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Veterinary Technology

Overview

Veterinary technology programs teach people to work with animals under the supervision of veterinary doctors.

Veterinary technology programs include topics such as:

Students may be able to specialize in working with small or large animals. This program prepares people to work in veterinary offices, laboratories, and zoos.

Schools

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in veterinary technology. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

Community colleges and other two-year schools offer certificates and associate degree programs in veterinary technology. Certificate and associate degree programs usually take two years to complete.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

Proprietary schools, colleges, and universities all offer this program. If you want to study at a proprietary school, you can prepare for this program of study by completing your high school diploma or getting a GED. If you want to study at a college or university, you can prepare for this program by taking the following courses: four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Program admissions vary. You may need to take placement or competency tests in writing, math, chemistry, and biology. Some programs require good scores on the American College Test (ACT) or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Some programs might also require you to take more specialized courses. For example, you might study birds, exotic pets, and farm animals.

Students in this program usually also need to take science courses and general education courses. Bachelor's degree students typically take these courses within the veterinary technology program. Associate degree students are sometimes required to take them before enrolling in the program. The courses may include some combination of the following:

All programs include some form of externship or field experience in their curriculum. This gives you the chance to apply what you've learned to real-life, hands-on veterinary settings. You might help take care of cattle on a ranch, or assist with procedures in a veterinary office. Whatever the situation, you will have the benefit of working under the supervision of an experienced veterinarian or veterinary technician.

Things to Know

Many states require you to pass a national registry exam before you can be registered, certified, or licensed to practice.

You are expected to pay for your own uniforms and supplies for lab work and field experience.

Schools

King-Snohomish Area

Pima Medical Institute-Renton

Pima Medical Institute-Seattle

Renton Technical College

Spokane Area

Carrington College

Tacoma Area

Pierce College Fort Steilacoom

Pierce College Puyallup

West Side Area

Bellingham Technical College

Skagit Valley College

Yakima Area

Yakima Valley College