
Minnesota is home to a number of excellent veterinary technician schools that can prepare you for a rewarding career in animal care.
The University of Minnesota is one of the top schools in the state, offering a comprehensive veterinary technology program that includes both classroom and clinical training.
With a strong focus on hands-on learning, you'll gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this field.
The program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and has a high graduation rate, with many graduates going on to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) on their first try.
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Minnesota Veterinary Technician Schools
If you're looking to become a veterinary technician in Minnesota, you're in luck - the state is home to several top-notch schools. Dakota County Technical College offers a CVTEA-approved training program in Rosemount, which can be completed in two years and has a VTNE pass rate of 70.37%.
The program at Dakota County Technical College is a great option for those who want to develop the skills expected of a veterinary technician and graduate with an associate degree. Ridgewater College's veterinary technician program is another great choice, with a 95% job placement rate and a 75-credit program that can be completed in two years.
Here are some of the top veterinary technician schools in Minnesota, including their locations and VTNE pass rates:
AVMA-Accredited Programs
If you're looking to become a veterinary technician in Minnesota, it's essential to find a program that's accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). This ensures that the program meets the high standards necessary to prepare you for a career as a vet tech and to pass the VTNE.
There are several AVMA-accredited veterinary technology programs in Minnesota, each offering a two-year associate's degree. These programs are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this rewarding field.
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Some of the schools that offer AVMA-accredited programs include Argosy University, Eagan, and Duluth Business University, Duluth. These institutions are committed to providing students with a high-quality education that prepares them for a career in veterinary technology.
Here are some of the schools that offer AVMA-accredited programs in Minnesota:
- Argosy University, Eagan
- Duluth Business University, Duluth
- Globe University, Woodbury
- Minnesota School of Business – multiple campuses, Blaine, Elk River, Lakeville, Moorhead, Plymouth, Rochester and Waite Park
- Ridgewater College, Willmar
- Rochester Community and Technical College, Rochester
Major Description
The Veterinary Technician program is academically rigorous, and it takes highly motivated individuals to succeed. Students must have a better than average ability to master a large course load of scientific and medical materials in a relatively short period of time.
Courses are taught by experienced veterinarians and veterinary technicians, with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment that allow for extensive hands-on training with a variety of animal species.
To be eligible to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) you must graduate from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program. The AVMA has specific criteria that accredited programs are required to follow.
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Here are some AVMA-accredited veterinary technology programs in Minnesota:
- Argosy University, Eagan
- Duluth Business University, Duluth
- Globe University, Woodbury
- Minnesota School of Business – multiple campuses, Blaine, Elk River, Lakeville, Moorhead, Plymouth, Rochester and Waite Park
- Ridgewater College, Willmar
- Rochester Community and Technical College, Rochester
In order to progress in the Veterinary Technology program, a student must achieve at least a "C-" grade in all courses.
Schools
If you're looking to become a veterinary technician in Minnesota, you'll want to consider the top schools in the state. Dakota County Technical College in Rosemount offers a 60-credit CVTEA-approved program that can be completed in two years.
The program at Dakota County has a strong reputation, with a VTNE pass rate of 70.37% between 2020 and 2023. You'll develop the skills expected of a veterinary technician and graduate with an associate degree.
Minnesota North College offers another accredited program that can be completed in two years. However, its VTNE pass rate is lower, at 33.33% between 2020 and 2023.
Ridgewater College's veterinary technician program consists of 75 credits and can be completed in two years. With a 95% job placement rate, you can look forward to straightforward job placement after graduation.
Here are some key details about the top veterinary technician schools in Minnesota:
Vet Tech Education and Training
If you're interested in becoming a veterinary technician in Minnesota, you'll need to graduate from an accredited training program. These programs are typically two-year programs that confer associate's degrees and prepare students for a career as a vet tech and to pass the VTNE.
In Minnesota, there are several schools that offer AVMA-accredited veterinary technology programs. Some of these schools include Argosy University, Eagan, Duluth Business University, Duluth, and Globe University, Woodbury.
To give you a better idea of the accredited programs available, here are some of the schools that offer AVMA-accredited veterinary technology programs in Minnesota:
- Argosy University, Eagan
- Duluth Business University, Duluth
- Globe University, Woodbury
- Minnesota School of Business – multiple campuses, Blaine, Elk River, Lakeville, Moorhead, Plymouth, Rochester, and Waite Park
- Ridgewater College, Willmar
- Rochester Community and Technical College, Rochester
Accredited Programs
If you're looking to become a veterinary technician in Minnesota, it's essential to enroll in an accredited program. There are four CVTEA-accredited programs in Minnesota, which are recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
These programs are offered at Dakota County Technical College, Minnesota North College, Ridgewater College, and Rochester Community and Technical College. Each program is designed to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) and become licensed veterinary technicians.
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Here are the details of each program:
- Dakota County Technical College in Rosemount offers a 60-credit associate of applied science (AAS) degree that can be completed in two years. The program has a three-year VTNE pass rate of 85.19 percent.
- Minnesota North College in Hibbing offers a 75-credit AAS program that can be completed in five full-time semesters. The program has a three-year VTNE first-time pass rate of 33.33 percent.
- Ridgewater College in Willmar offers a 75-credit, CVTEA-accredited AAS degree with a 95 percent job placement rate among its graduates. The program has a 55.4 percent first-time passing rate on the VTNE.
- Rochester Community and Technical College offers a 75-credit AAS degree in veterinary technology with a 63.6 percent first-time pass rate on the VTNE.
It's worth noting that these programs are just a few examples of the many accredited programs available in Minnesota. It's essential to research and find a program that fits your needs and career goals.
Second Year Fall Semester
The second year of a veterinary technology program is a crucial time for students, and the fall semester is no exception. In this semester, students take a variety of courses that build on the foundational knowledge they gained in their first year.
One of the courses students take in the second year fall semester is Animal Care III, which involves monitoring animal health, giving medications, and keeping animal areas cleaned and disinfected. This course requires students to participate in animal care duty, which includes notifying the veterinarian of any animal health concerns or emergencies.
Another course students take is Animal Diseases and Nutrition, which introduces students to the signs, diagnostic methods, and treatments of diseases in domestic animals. This course covers prevention, zoonosis, and client education regarding common diseases, as well as animal nutrition and therapeutic nutrition.
Students also take Large Animal, which covers the livestock and equine industry, including livestock terminology, breeds, production systems, and basic management practices. This course includes field trips and covers topics such as restraint, behavior, and medical and surgical nursing procedures of large animals and equine.
In addition to these courses, students take Anesthesia and Pain Management, which covers basic anesthetic principles and monitoring, as well as the use and operation of allied machines. This course also covers pre-operative considerations and duties for anesthesia, emergency procedures, and control of post-surgical pain.
Finally, students take Vet Surgical Nursing & Dentistry, which covers the basics of routine veterinary surgical assisting, including instrumentation, aseptic technique, and general nursing care. This course also covers pre-surgery preparation and post-surgical care of small animals, principles of surgery, and fluid therapy.
Here is a summary of the courses students take in the second year fall semester:
Vet Tech Career and Salary
Vet techs in Minnesota can expect a bright employment outlook, with a 21 percent job growth rate expected between 2022 and 2032, significantly faster than the national average.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that Minnesota will add 25,200 vet tech positions nationwide, making it a great time to pursue a career in veterinary technology.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for a vet tech in Minnesota is $46,080, which is higher than the national average of $44,040.
Here's a comparison of vet tech salaries in Minnesota and the US:
Vet techs in Minnesota can expect to work in various environments, including veterinary hospitals, clinics, animal sanctuaries, and more, with some positions requiring weekend, evening, or holiday work.
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Vet Tech Job Demand
The job demand for vet techs in Minnesota and across the country is on the rise. Opportunities for vet techs are expected to explode in the coming years, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 21 percent growth in job openings nationwide between 2022 and 2032.
This growth is significantly faster than the anticipated growth in all occupations during that time period, which is expected to be just 3 percent. With 4,070 vet techs currently working in MN and the expected addition of 25,200 positions in this field nationwide, this makes for a very bright employment outlook in this field.
You can expect to find vet tech job openings in a variety of settings, including veterinary hospitals, clinics, animal sanctuaries, national parks, zoos, wildlife refuges, laboratories, shelters, universities, and farms.
Here are some key statistics on vet tech job openings in Minnesota:
These statistics are based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and provide a snapshot of the current job market for vet techs in Minnesota.
Salary & Career
A career as a vet tech in Minnesota is a promising one, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 21 percent increase in job openings between 2022 and 2032, much faster than the growth anticipated in all occupations during that time.
The average annual salary for vet techs in Minnesota is $46,080, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is higher than the national average of $44,040.
Vet techs in Minnesota can expect to earn a median salary of $46,370, with the top 10% earning up to $57,320. The bottom 10% can expect to earn around $36,820.
The cost of living in Minnesota is relatively low, with the state ranking 23rd nationally in affordability. This means that vet techs in Minnesota can enjoy a good standard of living while working in their chosen profession.
Some of the highest-paying cities for vet techs in Minnesota include Apple Valley, Hermantown, Plymouth, Burnsville, and Saint Paul.
Here's a breakdown of the average salaries for vet techs in Minnesota by percentile:
Vet Tech Certification and Requirements
To work as a vet tech in Minnesota, you have to be certified through the MVMA. This is not required for jobs as an animal caretaker or veterinary assistant, as these require less training.
To become certified, you'll need to complete a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
You must also pass the Veterinary Technology National Examination (VTNE).
Upon submission of proof of meeting each of these requirements, along with the application, certification may be granted.
Vet Tech Professional Life
As a veterinary technician in Minnesota, you'll have the opportunity to work with a variety of animals, from companion pets to livestock.
Minnesota veterinary technicians can earn a median salary of around $35,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Working as a vet tech can be emotionally challenging, especially when dealing with difficult cases or saying goodbye to a beloved pet.
Minnesota requires vet techs to complete an associate's degree program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE).
You'll need to stay up-to-date with continuing education requirements to maintain your certification and stay current with the latest advances in veterinary technology.
Many Minnesota vet techs choose to specialize in areas like dentistry, surgery, or emergency care, which can lead to higher salaries and more job satisfaction.
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Top Schools and Admissions
If you're looking to become a veterinary technician in Minnesota, you'll want to consider the top schools in the state. Dakota County Technical College in Rosemount offers a CVTEA-approved training program that can be completed in 60 credits, resulting in an associate degree.

The program has a strong track record, with a VTNE pass rate of 70.37% between 2020 and 2023. This means that graduates are well-prepared to pass the licensing exam and start their careers.
Here are some of the top veterinary technician schools in Minnesota, listed by region:
- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI
- Duluth, MN-WI
- Fargo, ND-MN
- Rochester, MN
- St. Cloud, MN
- Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area
To get into one of these programs, you'll need to meet the admissions requirements. This includes completing a Rabies preexposure vaccination series, passing a HESI assessment exam, and completing a job shadow at a veterinary facility.
Admissions Requirements
To get into a veterinary technician program, you'll need to meet all college admission requirements. This typically involves submitting transcripts, test scores, and other documents.
You'll also need to complete all first semester Veterinary Technician General Education requirements with a final grade of C- or higher. This ensures you have a solid foundation in the sciences and other essential subjects.
A completed Rabies preexposure vaccination series is also required. This is a standard safety precaution for anyone working in the veterinary field.
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The HESI assessment exam is another requirement. This exam tests your knowledge and skills in areas like anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology.
To get a feel for the work, you'll need to complete a job shadow at a veterinary facility. This can take anywhere from 4-6 hours, depending on the program.
After your job shadow, you'll need to complete a job shadow reflection. This helps you process what you learned and think about your future in the field.
To apply to the program, you'll need to submit a completed Veterinary Technician program application.
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Top Schools
If you're looking for top schools for veterinary technicians in Minnesota, you've got several great options to consider. Dakota County Technical College in Rosemount offers a CVTEA-approved training program that can be completed in two years with an associate degree.
The program at Dakota County Technical College has a VTNE pass rate of 70.37% from 2020 to 2023. This is a strong indicator of the program's effectiveness in preparing students for the veterinary technician licensing exam.

Ridgewater College also offers a veterinary technician program that can be completed in two years with an associate degree. This program consists of 75 credits and boasts a 95% job placement rate after graduation.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, Minnesota North College offers an accredited program that can be completed in two years. However, keep in mind that the VTNE pass rate at this school is lower, at 33.33% from 2020 to 2023.
Here are some of the top schools for veterinary technicians in Minnesota, listed by location:
- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI
- Duluth, MN-WI
- Fargo, ND-MN
- Rochester, MN
- St. Cloud, MN
- Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a vet tech in MN?
Becoming a vet tech in MN typically takes 2 years of rigorous study, consisting of 5 semesters of classes in basic sciences and practical hands-on courses. This program is accredited by the AVMA, ensuring a high-quality education.
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