Last Updated on December 27, 2022
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ABOUT ST PETERSBURG COLLEGE VET TECH PROGRAM
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. Veterans interested to meet the available pet may do so at any time by contacting Jessica Rice through the email icon on this page.
ADOPTION FEES INCLUDE:
Age-appropriate vaccinations
Basic veterinary exam
Carrier (cats)
FeLV/FIV test (cats)
Flea/tick preventative
Heartworm preventative
Leash
Licensing (rabies)
Microchip for permanent identification
Pet food
Spay/neuter
Vet techs provide crucial support to veterinarians. They perform basic animal examinations, check vital signs, draw blood, collect specimens, and gather patient medical histories. Vet techs also communicate important information to pet owners and follow-up with patients once they return home.
In May 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that veterinary technicians earned a median salary of $36,260 per year. The top 10% of vet techs brought home an estimated $52,410. The BLS also reports that vet techs can expect a 16% increased in job openings from 2019 – 2029, which is much faster than average.
Online vet tech programs allow students to enter the workforce fast and conveniently. Although some in-person hours may be required, the majority of coursework can be done entirely online. In around two years, students can complete their program and become eligible for certification, licensing, and other state-specific requirements.
There are many online vet tech programs available today. See who made our list of the best schools for 2021.
Best Online Vet Tech Schools for 2021
You could spend hours searching the web for accredited online vet tech programs. Schools across the U.S. continue to offer students the flexibility of online learning with the hands-on training needed to work with animals as a career. But which of these schools and programs have what you need to begin your vet tech journey with confidence?
Using data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), EduMed.org has put together a list of schools with online vet tech programs that have the best combinations of affordability, student support, online learning, and academic excellence. See which online vet tech schools came out on top for 2021.
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.Sponsored2-year Schools 4-year Schools.
| # | SCHOOL NAME | TYPE | COST | ONLINE PROGRAMS | MORE DETAILS | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | St Petersburg CollegeClearwater, FL | Public | $ | 2 | Both associate and bachelor’s degree options are available from St. Petersburg College to individuals interested in becoming qualified veterinary technicians. The four-year, 120-credit hour Bachelor of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology online program provides students with advanced training in a wide range of veterinary tech skills. Advanced Clinical Applications and Veterinary Hospital Management subplan options are available. St. Petersburg’s two-year, 60-credit hour Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology degree prepares students for entry-level vet tech positions by providing solid foundational knowledge and skills in veterinary technology. Both degree programs feature online coursework along with in-person practicum experiences completed under the supervision of an approved clinician, typically in the student’s local area. Graduates of the AAS program can transfer all coursework completed in that program directly into the BAS program.Program Overview:Veterinary Technology BAS DegreeCredits: 120Mode: Partially Online | ACADEMIC COUNSELINGYes | CAREER PLACEMENTYes | STUDENTS W/ INSTITUTIONAL AID19% | ACCREDITATIONSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | |
| 2 | Tarleton State UniversityStephenville, TX | Public | $$ | 1 | Tarleton State University’s online Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology degree completion program allows students with a previously-earned AAS in Veterinary Technology to gain both depth and breadth in their professional knowledge and skills, giving them an advantage in the job market over individuals with possessing only an AAS degree. All degree-completion courses are available online and presented in an asynchronous format that allows students to complete their coursework at their own pace and at times most convenient to their schedules. Earning the degree requires completion of 120 credit hours (which includes credits earned in the students AAS program) and can be completed in approximately two years.Program Overview:B.A.S. in Veterinary TechnologyCredits: 120Cost: $188/creditMode: Partially Online | ACADEMIC COUNSELINGYes | CAREER PLACEMENTYes | STUDENTS W/ INSTITUTIONAL AID53% | ACCREDITATIONSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | |
| 3 | Platt College-Los AngelesAlhambra, CA | Private, For-Profit | $$$ | 2 | Platt College offers two academic options for students seeking entry into the veterinary tech profession. Platt’s Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology Distance Education program requires completion of 125 quarter credit hours of primarily major-specific coursework along with five general education courses in science, mathematics, and English. Didactic coursework is completed entirely online. However, students are required to complete in-person clinical experiences, including a clinical externship, at an off-campus licensed veterinary facility. Platt also offers a Veterinary Technology Alternate Route DE Certificate program designed for students seeking to become a Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) but are not interested earning a full AAS degree. Coursework is accessed entirely online, but certificate students are additionally required to complete a minimum of 4416 hours of practical experience under the supervision of a California-licensed veterinarian.Program Overview:Associates Degree in Veterinary TechnologyLength: 18 monthsMode: Partially OnlineAccreditation: AVMA | ACADEMIC COUNSELINGYes | CAREER PLACEMENTYes | STUDENTS W/ INSTITUTIONAL AID50% | ACCREDITATIONAccrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) |
2-year Schools 4-year Schools
| # | SCHOOL NAME | TYPE | COST | ONLINE PROGRAMS | MORE DETAILS | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Juan CollegeFarmington, NM | Public | $ | 3 | San Juan College’s Veterinary Technology Distance Learning Program (VTDL) offers an online Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology degree that provides students with the basic knowledge and skills needed to become a veterinary technician, and qualifies graduates to sit for the National Veterinary Technology Examination and/or similar regional exam in the graduate’s residential jurisdiction. Earning the degree requires completion of 76-80 credit hours of general education and major-specific coursework that can be completed in two years (six semesters, including summers) of full-time study. Part-time study is an option. The program features online coursework, but students are required to complete labs and other hands-on experiences at an approved veterinary practice site, normally in the student’s local area.Program Overview:Veterinary Technology Distance Learning (AAS)Credits: 60Mode: Partially OnlineAccreditation: AVMA | ACADEMIC COUNSELINGYes | CAREER PLACEMENTYes | STUDENTS W/ INSTITUTIONAL AID36% | ACCREDITATIONHigher Learning Commission | |
| 2 | Cedar Valley CollegeLancaster, TX | Public | $ | 2 | The Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology degree available from Cedar Valley Community college prepares graduates to perform a range of technical duties typically in a private veterinary practice. Earning the degree requires completion of 60 credit hours of coursework consisting of general education and major-specific veterinary classes and labs. While all didactic coursework is available online, students are required to complete in-person, clinical/work experiences either through the student’s employment in a veterinary setting or under the supervision of a clinical professional. Full-time students can complete the entire program in less than two years (five consecutive semesters, including one summer session). AAS degree-earners are eligible to sit for the Texas Veterinary Medical Association Exam leading to becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT).Program Overview:Veterinary Technology (AAS)Cost: $3,540Mode: Partially Online | ACADEMIC COUNSELINGYes | CAREER PLACEMENTYes | STUDENTS W/ INSTITUTIONAL AID8% | ACCREDITATIONSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Understanding Online Vet Tech Programs
Veterinary technicians have hands-on jobs. They must know how to safely restrain animals, administer medications, and perform basic laboratory tests. That may leave you wondering how students learn to do these things when studying online. The answer can vary from institution to institution, but the bottom line is all accredited online vet tech programs will include some in-person requirements. The difference between online and on-campus programs is the flexibility offered by distance education degrees.
With an online vet tech program, you have more control over how and when you gain clinical experience. Schools ask that students work or volunteer in an approved veterinary clinic for a minimum number of hours, but students can often arrange that work at times that are convenient for them. With academic courses completed entirely online, students can work at a full-time job during the day and study on the nights and weekends.
As you review your program options, keep in mind that online degrees can fall into one of two categories.
Mostly online
These vet tech programs offer the maximum flexibility. Some are offered in an accelerated format while others allow students to pursue their education on a part-time basis. Using a combination of online textbooks, discussion boards, and multi-media presentations, these degrees can be completed almost entirely off-campus. Students collaborate with one another and with faculty members using digital resources.
While mostly online vet tech programs still have clinical requirements, they can usually be completed at an off-campus veterinary clinic on a schedule of the student’s own choosing. On-campus laboratory work may be limited to just a few times per semester. The programs we’ve featured on this page can all be completed mostly online.
Partially online
Vet tech schools with partially online programs often allow students to complete academic classes and general education requirements through distance education courses while traveling to campus for clinical requirements. These programs may not require students to volunteer or work at a veterinary clinic while earning their degree.
While not as flexible as mostly online vet tech programs, partially online programs can be a good choice for those who have limited hours to be on campus each week. Time on campus can be focused on clinical classes while other program requirements can be completed on a schedule that is convenient for you.
A partially online vet tech program you might like…
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
Looking for another education and career path working with animals? Check out EduMed’s guide to online veterinary assistant schools.
Online Vet Tech Program Options
If you’re wondering how long does it take to become a vet tech, the answer depends on the type of degree program you pursue. Online vet tech schools typically offer two degree options: associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees. An associate degree is usually completed in two years while a bachelor’s degree is a four-year program.
However, the timeframe isn’t the only thing different between an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree. Your program choice may depend largely on where you see your career going in the long run.
Associate degree
Most accredited online vet tech schools offer an associate degree, making these two-year programs the standard education for veterinary technicians. Sometimes called veterinary nursing degrees, an associate degree in veterinary technology will cover all the basics needed to work in a private clinical practice. Most curriculums cover small and large animal care, surgical procedures, pharmacology, and dentistry among other topics.
To be admitted to an online vet tech associate degree program, you may need to first complete some general education classes. Students may do that by first enrolling in their selected school in a non-major program. Then, once they have their prerequisite classes completed, they can apply for admission to the vet tech program.
An associate degree can be a smart choice for anyone who knows they want a hands-on career with animals and would like to enter the workforce quickly. Veterinary technicians are expected to see 20 percent job growth from 2016-2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and a two-year degree may be the fastest way to qualify for these jobs.
Bachelor’s degree
A bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology is often chosen by those who want to be veterinary technologists or who would like to eventually become veterinarians. Online vet tech schools may require students to possess an associate degree in veterinary technology before they can be admitted to the bachelor’s program.
A four-year degree in the field will provide a more advanced education in the care of animals. Students will not only gain the skills needed to work in private clinical practices, but they will also be prepared to work with laboratory animals in research facilities.
Those graduating from a bachelor’s degree program may also decide to work outside of direct animal care. They may become veterinary clinic administrators, pharmaceutical sales representatives, or instructors in associate degree programs. Some schools offer bachelor’s degrees with a pre-professional track that can be a stepping stone to veterinary school and a career as a veterinarian.
Curriculum Focus: Online Classes & On-Site Clinicals
While individual classes can vary, all online vet tech schools cover the same basic topics. Their curriculum is intended to prepare students to provide both routine care as well as work in high-stress, emergency situations. Classes are broken down into online, academic course, and on-site clinical work. Here’s what you can expect from both.
- Vet tech online classesThe following classes are usually offered as online courses. They provide a foundation of knowledge that will then be put to work in a clinical setting
- .Animal Anatomy: This is often one of the first classes a vet tech student will take. It covers all the major body systems, such as skeletal, respiratory, circulatory, and urinary. At the end of the course, students should be able to identify tissues and organs and understand how systems are interrelated.
- Animal Diseases: This course typically focuses on common animal diseases and their immune response. The goal with this course is not only to be able to identify diseases but also understand appropriate treatments and preventive measures to avoid the spread of communicable illnesses.
- Pharmacology and Toxicology: As with human medicine, veterinary care relies on pharmaceuticals to combat illness and maintain good health. In this class, students learn about proper administration and potential side effects of veterinary drugs. Upon completion of the course, students should be able to calculate proper dosages, recognize various drug classifications, and understand potential dangers associated with certain medications.
- Animal Behavior: Vet techs need to understand how animals behave and proper handling techniques. This class offers instruction in typical animal responses to stressful situations and options for providing care in a safe manner. Courses on animal behavior may focus on cats and dogs or branch out into other species as well.
- Veterinary Office Procedures: While veterinary technicians work in the exam room, they may also be responsible for taking notes, inputting patient records, and responding to client concerns. Courses in office procedures cover the proper way to perform these tasks effectively while maintaining patient confidentiality and complying with any government requirements.
- Vet tech on-site clinicals
How Much Does Online Vet Tech School Cost?
For many students, a top concern is how to pay for college. Fortunately, many online vet tech programs are offered by community colleges which traditionally have lower tuition rates than four-year schools.
Tuition and fees for in-state students at community colleges average $3,660 per year in 2019, according to the College Board. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,660. Average tuition rates at four-year colleges and universities range from $10,230 to $35,830, depending on your residency status and whether a school is public or private.
Before you write off online vet tech programs as too expensive, remember there are numerous financial aid options to pay for a higher education. We have a page dedicated to specific scholarships and spotlighting online vet tech schools that accept financial aid.
Vet Tech Certification & Licensing
Earning a vet tech degree is only one step in beginning your career. You also need to be licensed to work in your state. Professional credentialing can vary from state-to-state but almost all jurisdictions use the Veterinary Technician National Exam as a prerequisite to licensing. Here’s what to expect:
The Veterinary Technician National Exam
Once you graduate from an accredited vet tech program, you should be eligible to take the VTNE. The exam is offered during three windows each year. This computer-based exam takes three hours to complete and includes 170 multiple-choice questions. Of these, 150 are scored and 20 are pilot questions that may be used on future exams. The exam is offered in both English and French.
When you apply for the exam, you’ll need to submit a copy of official final transcript and pay a $325 fee. Once your application has been accepted, you can schedule your exam time at a local testing center. An official score will be provided immediately at the conclusion of the exam.
While the VTNE is administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards, that organization does not actually credential vet techs. Instead, you need to send your official score report to your state veterinary licensing board.
State Veterinary Licensing Board
State veterinary licensing boards are the entities that approve vet technicians to work within their borders. Each board has its own licensing criteria, but there are some common requirements across jurisdictions.
States often limit licensing to those who have graduated from an accredited vet tech program and passed the VTNE. Many have a separate state licensing exam as well. This state exam isn’t focused on clinical skills but rather an applicant’s knowledge of state laws.
After passing the necessary exams, licensure applicants may be required to pay an additional fee, pass a background check, submit a letter of recommendation, or meet other criteria. Check with your state veterinary licensing board for the specific requirements in your area.
What Career Paths are Available?
Working in a private veterinary clinic is only one career path to consider. Earning a vet tech degree can also give you the skills needed to work in one of the following specialized fields, many of which are governed by societies and academies offering their own credentialing process.
Critical Care
Critical care technicians are employed at emergency clinics where they assist in treating seriously injured or ill animals.
Dentistry
Both private veterinary clinics and specialists may hire veterinary dental technicians to assist with routine cleanings and other oral care.
Anesthesia
Some vet techs specialize in caring for animals before, during, and after receiving anesthesia for a medical procedure.
Zoological
Although most vet techs work with small animals, some move on to positions at zoos and wildlife parks where they care for exotic species.
Veterinary Technician Student Resources
If you’re ready to learn more about being a veterinary technician, start by contacting schools offering vet tech programs. Then, check out EduMed’s dedicated resources guide for vet tech students and the pages below for additional information, networking opportunities, and support.
National Association for Veterinary Technicians in America: The NAVTA is a professional organizations for vet techs. Its website includes information about veterinary careers and education options.
Veterinary Technician Specialties: If you think you want to specialize your career, this page from the NAVTA website includes links to all the societies and academies overseeing vet tech specialties.
Accredited Veterinary Technician Programs: The American Veterinary Medical Association accredits vet tech programs, and you can find a list of approved schools on its website.
American Association of Veterinary State Boards: The AAVSB oversees the Veterinary Technician National Exam, and this site is where you can apply to sit for it.
State Licensing Boards: Each state has its own regulations for vet techs. This page on the AAVSB website provides links to each state licensing board.
WhereTechsConnect.com: This jobs board lists employment opportunities for vet techs across the country.
