Vet Technician Schools
Find out what classes you need to take to complete your veterinary technician education.
Courses You'll Take at Vet Technician Schools
A good vet technician school will prepare you for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and immediate placement in a clinic or laboratory. Additionally, accredited veterinary technician programs are required to include internship/externship opportunities in their curriculum. Be sure to look for these features when you consider program options.
Whether you choose an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, you must have a basic understanding of animal nursing, performing laboratory procedures, and assisting in all aspects of animal care, including surgical procedures. The process to become a certified veterinary technician and VTNE information is overseen by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). Some courses in a typical veterinary technician education curriculum include:
- Anatomy
- Anesthesiology
- Animal nursing
- Dentistry
- Parasitology
- Pharmacology
- Public health
- Physiology
- Radiology
- Zoonotic diseases
The Veterinary Technician National Exam
The VTNE is a 4-hour, 200 multiple choice question certification exam. The VTNE is prepared exclusively by the AAVSB. You can take the exam at certain times of the year in your state. The exam covers seven major areas of knowledge in which an entry level candidate with a veterinary technician education should be proficient:
- Pharmacy and pharmacology
- Surgical preparation and assisting
- Dentistry procedures
- Laboratory procedures
- Animal nursing
- Radiography, ultrasound, etc.
- Anesthesia
Practice exams may be purchased on the AAVSB website.
Education Guide
Veterinary Technician Education
Read about course information and requirements toward your certification.
Certification Information
Learn what you need to do to become a certified veterinary technician.
School Accreditation
Get information about the benefits of attending an accredited vet tech school.
Professional Interview
Read the interview of an experienced veterinary technician and get an inside look at the profession.
Training Information
Find out how to choose the right education program and internship.
Career Guide
Career Options
Discover some of your options when you are choosing a veterinary technician career.
Job Information
Find out the responsibilities of a veterinary technician and the tasks they perform.
Veterinary Tech Specialties
Check out some of the specialties a veterinary technician career offers.
Salary Information
Find information about the earning potential of different veterinary technician jobs.
Veterinary Assistant Career
Learn about getting into the field as a veterinary assistant and the duties they perform.
Resources and Links
Browse a compiled list of vet tech resources to research your certification.