The answer is typically at least two years after graduating from high school, although there are exceptions based on academic program, specialization options, and state credentialing procedures.
A vet tech may be a generalist, or they may pursue additional credentials to become a specialist. Either choice allows a vet tech to play a vital role in helping veterinarians diagnose and treat a variety of medical issues in animals. For vet techs, every day is different, often challenging, and filled with satisfaction at helping the creatures they love.
Although the time required to become a veterinary technician varies based on factors such as full-time or part-time attendance, on-campus or online studies, and the degree sought, aspiring vet techs should plan on two to five years after high school graduation. Those choosing to become specialists may need additional years of hands-on-experience.
Read on to learn more about what a veterinary technician does, how to obtain the training and credentialing needed, and how long it all takes.
How Long To Become A Veterinary Technician – A Step-by-Step Guide
Becoming a veterinary technician generally requires at least a two-year associate degree and passing the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), offered three times annually.
There are some states, such as Wyoming, where credentialing is “voluntary,” and others, such as Alaska, where applicants can substitute on-the-job experience for formal education. Check out the map on the homepage to examine detailed procedures for each state.
Here is a detailed look at the typical process in most states.
Step 1: Graduate from high school or earn a GED (four years).
Aspiring vet techs are encouraged to earn high grades in subjects such as biology, chemistry, physiology, and other science courses. If possible, volunteer at rescue facilities, animal shelters, clinics, or other animal settings. This not only gives a feel for what’s involved in caring for animals, but also provides an opportunity to obtain letters of recommendation or references needed for admission to some vet tech schools.
Step 2: Graduate from an accredited associate’s or bachelor’s degree program in veterinary technology (two to four years).
Although some states allow vet techs with work experience to be licensed in lieu of a degree, it’s highly advisable to obtain a degree from an accredited institution. The Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA), part of the American Veterinary Medical Association, is the established authority accrediting veterinary technicians and technologists. Accreditation includes evaluating the program’s curriculum, instructors’ qualifications, the adequacy of facilities, finances, and the admissions process to ensure that students receive a comprehensive, high-quality education. CVTEA accredits on-campus and online schools.
Additionally, schools are required to disclose their three-year VTNE pass rate, so be sure to check that, along with accreditation, when deciding which institution to attend. The pass rate indicates how well the school is meeting national standards.
In general, students can expect to submit official transcripts, test scores (such as SAT or ACT), a background check, and proof of specified immunizations and health insurance as part of the admissions process. Some institutions may request letters of recommendation, experience, and personal interviews. Students who are not native English speakers usually have to submit TOEFL scores.
Students planning to become vet techs usually complete a two-year associate’s degree program, while those intending to become vet technologists complete a four-year bachelor’s program. The following profiles are examples of accredited on-campus and online institutions offering associate’s and bachelor’s degrees.
Pima Community College: Located in Tucson, AZ, Pima Community College offers a 61-credit veterinary technician associate of applied science (AAS) degree. The curriculum includes topics such as veterinary customer service, veterinary nursing procedures, veterinary dental procedures, clinical pathology, radiology and imaging techniques, and anesthetic and surgical nursing, among others. Classwork includes laboratory and two internships in clinical settings to provide hands-on experience. The coursework is divided between in-person and hybrid modes.
Purdue University: Students enrolled at Purdue may complete a veterinary technology AAS online or a veterinary technology bachelor’s degree at the West Lafayette, IN campus. The online program consists of 27 courses (46.5 credit hours) and 18 clinical experiences (18.5 credit hours). Coursework includes anatomy, physiology, pharmacy procedures, nutrition, surgical nursing, large animal nursing, and principles of anesthesia.
Students in the bachelor’s degree program may transfer their credit hours from the AAS program or complete the 87-credit-hour BSVT program. Their curriculum continues with the AAS program and includes additional topics such as microbiology, parasitology, clinical toxicology, laboratory and exotic pet medicine, veterinary management, and others, including selections from nine electives. They will also complete several clinical rotations and a practicum.
Texas A&M University Kingsville: Texas A&M offers a four-year veterinary technologist bachelor’s degree program at the Kingsville, TX, campus. The curriculum emphasizes large-animal, wildlife, and laboratory-animal care. The campus features a state-of-the art facility/teaching hospital with classrooms, labs, animal housing areas, and surgical and radiology rooms. Students also have access to the university farm, wildlife center, vivarium, and a toxins research center.
The curriculum includes veterinary animal care and husbandry, veterinary diagnostic imaging, veterinary nursing techniques for zoo and wildlife species, health management of small animals, veterinary pharmacology, veterinary nursing techniques for hoofstock, veterinary anesthesia and surgical nursing, and a clinical externship, among others. Class size is limited to 30 students.
St. Petersburg College: St. Petersburg College offers a veterinary technician associate’s degree fully online and at the St. Petersburg, FL, campus. Face-to-face students are required to complete 100 hours of clinical time each semester and online students must complete 280 hours of clinical experience in a facility near where they live. Typical coursework for both includes biological sciences, animal anatomy, veterinary medical terminology, small animal behavior, animal physiology, large animal clinical and nursing skills, avian and exotic pet medicine, large animal diseases, and practicums.
The bachelor’s degree (VETTC-BAS) is online only. The curriculum includes the associate’s degree coursework. Additionally, it includes topics such as integrative veterinary nursing, emergency and critical care, ethical issues in veterinary technology, small animal nutrition, introduction to animal science, companion animal diseases, understanding the human-animal bond, leadership in veterinary technology, biological issues, and many others. Students will also complete a capstone project. Students may customize their coursework to meet the requirements of three sub-plans: advanced clinical applications; veterinary hospital management; and combined clinical and hospital management.
Step 3: Apply for and take the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) (usually less than one year).
Passing the VTNE is a requirement for licensing in most states. Sponsored by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB), it tests an applicant’s competency in pharmacy and pharmacology, surgical nursing, dentistry, laboratory procedures, animal care and nursing, diagnostic imaging, anesthesia, emergency medicine and critical care, and pain management. The exam includes 170 multiple-choice questions and takes three hours to complete. It is offered three times a year and requires a fee.
Step 4: Apply for state credentials as a registered, certified, or licensed vet tech (timeline varies, but is usually less than one year).
Each state has its own qualifications, terminology, and requirements. Typically, applicants must submit their VTNE score, transcripts from AVMA-accredited programs, and passport-style photos. Some states may require proof of citizenship, a background check, and a passing score on a state examination. A fee is required.
Applicants may find their state’s credentialing requirements in the AVMA listing of state board websites. These requirements are detailed on each state page. Once the VTNE is passed and other state requirements are met, aspiring vet techs will be on their way to becoming a registered vet technician (RVT), licensed vet technician (LVT), or certified vet technician (CVT).
Step 5: Become a member of a professional association (optional).
For a recurring yearly membership fee, professional organizations offer vet techs opportunities for networking, continuing education, conferences, professional advocacy, job opportunities, and more.
The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) is a professional organization that helps vet techs stay up to date on industry news and offers networking opportunities. The organization offers associate and student memberships, provides information about upcoming events, offers continuing education, and publishes the bi-monthly NAVTA Journal, which is the only educational publication sanctioned by NAVTA.
Step 6: Become a vet tech specialist (optional, three to five years).
Some veterinary technicians may want to specialize in a particular type of animal care. The AVMA recognized the need to set standards and specialty guidelines many years ago. In 1951, they established what is now known as the American Board of Veterinary Specialties, and have since determined the criteria for “22 AVMA-recognized veterinary specialty organizations™ comprising 48 distinct AVMA-recognized veterinary specialties™,” to meet the needs of veterinarians and tech.
The vet tech specialities all have stringent criteria, which can include:
- Specified hours/years of experience in the specialty
- Proof of licensing, registration, or certification as a vet tech
- Case logs and detailed case studies
- Passing exams in the speciality
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Proof of continuing hours of continuing education related to the specialty
- Skill assessment forms
- Application and exam fees
Detailed information on each speciality may be found in the How to Become a Veterinary Tech Specialist (VTS) guide.
Step 7: Meet continuing education and credentialing (timeline varies).
Maintaining licensure, registration, or certification usually requires completing a specified number of continuing education (CE) hours. The AAVSB, NAVTA, AVMA, and state regulatory boards have information on approved CE courses. Generally, the requirements can be met through conferences, publications, online coursework, and similar means.
Vet Tech vs Vet Nurse vs Vet Assistant – How Long?
According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), “Veterinary technicians are educated professionals who help veterinarians care for pets by providing nursing support, acting as patient advocates, performing diagnostic procedures, and assisting in anesthesia and surgery.”
Vet techs are often described as helping veterinarians in much the same way as a nurse assists a physician. Accordingly, the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) is working on the Veterinary Nurse Initiative (VNI), under which technicians would be recognized as veterinary nurses, with the goal of standardizing credentials. In general, becoming a “vet nurse” involves the same steps and timeline as becoming a vet tech.
Please note that people often use the term “vet tech” to refer to either a veterinary technician or a veterinary technologist. However, the educational requirements and duties are different. A technician usually has a two-year degree, while a technologist generally has a four-year degree. There’s an overlap in their duties, but the technologist often performs more complex roles. In some instances, technologists may manage a veterinary practice or engage in research.
Veterinary assistants usually have only a high school or a GED. They are generally not allowed to perform the kind of direct medical care to animals that vet techs are responsible for. They often help clean equipment, assist in restraining animals, and perform similar duties. They are never referred to as vet techs.
