of the 11,207 students, about 16% are postgraduates. The university is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for in-state students is around $7,608 and for out-of-state students around $20,712 for each academic year, while books and supplies may cost roughly $1,345, although this varies from program to program.

* Tuition fees and accredition status are correct at the time of writing, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (http://nces.ed.gov/). Confirm with college before applying.


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