Vet Tech Schools

American Veterinary Medical Association Accredited Vet Tech Schools

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredits programs that train veterinary technicians and veterinary technologists. It is always best to choose and accredited program, so if you are considering a career as a veterinary technician, you should check to make sure any vet tech schools you are thinking of are accredited.

There are a total of 160 AVMA accredited vet tech schools. Of these, 18 offer a four year degree (including California State Polytechnic University-Pomona College of Agriculture), with the rest offering 2 year associates degrees (which is considered the minimum level of education required for this type of position). These programs are available in almost all states, with only Alaska, Arkansas, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Montana, and Rhode Island not having any accredited programs. However, there are 9 programs that offer distance learning options (including Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine), so even people in these states can still attend an accredited program. Completing an accredited veterinary technician program will prepare you to take the required credentialing examination upon graduation.

Coursework in any of the available vet tech schools, including Central New Mexico Community College and Mesa Community College in Arizona, will include both classroom and lab work, in both clinical and lab settings. Live animals will be used during many of the lessons. Classes will teach you all you need to know about animal care and management, basic medical sciences, and veterinary medical care. Some of the subjects you might take include Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Math, Veterinary Office Management, Veterinary Pharmacology, English, Diagnostic Imaging, Clinical Pathology, Animal Parasitology, Surgical Procedures, Anesthesiology, Animal Care and Management, Laboratory Animal Science, Animal Nutrition and Reproduction, and Animal Diseases, Pathology, and Immunology. Most programs will also include some sort of internship to give you a bit more practical experience in the field.

Once you have finished your educational program at one of the vet tech schools you might want to consider getting registered, licensed, or certified. Most states use the National Veterinary Technician exam for this purpose, but some states have their own exams. You can also get certified through the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS), which certifies technicians who would like to work in research facilities. They have different levels of certification, including Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT), Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT), and Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG).

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