If you are thinking about becoming a licensed veterinarian technician, you MUST have a passion for animals! This is because veterinary technicians work constantly with animals, testing and diagnosing injuries and ailments. Veterinary Technology trends currently indicate that electronic forms of data storage, analysis, and processing, along with wearable technology for monitoring pet health and medical diagnosis are becoming common. Aspiring veterinary technicians should look out for learning opportunities in these tech areas as they are considering online veterinary technology programs. If you are already employed, have family commitments, and/or are limited with your time, this list provides four top online options. So, look no further!
To become a registered vet tech, graduates must take the Veterinarian Technician National Exam. The exam is given in January and June of each year and is designed to meet the needs of the ever-growing industry in order to fully evaluate candidates to become licensed. You can prep for the exam by visiting VetTechPrep!
Generally, the AAS in Veterinary Technology consists of approximately 73 credits which translate into about 2 years. Keep in mind that 18 to 22 standard general educations credits may be required to be completed before one may gain admittance into the school’s vet tech program.
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Top 4 Online Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Veterinary Technology Degree Programs
The editors of OnlineSchoolsCenter.com collect the most important and relevant data about universities, colleges, and campus facilities from various highly respected sources. We attempt to offer them in a simple format that is easy to understand. This ranking was researched and written according to the following components:
- 100% online availability, offering convenience and flexibility,
- Prepares students to become a Certified Veterinary Technologist,
- Comprehensive understanding of Veterinary Technology practices,
- Preparation for the National Certification Exam to obtain occupational licensure,
- Focuses on students interested in a career change or career advancement,
- Accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or other appropriate agency,
- Student’s satisfaction according to retention rates no lower than 50%,
- Exemplary program options, as well as, positive degree outcomes.
In compiling this list, OnlineSchoolsCenter.com chose to highlight the Top 4 Online Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology Degree Programs in no particular order; but instead, focusing on each school’s unique program offerings.
For more details, please see our Methodology page for more information.
CEDAR VALLEY COLLEGE
Online AAS in Veterinary Technology
The AVMA-accredited program at Cedar Valley College is called the DEVTP, or the Distance Education Veterinary Technology Program. This program, which started over 10 years ago, allows veterinary assistants to earn an associate’s degree in veterinary technology online. The American Veterinary Medical Association accredited the DEVTP in 2001 and is one of the few fully accredited online distance veterinary technician programs to receive accreditation.
With the program, you will receive training in pharmacology, animal nursing, lab and exam procedures, and surgical preparation. You will also get to work in a hands-on clinical environment, in addition to, enjoy multimedia courses, and flexible scheduling to allow for your busy lifestyle. Your professors and support system are readily available through web seminars and chat rooms if you need help.
Campus Location: Lancaster, Texas
School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Program Standouts: Introduction to Veterinary Technology, Veterinary Parasitology, Canine and Feline Clinical Management, Social/Behavioral Science, Veterinary Radiology and Nursing Care.
Degree Outcome: After graduating from this program, you will qualify to take the Veterinarian Technician National Exam in order to become a Register Veterinary Technician (RVT).
Learn more about Cedar Valley College’s ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE (AAS) IN VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM
SAN JUAN COLLEGE
Online AAS in Veterinary Technology
The VTDLP, otherwise known as the Veterinary Technology Distance Learning Program through San Juan College, is fully accredited by the AVMA, a flexible program designed to provide minimal disruption to your life and allows you to work on the job and get your degree simultaneously.
Graduates of this program, which received its AVMA accreditation in 2006, are eligible to take the National Veterinary Technician Exam and any other certifications, licensure exams, and required state registrations.
Campus Location: Farmington, New Mexico
School Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission, American Veterinary Medical Association.
Program Standouts: Veterinary Nursing Care and Business Procedures, Anesthesia and Surgical Assisting, Veterinary Medical Terminology, Emergency, and Critical Medicine, Safe Handling of Animals, and proper handling of Lab Specimens.
Degree Outcomes: San Juan Colleges AAS in Veterinary Technology degree program prepares students for the national exam, and then for an exciting career as a veterinarian’s assistant. If you desire, you may transfer your credits to a bachelor’s degree program.
Learn more about San Juan College’s ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM
Recommended Schools
PURDUE UNIVERSITY
Online AAS in Veterinary Nursing
The Veterinary Nursing Distance Learning (VNDL) program offered at Purdue is typically for those already employed with a veterinarian, is self-motivated, needs to set their own pace with their studies, and has a desire to help animals. The curriculum consists of “27 didactic courses and 18 clinical mentorships,” according to their website. Through this program, students can earn an online Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in the field of Veterinary Nursing and can be completed in as little as three years, as you take advantage of their part-time learning program.
Campus Location: West Lafayette, IN
School Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission, American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Program Standouts: Purdue’s AAS program is unique in that it allows students to choose their on completion goals. They offer programs that can be completed on a 3-year Pathway, 6-year Pathway, or you can elect to Build your own Pathway to Success, allowing you to set your own pace.
Coursework will include Anatomy and Physiology for Veterinary Technicians, Pharmacology, Diagnostic Imaging, and Understanding Animal Disease, among many others.
Degree Outcomes: Graduation from Purdue’s VNDL program provides the knowledge and skills needed to obtain professional credentials as a Veterinary Nurse or Technician.
Learn more about Purdue University’s ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE (AAS) IN VETERINARY NURSING DISTANCE LEARNING DEGREE PROGRAM
ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGE
Online ASSOciate of AS in Veterinary Technology
An impressive fact about St. Petersburg College is that 98 percent of their Associate Degree grads have either found jobs in the field, are serving in the military, or are furthering their education! Boasting an “excellent national reputation,” the Veterinary Technology Associate in Science degree at St. Petersburg College prepares you for the national certification exam, trains you in a vast range of skills which includes, nursing, radiology, surgical prep, anesthesia and much more.
SPC allows you to complete your clinical in the town you live in. Career opportunities include, but are not limited to, equine, zoo, wildlife, livestock, and exotic animal practice.
Campus Location: Clearwater, FL
School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, American Veterinary Medical Association.
Program Standouts: Animal Anatomy, Veterinary Office Procedures, Small and Large Animal Breeds, and Behavior, Animal Medicine, Animal Dentistry, Animal Physiology, in addition to, Surgical Preparation, Avian and Exotic Pet Medicine, and many others.
Learn more about St. Petersburg College’s ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE (AS) IN VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM
Should I earn an online Associate of Science degree in Veterinary Technology?
The care of our beloved pets ranks right up there with the care of our human family members. If you are an animal lover, (and who isn’t?), you will excel in the field of veterinary nursing.
Veterinary technology programs can be partially completed online and clinical requirements, most often, can be completed in your community. Typically, an online Associate of Applied Science degree can be completed in two years; however, some programs, such as Purdue University allows you to take your time and study at your own pace as time permits if desired.
Your online program must be accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). You will gain a comprehensive understanding of pet care management through animal wellness classes, as well as, how to properly conduct business practices within a veterinarian’s office setting.
Can you continue your education in this field? Yes, you may go on to earn your bachelor’s degree in the field of veterinary technology. Your bachelor’s degree program in veterinary technology is an excellent choice for those who would like to perform lab tests and conduct research, as well as, delve deeper into the field of animal healthcare.
Are you in excellent mental and physical shape? The emotional distress of a veterinary assistant can be particularly taxing in times of sorrow for pet owners and even for the vet assistant, just the same as someone in the field of nursing. This position can also require some heavy lifting at times. Other job hazards include scratches and bites!
What can I do with an online Associate of Veterinary Technology degree? Let’s explore…
What type of work environment would you prefer? Typically, students who have earned an associate degree and have passed their licensure exam are interested in obtaining an entry-level position as a veterinarian technologist. This entry-level position is an excellent way to start a career in animal medicine. The average pay for this position is $35,320 annually, according to the BLS, as of May 2019. With an anticipated faster-than-average job growth rate of 16%, your future as a veterinarian technologist is looking bright! This increase is due to a shortage of veterinary technicians and the growing need for pet owners looking for advanced vet care for their beloved “family members”.
If the office setting is not for you, you may want to consider a position as a zookeeper or assisting animals on a wildlife preserve. Other prospects for employment include humane societies, diagnostic labs, or at a large farming operation where cattle, pigs, or chickens are raised.
What kind of licensing is required as a Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT)?
Most commonly, to become a certified veterinarian technologist, your state will require you to participate in a state board examination to gain licensure. The Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) will cover all aspects of small animal healthcare. You will need to complete your accredited online Associate of Veterinary Technician degree program to qualify to sit for the exam.
The four-hour exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and covers areas, such as anesthesia, radiography, ultrasound, and preparations for surgical procedures. This test is offered three times a year, and practice tests are available online.
Through an online Associate of Applied Science degree program in the field of Veterinary Technology, you can learn to give back to our furry friends. Enroll today for an exciting and rewarding career in this field!
