Inside Online Vet Tech Schools & Programs
Get a detailed look at today’s best online vet tech schools, read how they work, view degree options, and learn what you’ll need to start making a difference working with animals.
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 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that veterinary technicians earned a median salary of $38,240 per year. The top 10% of vet techs brought home an estimated $54,680. The BLS also reports that vet techs can expect a 20% increased in job openings from 2021-2031, which is much faster than average.
Online vet tech programs allow their graduates to enter the workforce quickly and conveniently. Although some in-person hours may be required, the majority of coursework can be completed entirely online. In just around two years, students can complete their programs and become eligible for certification, licensing, and meet other state-specific requirements.
There are lots of quality online vet tech programs available today. See who made our list of the very best programs for 2023.
Best Online Vet Tech Schools for 2024
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?
With data taken from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), EduMed.org has put together the following list of schools with online vet tech programs that offer the best combinations of affordability, student support, online learning, and academic excellence. See which online vet tech schools come out on top for 2023.
| # | School Name | Type | Cost | Online Programs | More Details | School Information | Online Students | Academic Counseling | Career Placement | Students w/Institutional Aid | Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Miami Dade CollegeMiami, FL | Public | N/A | 1 | In just over two years, students earn their Associate in Science–Veterinary Technician from Miami Dade College. In addition to courses that can be completed online in anatomy and physiology, lab procedures, veterinary pathology and animal nursing skills, students complete 400 hours of hands-on training. The program is administered through MDC LIVE, which features live faculty lectures; MDC Online, which allow students to work at their own pace; and classroom learning. Some courses are available only at the Medical Campus of Miami Dade College. Students will be assigned a clinical facility somewhere within Miami Dade County, so they must live in that area to enter this program. Program Highlights: Associate in Science—Veterinary Technology
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid33% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | |||
| 2 | St Petersburg CollegeClearwater, FL | Public | N/A | 2 | Veterinary programs at St. Petersburg College prepare students for their new job through online courses. The Veterinary Technology BAS degree is one of only 24 in the country that allows students to complete all their coursework online. Students focus on advanced clinical applications, veterinary hospital management, or a combination of the two. The Veterinary Technology AS degree is also online but requires 280 hours of clinical experience to be completed in person in an area convenient to the student. The online program offers three start dates. Students must meet rigorous prerequisites, such as working at least 20 hours per week in a veterinary office during the semester and mastering over 200 tasks and skills necessary for proper treatment of animals. Program Highlights: Bachelor of Applied Science—Veterinary Technology
Associate of Science—Veterinary Technology
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid19% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | |||
| 3 | Tarleton State UniversityStephenville, TX | Public | N/A | 1 | Tarleton State University, part of the Texas A&M University System, is home to the BAS in Veterinary Technology. This program is open to those who already have the AAS in Veterinary Technology. Students choose from two tracks: Companion Animal or Veterinary Practice. They can also add a certificate in Shelter Animal Medicine to enhance their prospects. The program requires just over two years of study and is entirely online. Students will have many of the same advantages as those who study on campus, including resume assistance, job fairs, mock interviews, career counseling, and even business etiquette dinners. Program Highlights: Bachelor of Applied Science—Veterinary Technology
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid53% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | |||
| 4 | Madison Area Technical CollegeMadison, WI | Public | N/A | 1 | With an industry job-placement rate of 93 percent and a satisfaction rate of the same, students in the Associate Degree–Veterinary Technician program at Madison Area Technical College can rest assured their college experience will be all they hoped. The program in veterinary technology requires 64 credits and two years of full-time attendance. Much of the coursework is online; students who are already working as veterinary assistants can learn remotely as “satellite” students, while those who aren’t in the field yet must attend weekly hands-on labs at the Madison—Truax campus. The three-year pass rate for the Veterinary Technician National Examination is 82 percent, which is much higher than the national average of 74 percent. Program Highlights: Associate Degree—Veterinary Technician
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid17% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||
| 5 | Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma CityOklahoma City, OK | Public | N/A | 1 | Students in the Associate in Applied Science–Veterinary Technology program at Oklahoma State University–Oklahoma City will become well-versed in the regulatory, safety, and humane aspects of veterinary medicine. Of the 69 credits required to graduate, 15 must be in residence at the school. Students must earn an overall 2.0 GPA to remain in the program. In addition to general education courses, students also focus on studies such as medical terminology, microbiology, radiology, pharmacology, nutrition, anatomy, and more. Students can expect to complete their program in about three years. In most cases, classroom work is offered fully online, but each class might have a lab component that must be completed in person. Program Highlights: Associate in Applied Science—Veterinary Technology
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementNo |
Students w/ Institutional Aid40% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||
| 6 | Purdue University-Main CampusWest Lafayette, IN | Public | N/A | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid43% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission |
| # | School Name | Type | Cost | Online Programs | More Details | School Information | Online Students | Academic Counseling | Career Placement | Students w/Institutional Aid | Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Santa Rosa Junior CollegeSanta Rosa, CA | Public | N/A | 1 | Santa Rosa Junior College’s veterinary technician program, provided by the school’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Department, is for students currently working as veterinary assistants as well as those with no prior experience. During the program, students take coursework in veterinary anatomy and terminology, surgical and dental assistance, small animal anesthesia, and pharmacology and medical calculations. After completing coursework, students participate in a field practicum where they get hands-on reinforcement of class concepts in a real-world veterinary setting. By the end of the program, students are eligible to sit for the RVT Board exam, then go on to work for veterinary clinics, humane societies, animal control and wildlife facilities, and diagnostic laboratories. Program Highlights: Veterinary Technician Certificate
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid44% |
AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges | |||
| 2 | Mesa Community CollegeMesa, AZ | Public | N/A | 1 | Mesa Community College offers an associate degree in veterinary technology that prepares students to work with large and small animals in emergency or specialty veterinary practices as well as for shelters, pet food companies, veterinary supply stores, or animal shelters. Required classes include animal anatomy and physiology, veterinary pharmacology, animal diseases, and veterinary radiology and imaging. Students must complete a veterinary technician internship as well as general education classes in English composition, mathematics, verbal communication, and social-behavioral sciences. Applicants need a high school diploma or GED and to pass the program prerequisite courses. Program Highlights: Associate in Applied Science in Veterinary Technology
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid29% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||
| 3 | San Juan CollegeFarmington, NM | Public | N/A | 1 | The online veterinary technology program at San Juan College teaches the skills employers expect. These include the ability to assist with surgical procedures, diagnostic imaging, and pharmacology in veterinary settings that work with large, small, and exotic animals. In addition, students get the business skills needed to work in busy veterinary clinics. To prepare students for their careers, the school offers a curriculum that covers veterinary diagnostic imaging, clinical pathology, and nursing care. Students must complete clinical instruction where they sharpen their skills in a real veterinary clinic. San Juan College also offers veterinary assistant and veterinary practice management certificate programs. Program Highlights: Associate in Applied Science in Veterinary Technology
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid36% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||
| 4 | Pima Community CollegeTucson, AZ | Public | N/A | 1 | Pima Community College’s hybrid veterinary technician associate’s degree gives students the ability to understand veterinary terminology and animal anatomy and physiology; handle domestic and exotic animals; and assist with surgical, radiologic, and dental procedures. To teach these skills, the school offers coursework in veterinary dental, pharmacology, surgical nursing, and imaging techniques. The program’s curriculum also prepares students for the Veterinary Technician National Examination. Program Highlights: Veterinary Technician Associate’s Degree
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid11% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||
| 5 | Sinclair Community CollegeDayton, OH | Public | N/A | 1 | When students complete the veterinary technology program at Sinclair Community College, they have the knowledge and skills needed to work in demanding positions at zoos, veterinary offices, animal shelters, and laboratories. Specifically, people in this program learn how to take diagnostic tests, administer medications, create diagnostic images, assist with surgeries, and monitor and restrain an animal during a procedure. Also, the curriculum instills strong communication skills that professionals should have to work effectively with the veterinary team, as well as critical thinking skills that help them think on their feet when challenges arise. In addition to veterinary coursework, students are required to complete general education classes in psychology, English composition, microbiology, and chemistry. There is also a required preceptorship that takes place for eight weeks at a veterinary hospital. Program Highlights: Veterinary Technology Associate of Applied Science
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid40% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||
| 6 | Northern Virginia Community CollegeAnnandale, VA | Public | N/A | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid14% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Understanding Online Vet Tech Programs
Veterinary technicians have hands-on jobs. They must possess the skills needed to safely restrain animals, administer medications, and perform basic laboratory tests. That may leave you wondering how students gain these skills when studying online. The answer can vary from institution to institution, but the bottom line is that all accredited online vet tech programs will include some in-person requirements. The difference between online and on-campus programs is the study convenience and flexibility offered by distance education.
With an online vet tech program, you have more control over how and when you attend your clinical experiences. 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 most 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 fall into one of two categories.
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 programs 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 campus visits per semester. The programs we’ve featured on this page can all be completed mostly 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 may be a good choice for students with limited hours to be on campus each week. Time on campus can be focused on clinical classes while other program requirements can be completed online on a schedule that is most convenient to you.
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 it takes 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. Associate degrees can typically be completed in two years while a bachelor’s degree programs normally require four years of full-time study.
Program lengths are not the only difference between associate and bachelor’s degree programs. 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 credential 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 a number of general education classes. Students may do this by first enrolling in their selected school in a non-major program, then applying to the vet tech program once prerequisites are completed.
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.
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. Vet tech bachelor’s programs may require applicants to possess an associate degree in veterinary technology before they can be admitted to the program.
A four-year degree in the vet tech 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 will also be prepared to work with laboratory animals in research facilities.
Graduates of vet tech bachelor’s degree programs 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 their vet tech bachelor’s programs with pre-professional tracks that can be a stepping stone to veterinary school and a career as a veterinarian.
Curriculum Focus: Online Classes & On-Site Clinicals
While individual class titles vary, all online vet tech programs cover the same basic topics. Curriculums are 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 courses, and on-site clinical work. Here’s what to expect from both:
- Vet tech online classes
The following classes are usually offered online. 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 (skeletal, respiratory, circulatory, and urinary). At the end of the course, students are able to identify tissues and organs and understand how systems are interrelated.
Animal Diseases: This course typically focuses on common animal diseases and 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 the proper administration and potential side effects of veterinary drugs. Upon completion of the course, students are able to calculate proper dosages, recognize various drug classifications, and understand potential dangers associated with specific 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 specifically on the handling of cats and dogs or branch out to include 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 ways to perform these tasks effectively while maintaining patient confidentiality and complying with applicable government requirements.
- Vet tech on-site clinicals
Clinical requirements ensure students are able to take the information presented in lecture classes and put it into practice. Here are three lab classes you may take as part of a vet tech program.
Anatomy Lab: Students may be required to take an anatomy lab in conjunction with an online class in anatomy. This hands-on class may include dissection and necropsy procedures. Given the nature of this class, it may be one of the few on-campus requirements of online degree programs.
Emergency and First Aid: This clinical requirement ensures students know how to respond to a number of emergency situations. It will cover topics such as cardiac arrest, shock, poisonings, and trauma. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate animals in an emergency situation and administer appropriate first aid treatments. This clinical requirement can often be met at a local veterinary clinic where a student is working or volunteering.
Clinical Procedures: As an introduction to laboratory procedures, this clinical requirement teaches students basic lab techniques and diagnostic methods. It will cover topics such as hematology, organ function tests, and post mortem examinations. As with other clinical classes, these requirements may be filled at an approved veterinary clinic rather than on-campus.
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 public community colleges average $3,860 per year in 2022-23, according to the College Board. Average tuition rates at four-year public colleges and universities in 2022-23range from $10,940 to $28,240, 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 that there are numerous financial aid options to help you pay for your 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 along the path of your career. You will 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 licensure. Here’s what to expect:
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. The exam is computer-based, takes three hours to complete, and consists of 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 an official copy of your program 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’ll need to submit your official score report to your 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 require passing an additional exam focused on the knowledge of state laws and regulations overseeing veterinary practice. After passing the necessary exams, license applicants may be required to pay an additional fee, pass a background check, submit letters of recommendation, or meet other criteria. Check with your state veterinary licensing board for the specific requirements in your state.
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 processes.
Critical Care
Critical care technicians are employed at emergency clinics where they assist in treating seriously injured and 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 medical procedures.
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 organization specifically for vet techs. Its website includes information about veterinary careers and education options.
Accredited Veterinary Technician Programs: The American Veterinary Medical Association accredits vet tech programs. 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.
Sources:
