What to Expect in a 2-Year Veterinary Technician Associate Degree Program
A Veterinary Technician Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is a practical and focused way to enter the field of animal healthcare. These two-year programs prepare students to work directly with animals in clinical, laboratory, and research settings. Graduates are trained to assist veterinarians with procedures, diagnostics, surgeries, and routine animal care.
Program Duration and Format
Most veterinary technician AAS programs take two years to complete when attending full-time. Some programs offer accelerated timelines of 18–19 months. Others support part-time enrollment or hybrid formats with online coursework combined with local clinical practicums.
Many programs include two externships or clinical practicums, each requiring about 225 hours of supervised hands-on work in approved veterinary settings.
Curriculum Overview
Veterinary technician associate programs combine natural sciences, medical training, and clinical practice. Below are common subjects covered:
Core Courses
- Animal Anatomy and Physiology: Focus on body systems in small and large animals.
- Veterinary Pharmacology: Covers drug administration, dosage, toxicology, and medication safety.
- Surgical Assistance and Anesthesiology: Students assist in surgeries and learn pre- and post-operative protocols, including anesthesia monitoring.
- Veterinary Lab Procedures: Training in diagnostic techniques like blood sampling, urinalysis, and cytology.
- Diagnostic Imaging: Students learn radiography positioning, safety, and interpretation, with some programs introducing ultrasonography.
- Animal Nutrition and Reproduction: Covers feeding practices, genetics, and animal aging processes.
Specialized Topics
- Small and Large Animal Medicine: Care techniques for companion animals, livestock, and equine patients.
- Exotic and Laboratory Animals: Husbandry, handling, and disease management for birds, reptiles, and lab species.
- Veterinary Office Management: Instruction on scheduling, recordkeeping, inventory control, and client communication.
Practicums
Two required externships typically follow the second and fourth semesters:
- Practicum 1: After completing initial coursework and labs.
- Practicum 2: A capstone experience in a veterinary clinic.
Each externship must be completed within 3 months and is overseen by qualified veterinary staff, who verify students’ skill proficiency.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of an AAS in Veterinary Technology are trained to:
- Assist in animal surgery and perform anesthesia protocols
- Collect and analyze blood, urine, and tissue samples
- Take and interpret x-rays and assist with imaging
- Educate pet owners about medication, wellness, and post-op care
- Manage veterinary office tasks, including patient intake and documentation
These skills prepare students to support veterinarians in clinical, emergency, and specialty care environments.
Accreditation and Licensure
To qualify for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), students must graduate from a program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). This is a key requirement for state licensure, certification, or registration, depending on your location.
Search for AVMA-accredited programs:
🔗 AVMA-Accredited Veterinary Technician Programs
Before enrolling, check your state’s requirements through your state Board of Veterinary Medicine.
Admissions Requirements
Typical entry requirements include:
- High school diploma or GED
- Transcripts from previous education
- Application form and possible placement exams
Some programs may ask for proof of animal handling experience or immunizations (e.g., rabies vaccine) before beginning clinicals.
Tuition and Costs
The total tuition for a 2-year vet tech program usually falls between $15,000 and $35,000, depending on the institution and residency status.
Here’s a cost breakdown example:
- Per credit hour: $200–$450
- Total credit hours: ~70–80
- Additional costs: Books, lab fees, uniforms, equipment, exam prep
Some online colleges such as Penn Foster College offer flexible tuition plans and nationally accredited programs.
Advantages of an AAS in Veterinary Technology
Foundation for further study in animal science or veterinary medicine
Fast track into the veterinary field in two years or less
Hands-on clinical experience with small, large, and exotic animals
Eligibility for VTNE, licensure, and a wide range of career options
Top Vet Tech Schools
The schools listed below represent some of the best AVMA-accredited associate degree programs in the country, offering flexible learning formats, strong clinical training, and high VTNE pass rates. Whether you’re looking for an online option, a campus-based experience, or a hybrid model, these programs provide comprehensive pathways to becoming a credentialed veterinary technician.
| School | Location | Length | Format | Distinguishing Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platt College | Los Angeles, CA | As little as 19 months | Online | Accelerated online format with AVMA and ACCSC accreditation |
| Lone Star College | Woodlands, TX | 2 years | On-Campus | Option to apply Veterinary Assistant Certificate credits toward degree |
| SUNY Delhi | Delhi, NY | 2 years | Online | 240-hour preceptorship and transfer option to bachelor’s in Vet Tech |
| San Juan College | Farmington, NM | Flexible/Part-Time | Online + Clinicals | One of only 10 AVMA-accredited online vet tech programs in the U.S. |
| St. Petersburg College | St. Petersburg, FL | 2 years | Online or On-Campus | Online students complete 280 supervised clinical hours per semester |
| University of New Hampshire | Durham, NH | 2 years | On-Campus | Access to live PAWS clinic, equine herds, and transfer path to BS in Animal Science |
| Black Hawk College | Galva, IL | 2 years | On-Campus | Requires 40+ hours of shadowing before admission; competitive entry |
| Lehigh Carbon Community College | Schnecksville, PA | 2 years | On-Campus (NCC and LCCC) | Joint program with NCC using two campuses for hands-on learning |
| Coastal Alabama Community College | Bay Minette, AL | 5 semesters | Hybrid | Hybrid delivery with weekly clinicals and online learning |
| Metropolitan Community College | Kansas City, MO | 2 years | On-Campus | Veterinary education offered since 1973; strong clinical and pre-vet options |
Platt College
- Los Angeles, CA
- https://plattcollege.edu/programs/distance-education/veterinary-technology-associates-degree/
The Veterinary Technology Associate’s Degree at Platt College Distance Education is an online program designed to prepare students for entry-level careers in animal health care. Accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the program can be completed in as little as 19 months and provides comprehensive training in essential veterinary technician skills such as administering medications, assisting in surgery, conducting lab procedures, and supporting veterinarians with diagnostic and treatment tasks.
Hands-On Experience and Career Opportunities
Throughout the program, students gain hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge necessary for roles in animal hospitals, veterinary clinics, and related facilities. The curriculum covers a wide range of duties—from recording patient histories to performing diagnostic imaging and providing post-operative care. Upon successful completion, graduates receive an Associate of Science Degree in Veterinary Technology. While graduation does not guarantee employment, the program provides a strong foundation for pursuing a career as a veterinary technician, supported by Platt College’s AVMA and ACCSC accreditations.
Lone Star College
The Veterinary Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree at Lone Star College–Tomball is a two-year program designed to prepare students for hands-on roles in animal health care. The curriculum combines classroom instruction with practical lab experience, covering essential skills such as administering anesthesia, monitoring post-surgical recovery, performing diagnostic tests, and assisting veterinarians during procedures.
Students who have completed the Veterinary Assistant Certificate Level II program can apply those credits toward this degree, making it a flexible and efficient path for career advancement. The program is offered exclusively at the LSC-Tomball campus and includes coursework aligned with industry accreditation standards.
Graduates of the Veterinary Technology program are prepared for entry-level employment in animal clinics, veterinary hospitals, research labs, and other animal care facilities.
SUNY Delhi
The Veterinary Science Technology Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree at SUNY Delhi is a fully online, two-year program designed for students who want to become Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVTs).
It features the same curriculum as the college’s respected on-campus program, making it ideal for working professionals or those who are place-bound. Students learn about animal anatomy and physiology, veterinary dental and surgical procedures, anesthesia, vaccine administration, and general medical care. A key component of the program is a 240-hour preceptorship, which allows students to gain essential hands-on experience in a setting of their choice.
Career options include working in animal hospitals, research labs, zoos, humane societies, government agencies, and veterinary-related industries. Students also have the option to continue their education by transferring into SUNY Delhi’s Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology program, or pursuing related bachelor’s degrees such as animal science or microbiology.
San Juan College
- Farmington, NM
- https://www.sanjuancollege.edu/education-training/programs/veterinary-technology-aas-online
San Juan College offers a fully online Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Veterinary Technology program designed for students seeking a flexible and affordable path to becoming a credentialed veterinary technician. This part-time program allows students to take one to four courses per semester, accommodating different schedules and life commitments. With tuition rates among the lowest in the nation and eligibility for New Mexico Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships, the program is both rigorous and accessible. Additionally, veteran tuition benefits and in-state tuition options are available for qualifying students.
San Juan College is one of only 10 AVMA-accredited online vet tech programs in the country, and graduates are eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). The college boasts an 85.71% VTNE pass rate—well above the national average.
Clinical Experience and Career Pathways
Students learn essential veterinary skills such as anesthesia, surgical assistance, diagnostic imaging, and emergency care through a mix of online coursework and hands-on clinical experience at approved Off-Campus Clinical Instruction (OCCI) sites. Clinical components include working with companion animals, exotics, and large animals. Students may also attend a two-day Fast Track Lab in Waco, Texas, to complete clinical requirements. The program’s structure supports real-world application through mentorship from licensed veterinarians or credentialed vet techs. Upon completion, graduates can seamlessly transfer to the University of Missouri to pursue a bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology. With expert faculty, career-focused training, and strong student support, San Juan College prepares graduates for meaningful roles in veterinary care.
St. Petersburg College
- St. Petersburg, FL
- https://www.spcollege.edu/future-students/degrees-training/health-sciences-and-veterinary-technology/veterinary-technology/veterinary-technology-as-degree
St. Petersburg College offers a Veterinary Technology Associate of Science (A.S.) Degree that prepares students for careers in veterinary medicine through a choice of on-campus or fully online study options. The program blends classroom instruction with real-world clinical experience to provide a strong foundation in veterinary care.
Face-to-face students train at cutting-edge facilities located at the Pinellas County Animal Services and the Seminole Campus, while completing 100 hours of clinical work per semester at an affiliated veterinary practice. Online students already working in a veterinary setting can apply their experience directly through 280 hours of supervised clinical practice each semester, paired with hands-on skill training at SPC’s facility for large and lab animal care.
Skills Acquisition and Career Advancement
The program’s curriculum is designed to ensure students acquire essential veterinary skills such as surgical assistance, lab procedures, diagnostics, and animal care across a range of species. The program’s mission centers on producing graduates equipped for employment, career advancement, and success on the VTNE.
With affordable tuition and flexible learning pathways, SPC’s Veterinary Technology A.S. Degree is ideal for students looking to launch or enhance their careers in animal health care.
University of New Hampshire
- Durham, NH
- https://colsa.unh.edu/agriculture-nutrition-food-systems/program/aas/veterinary-technology
The Veterinary Technology Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) prepares students to become credentialed veterinary technicians—critical members of the veterinary healthcare team. This two-year, AVMA-accredited program equips students with skills in animal care, clinical procedures, and laboratory work while emphasizing hands-on experience from day one.
Students engage in small and large animal care through on-campus resources like the PAWS Veterinary Clinic, equine and dairy herds, and partnerships with local shelters. Tuition rates follow UNH’s standard structure for in-state and out-of-state students, and financial aid is available for eligible applicants.
Career Outcomes and Further Education
Students can also pursue post-graduate specialization in areas like anesthesia, emergency medicine, or dentistry.
Those seeking advanced education may transition seamlessly into UNH’s Animal Science bachelor’s degree program, completing a four-year degree with just two additional years of study.
Career outcomes for graduates are diverse, ranging from roles in private practices and specialty clinics to positions in public health, research, education, wildlife care, and more.
Black Hawk College
The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Veterinary Technology at Black Hawk College is a competitive and hands-on program designed to prepare students to perform a wide range of veterinary procedures under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. This two-year program emphasizes clinical skills and practical experience, with students required to complete at least 40 hours of job shadowing under a credentialed veterinary technician (CVT, LVT, or RVT) before applying.
Admission is limited to 32 students each fall, and the selection process includes interviews and evaluations, making early application (starting September 1) highly recommended. Students must also meet requirements such as a physical exam, rabies vaccination, and background checks.
Admission Requirements and Curriculum
The curriculum equips students with the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to support veterinarians in areas like diagnostics, anesthesia, surgery assistance, and animal care.
Upon successful completion, graduates are prepared to enter the workforce in veterinary clinics, hospitals, or animal care facilities, and are eligible to take licensing exams to become certified veterinary technicians.
Lehigh Carbon Community College
- Schnecksville, PA
- https://www.lccc.edu/academics/programs/veterinary-technician-a-a-s-vet
The Veterinary Technician A.A.S. (VET) program offered jointly by Northampton Community College (NCC) and Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) is a comprehensive, two-year associate degree program accredited by the AVMA . Designed for individuals pursuing a career in veterinary medicine, the program equips students with essential knowledge in animal care, veterinary nursing, laboratory procedures, and surgical assistance. Courses are held during the day across both campuses, utilizing NCC’s clinical science lab and a dedicated veterinary teaching facility adjacent to LCCC.
Curriculum and Career Preparation
The curriculum blends academic instruction with hands-on learning, ensuring students gain direct experience with small, large, and exotic animals. Approximately one-third of veterinary technology courses include lab components. Key subjects include veterinary anatomy and physiology, surgical nursing and anesthesia, radiology, and clinical procedures for both small and large animals.
Coastal Alabama Community College
The Veterinary Technology (AAS-VET) program at Coastal Alabama Community College is a five-semester hybrid program that prepares students for careers as licensed veterinary technicians. Offered through the Bay Minette Campus, the program combines online learning with hands-on clinical experiences at approved Alabama veterinary facilities.
Students gain foundational and advanced skills in areas such as animal care and nursing, pharmacology, surgical assistance, anesthesia, diagnostic imaging, laboratory procedures, dentistry, and client communication.
Admission Requirements and Clinical Experience
Weekly clinicals and on-campus labs supplement the online coursework, offering essential hands-on training with both small and large animals. The program emphasizes professional competence, safety, and ethical practices, preparing students for work in private veterinary clinics, zoos, diagnostic labs, and animal welfare organizations.
While not designed as a transfer program, some coursework may apply toward a four-year degree.
Metropolitan Community College
- Kansas City, MO
- https://mcckc.edu/programs/veterinary-technology/index.aspx
Metropolitan Community College (MCC) has been a leader in veterinary education since 1973, offering affordable, high-quality training for students passionate about animal care. The Veterinary Technology program is based at the MCC-Maple Woods campus, where students can pursue pathways as veterinary technicians, assistants, or receptionists, with additional pre-veterinary and practice management courses available across all MCC campuses and online.
The veterinary technician track requires students to complete an AVMA-accredited degree, pass the National Veterinary Technician Exam (VTNE), and meet state licensing requirements, qualifying them to work as registered veterinary technicians in clinical, laboratory, or specialty settings.
Hands-On Experience and Career Pathways
The program emphasizes hands-on experience and prepares students to become vital members of the veterinary healthcare team. MCC also clarifies the distinctions between veterinary assistants and technicians—technicians hold a degree and certification, enabling them to perform more advanced medical tasks and earn higher salaries.
The curriculum, taught by experienced faculty, covers core veterinary science subjects, and outcomes include both job readiness and eligibility for credentialing exams. MCC’s long-standing reputation and multiple entry points into the veterinary field make it an excellent choice for students seeking flexible, career-focused education.
Conclusion: Estimating Vet Tech Student Loan Repayment
Graduates of veterinary technician associate degree programs typically enter the workforce earning an average starting salary of $38,000 per year. Tuition for a two-year Vet Tech program generally ranges between $15,000 and $25,000, depending on the school and whether the format is online, hybrid, or campus-based. For this example, we’ll use an average tuition cost of $20,000.
Below is an estimate of how long it would take to repay that amount if you allocate a specific percentage of your starting salary each year:
| % of Annual Salary Used for Repayment | Annual Payment | Estimated Payoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| 5% | $1,900 | 10.5 years |
| 10% | $3,800 | 5.25 years |
| 15% | $5,700 | 3.5 years |
| 20% | $7,600 | 2.6 years |
These figures are estimates and do not include interest or fees. Still, they show that a focused repayment strategy can make a veterinary technician degree a manageable and worthwhile investment, especially with strong job prospects and flexible career options.