Best Online Vet Tech Programs – Associate & Bachelor Degrees

Are you looking for the best online vet tech programs to enroll in? Find the best online vet tech programs here at GetEducated.

Become a veterinarian technician through an online veterinary technician degree program, and pursue a career with a high rate of growth, a high salary, and fulfilling day-to-day objectives.  If you are a veterinary assistant seeking career advancement, then your prior experience in a vet’s office will be useful to this degree pathway. The job growth for today’s vet tech is projected at 20% between 2021 and 2031, much faster than the average rate of growth for all occupations across the country. The profession requires only a specialized associate degree to build the skills to perform much more complex tasks in caring for animals, and then a state-administered licensure exam.

If you’ve chosen to become a vet tech but are still looking for the best online vet tech programs, one that is flexible, provides the knowledge you seek, and the credentials you need, check out the article below to find the top five vet tech online schools.

Article Navigation: What is an Online Veterinary Technician Degree? | Associate Vet Tech Online Programs | Online Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Technology | Program Overview | Licensure | Career Information | Conclusion

What is an Online Veterinary Technician Degree?

Online veterinary technician programs teach how to become a vet tech and provide challenging courses and practical, clinical experience requirements. Online vet tech degrees will include science, mathematics, and general education courses in any program that you choose. Veterinary technicians learn to perform a wide range of complex procedures including:

• Collecting specimens and performing laboratory procedures
• Preparing for and assisting in surgery
• Administering anesthesia
• Performing diagnostic imaging and educating clients

All these technical and medical procedures require training, both in the science behind the work and in the hands-on care of animals. Vet tech programs are rigorous and challenging to produce capable, competent veterinary technicians for an in-demand profession.

Associate of Science vs. Associate of Applied Science Vet Tech Online Programs

Looking for top online vet tech programs to enroll in? Wondering about the difference between an Associate of Science and an Associate of Applied Science Vet Tech degree? Online vet tech associate degree programs are either “Associate of Science” or “Associate of Applied Science” degrees, depending on what a school offers. The main difference between the two degrees is one prepares students for further study in a bachelor’s degree program, the other one prepares students to get started in a career as a Veterinary Technician.

An AS degree in veterinary technology prepares students for further study in a bachelor’s degree program. It teaches students basic knowledge of animal care. For example, students learn how diseases spread or what medicine works best for particular animal illnesses. An AAS degree, on the other hand, prepares students for the workforce as a Veterinary Technician. It focuses more on practical skills such as understanding medical tools, administering injections, collecting lab samples, and supporting veterinarians during surgeries. However, no matter which one of these degrees you decide to go for, you will be able to become a vet tech, as long as you took one of the AVMA accredited online vet tech programs.

Associate Vet Tech Online Programs

Are you looking for online colleges that offer vet tech programs? If you’re looking for the best vet tech schools online, and are getting ready for the first step towards a career as a veterinary technician by checking out the best online vet tech programs available for this growing profession online. Consider the emphasis of the program you want, from the online colleges that offer vet tech programs, in addition to cost and schedule.

The Best Vet Tech Schools Online – Associate Degrees

1. San Juan College

   Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology
   Total Cost (In-State): $4,464
   Total Cost (Out-of-State): $13,000

   San Juan College is another one of the best online schools for vet tech. The AVMA accredits this program. It has multiple start dates in the fall, spring, or summer and the specialized vet tech courses last 12 weeks each. It is 100% asynchronous and one of the best vet tech online programs designed for working professionals.

   The hands-on labs take place at a veterinary clinic in the student’s area. Students work with both a companion animal site and a Food and Farm Animal site. Additionally, fast-track labs for large animal skills on-site in Waco, Texas, or another off-campus clinical instruction site are available. Students take one to four courses per semester. Full-time students can complete the program in two years and then sit for the VTNE or similar state exams. Lastly, this program is open to international students. It should also be noted that prior relevant work experience or college credit may be transfer credits or allow students to test out of some courses.

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   Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology

    

2. Penn Foster

   Degree: Associate of Science in Veterinary Technician
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $8,000

   Penn Foster is one of the best online schools for vet tech. Firstly, it has a low tuition price below $100 per credit hour. Additionally, Penn Foster College also offers payment plans with no interest. The Award-winning faculty and a strong vet tech student community foster a rigorous and supportive environment. Secondly, the coursework is interactive and includes live webinars and asynchronous course elements and are mobile-friendly. Thirdly, the clinical externships can be completed with one of the national veterinary hospital partners. Not to mention that up to 75% of credits toward the degree may transfer from other institutions. The program take in four semesters to complete. And lastly, it prepares students to take the VTNE.

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   Associate of Science in Veterinary Technician

    

3. St. Petersburg College

   Degree: Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $9,252.75
   Total Cost (Out-of-State): $29,338.70

   St. Petersburg College is one of the best online veterinary technician programs. Firstly, it is accredited by the AVMA and the American Animal Hospital Association. Secondly, the training includes radiology, nursing, dentistry, anesthesia, surgical preparation, and clinical laboratory tests. Additionally, students must complete 18 or 22 credits of the general education requirements and have worked or volunteered at least 40 hours in an animal hospital before applying to the best vet tech online programs for an animal science associate’s degree. The coursework is completely online and most learning is asynchronous. However, students complete the clinical practicum with a mentor in their area. Students must spend at least 20 hours per week in a veterinary clinic. Lastly, Florida residents pay less than a third of the tuition charged to out-of-state students. There is the possibility to combine on-campus and online learning to fit the schedule needs of area students.

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   Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology

    

4. Colby Community College

   Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology
   Total Cost (In-State): $9,430
   Total Cost (Out-of-State): $13,858

   Colby Community is one of the best online colleges for vet tech. This is because it offers the convenience of distance learning combined with weekend on-campus mentorships for specialized subjects. All coursework can be completed online asynchronously with practicums in the student’s residential area. There are also on-campus weekend mentorships for large animals, laboratory/exotic animals, and microbiology. However, online students are required to work with veterinary hospitals in their area to cover hands-on skills. The program takes three years part-time or two years full-time to complete. Tuition is very affordable, especially for Kansas residents, but tuition for out-of-state and international students is also very low. Lastly, courses are offered three semesters per year, though not all courses are offered every semester.

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   Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology

    

5. Purdue University

   Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $18,900

   Purdue University is one of the best online veterinary technician programs. It offers a part-time program that takes three to five years to complete. The “veterinary nursing program” is a term that accurately represents the rigorous science-based curriculum and job duties of this profession. In this program, students are responsible for securing their own mentorship sites. Students practice hands-on skills with a mentor in the student’s area. However, Purdue holds on-campus workshops for students seeking large animal experience. Online veterinary science degree graduates have a 90% pass rate on the VTNE. Additionally, this program is open to international students and all students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residence.

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   Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Technology

You can earn an online Bachelor’s degree from one of the best online colleges for vet tech. An online bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology will typically teach you subjects on animal physiology, veterinary pharmacology, radiography, anesthesiology, surgical procedures, and more. It will typically take 4 years of studying to complete a bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology. Students either do lab work or participate in an internship. Both options give students real-world experience as a vet tech. Admission requirements into an online vet tech program include a high school diploma or GED, prerequisite coursework, a letter of recommendation, and an essay.

A bachelor’s degree from one of the top online vet tech programs gives you lots of advantages over having just an associate’s. For example, by studying longer for a Bachelor’s, you will get to learn more about the best ways to take care of animals. You will additionally have the opportunity to specialize in different areas such as anesthesia or dental work. Furthermore, you will also be able to earn much higher salaries after you graduate and are looking for a job. The decision between which of the two degrees you should pick should be based on your career goals, time commitment, and financial situation. However, remember that both degrees consist of fascinating topics that you will enjoy learning.

Top Online Veterinary Technology Bachelor Degree Programs

1. Penn Foster College

   Degree: Veterinary Technology – Bachelor Degree
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $6,700

   Penn Foster is one of the best online vet tech schools. It offers one of the best online vet tech programs accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association through the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (AVMA-CVTEA). If you already have an AVMA-CVTEA-accredited associate’s degree in vet tech, then it will help you get started on this degree. This degree is one of the top-rated online vet tech programs. It will help you further expand your knowledge and skills in the Veterinary Technology field. Penn Foster has also many partnerships with big hospital names like Banfield, VCA, and BluePearl. So, at Penn Foster, you’ll easily be able to benefit from learning directly from qualified professionals who are experts in the field, and at a pace of your choosing.

   Penn Foster’s Veterinary Technology Bachelor’s Degree Program will help you become highly skilled in taking care of animals. It focuses on teaching you important skills. For instance, students learn about the bonds between humans and their animal companions. They also learn how to become familiar with how veterinary medicine works. Additionally, students learn how to do different lab tests. You’ll also learn about different communication techniques, which will help you in interacting with pet owners. In conclusion, Penn Foster’s Veterinary Technology Bachelor’s Degree Program will teach you many useful skills that will prove very useful when you’re taking care of animals.

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   Veterinary Technology - Bachelor Degree

    

2. St. Petersburg College

   Degree: Bachelor of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology

   St. Petersburg College is another one of the best online vet tech schools. It offers one of the best vet tech programs online, called the Bachelor of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology degree. The American Veterinary Medical Association through the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (AVMA-CVTEA) accredits this program. This online vet tech degree will provide advanced courses that will get you ready to become a skilled vet tech.

   It focuses on specific topics such as animal anesthesia, dental hygiene, and pharmacology. You will learn how to give medications, track animal health, and how to provide the best possible treatments. You will also get a chance to learn about global dynamics when it comes to caring for an animal’s well-being. These skills will give you all that you need to work within various roles in this field and help keep the animals you care for healthy and happy.

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   Bachelor of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology

Online Vet Tech Program Overview

Vet Tech Online Curriculum

Looking to enroll in top vet tech online programs? Keep in mind that some programs will require students to take the general education portions of the program before beginning a specialized curriculum. General education requirements will include writing, humanities, mathematics, science, and social sciences. Many programs also include coursework in communications, since this profession requires communication skills with colleagues and clients.

The specialized curriculum of a vet tech program differs slightly from college to college. However, they will usually focus on topics such as animal anatomy, pharmacology, and veterinary medical terminology. Animal anatomy focuses on understanding how the bodies of different animals work. Pharmacology focuses on learning about how different drugs will affect the bodies of different animals. And lastly, veterinary medical terminology focuses on teaching you about the different meanings behind the words and phrases related to this field. Keep in mind that while each school’s curriculum can differ slightly, the goal to prepare knowledgeable vet techs remains consistent.

Required In-Person Vet Tech Training

The specialized portion of any online veterinary technician degree will include an animal-focused curriculum and hands-on skills development under the mentorship of a veterinarian or licensed vet tech. The vast majority of these practices deal primarily with small animals, though some programs require practical work with farm and food animals too. Some programs also have exotic/laboratory animal clinics.

In these hands-on skill development experiences, vet tech students can expect to learn many things. For example, they will learn how to give shots, draw blood, and assist veterinarians with surgeries. They will also learn how to do X-rays and lab tests with different kinds of animals. They learn how to safely handle the animals that they work. Because of this, all parties are able to stay safe during the treatments. These hands-on skills development experiences help make sure students know what needs to be done for each animal before they take action on their first real patient.

Best Online Vet Tech Program Specializations

• Critical Care

  If you want to become a specialized vet tech caretaker for animals in Critical Care, then there are a few steps you will need to take. First of all, you will have to have gone through one of the accredited vet tech programs online with 25 hours of studying courses in critical care and currently hold licensure as a veterinary technician. You will also need to have at least 3 full years of experience working in critical care emergencies in the last 5 years. Furthermore, you will also need 2 letters of recommendation, and a case log with at least 50 cases. Once you meet all of these prerequisites, you will then be able to take the national test for critical care specialization, and upon passing, you will then be able to become a licensed critical care vet tech.

• Dentistry

  The Vet Tech Program Specialization in Dentistry focuses on providing students with knowledge in animal oral health care and dental procedures. To become a vet tech specializing in this field, you will first have to earn a vet tech degree from an accredited college or university. Once you’ve earned your degree, you will then need 3 to 5 years’ worth of work experience and must have a case log with details from at least 50 to 75 patients’ cases. After meeting all of these prerequisites you will then also have to take the dentistry specialization exam and pass it. Being certified in the Vet Tech Program Specialization in Dentistry will make sure that you have what it takes to provide top-tier dental care for a large variety of animals.

• Anesthesia

  The Vet Tech Program Specialization in Anesthesia gives students the knowledge required to safely administer anesthesia in a veterinary setting. To become a certified veterinary technician specialist in anesthesia, you must first have graduated from an approved vet tech program or be licensed as a veterinary technician. You will also have to have at least 4,500 hours worth of anesthesia work in helping animals and have a case log of at least 50 cases where you’ve helped sick pets while using anesthesia. You will also need to have at least 40 hours of continuing education classes on veterinary anesthesia through an approved vet tech school. If you meet all of these prerequisites, you will then be able to take the Tech Program Specialization in Anesthesia exam, and you will be certified after you pass it.

• Zoological

  The Vet Tech Program Specialization in Zoological Medicine equips students with the specialized skills and knowledge needed to provide medical care to a large range of animals within a zoological setting. To become certified in this field, you must first have graduated from an approved vet school or be licensed as a veterinary technician. You will also need to have at least 5 years’ worth of work experience with zoo medicine, in the past 7 years. Furthermore, you will also need at least 40 hours of continuing education in the past 5 years and logs from at least 40 animal cases. Additionally, you will need to have 2 recommendation letters from qualified individuals. After all these things check out, then you will be able to take the Academy of Veterinary Zoological Medicine Technicians (AVZMT) exam and become certified once you pass it.

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Vet Tech Degree Online?

Associate degree programs typically take two years of full-time study, but online veterinary classes can vary in length. If you are working, you may want to study part-time, and some programs even require you to go slower through the coursework. While many of these programs are asynchronous, some online veterinary science degrees require on-site attendance to lectures and discussions. Plan to work outside of class time on each course each week, especially with the challenging courses provided to earn this professional degree.

Admission Requirements for a Vet Tech Degree Online

With a high school transcript or a GED, students can begin applications for online veterinary technician programs in one of the top vet tech online programs.

Licensure for Vet Techs

To be licensed as a veterinary technician, you must check with your state for requirements. In most cases, you must pass a national exam, the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). The American Association of Veterinary State Boards administers the VTNE.

The Veterinary Technician National Exam

It’s important that you pick a program from a list of accredited online vet tech programs. Educational programs need to be accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), through their Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA).  Online veterinary technician associate’s degree programs that are accredited by this board are checked for educational and institutional quality, so you can be assured of a good program if it is approved.

If you want to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), then it’s important to make sure that your vet tech program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (AVMA-CVTEA). If it’s not, then you won’t be able to take the VTNE. Accreditation means that AVMA-CVTEA has reviewed and approved how the courses are taught. Therefore, it ensures the programs meet the standards for what future vets have to learn. This is why it’s essential to make sure your vet tech program is accredited by AVMA-CVTEA before you enroll.

Besides graduating from an AVMA-CVTEA accredited program, there could be other eligibility criteria for taking the VTNE, depending on which state you’re located in. Some states will check to make sure that you have good morals so that you won’t mishandle any animals when you’re on the job. On the other hand, others states will make you take another state-specific exam in order to get your license after you passed the VTNE exam. All of these eligibility criteria are put in place to make sure that the people who want to become Veterinary Technicians are well-prepared and able to do their job properly after they are certified.

State Veterinary Licensing Board

The State Veterinary Licensing Board is a group of people who are responsible for issuing licenses for qualified veterinarians. They are in charge of making sure that all vets and vet techs meet the standards set by the different states that they’re working from. Therefore, they guarantee that all animals will be able to get the best care possible when they visit a clinic or hospital. The main focus of the State Veterinary Licensing Boards is to make sure that the highest quality of veterinary care is given by the licensed vet tech. They do so by ensuring that all state-specific laws and regulations related to veterinary practice are followed by the licensed vet techs.

There are a few common state requirements in order to qualify in getting licensed in veterinary technology. Firstly, you will have to graduate from one of the best accredited online vet tech programs that are accredited by AVMA-CVTEA. Next, you will have to take and pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam. This exam tests what your vet tech knowledge. Furthermore, some states will even do background checks. Others check for proof of continuous learning, so your license can be renewed. Not only are the State Veterinary Licensing Boards responsible for issuing licenses. They are also responsible for making sure all licensed vets across the states act professionally and are up to standards.

• California

  In California, to become a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) you must first take the RVT examination. To take the RVT examination, you must first meet their prerequisite requirements. You must first complete a 2-year curriculum at one of the best accredited online vet tech programs that are AVMA-approved or any other postsecondary institution that has been approved by the Veterinary Medical Board of California (VMB) or has completed a program or curriculum that has been deemed equivalent to a 2-year approved program by the VMB.

• Texas

  In order to become a Registered Veterinary Technician in Texas, you must complete a few steps. Firstly, you will have to complete an AVMA-accredited online vet tech degree. Then you will have to take and pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination. Your  score needs to be at least 75% or higher. Afterward, you will also have to take and pass a state exam called the Texas Licensed Vet Tech Exam. Once you have completed all these steps, you will then be officially recognized as a Registered Veterinary Technician in Texas. This will allow you to practice veterinary technology professionally there.

• New York

  In order to become a licensed veterinary technician in New York, you will also need to complete an online vet tech degree. The New York State Education Department needs to register the program. Additionally, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) needs to accredit the program. After that, you will then have to take and pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). The VTNE tests you on all you have learned. It can be taken in the final 6 months of your qualifying veterinary technology program. They will also check to make sure that you have good morals. This is done to ensure that you won’t mistreat any animals that you handle. After passing all of these steps, you will then be issued your vet tech license. New York will officially recognize you as a vet tech.

Vet Tech Career Information

Veterinary technicians are an important part of animal healthcare and help veterinarian doctors diagnose and give care to animals. They work in places such as pet hospitals or clinics. Vet techs will sometimes have unpredictable working hours since some sick animals might need to receive help right away.

Vet Tech Salary & Job Outlook

The median wage for veterinary technicians is $36,850 per year, as of May 2021. It is expected that there will be a lot more job openings over the next 10 years. The projected increase is 20 percent from 2021 to 2031, due to the growing demand for their expertise. We can expect around 15,500 new job openings in this field over the next 10 years. It seems that those who are interested in working with pets will have no shortage of opportunities over the next decade, which is great news for those who love working with animals.

Where Do Vet Techs Work?

Veterinary technicians primarily work in veterinary clinics and animal hospitals. Some vet techs even work at animal shelters where they give extra care to injured animals. Working late night shifts is also very common for vet techs. This can happen because there could be emergencies anytime involving all sorts of pet problems. Vet techs can also work at research labs, universities, or even zoos caring for animals. With their skills and knowledge about animal maintenance needed everywhere, it’s a great field offering lots of opportunities.

Enroll in an Online Vet Tech Schools Today!

Earning an online veterinary science degree is what it takes to enter the vet tech profession. A vet tech online degree will give you the experience, tools, and knowledge to succeed.  By finding the program that best fits your career goals as well as your budget, residency restrictions, and schedule, your veterinary education can be one of the most rewarding experiences you take on. Check out GetEducated’s one-stop shop for finding the top online veterinary classes to meet your needs. By doing so, you’ve already taken the first step toward your new veterinary career.

Sources: 

• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-technologists-and-technicians.htm
• https://www.aavsb.org/vtne-overview/
• https://www.avma.org/education/center-for-veterinary-accreditation/veterinary-technology-programs-accredited-avma-cvtea
• https://www.avma.org/advocacy/state-and-local-advocacy/veterinary-state-board-websites