
Pursuing a career as a veterinary technician can be a rewarding and challenging path. With a growing demand for animal care services, the job prospects for veterinary technicians are looking bright, with a projected 18% growth in employment opportunities from 2020 to 2030.
To become a veterinary technician, you'll need to enroll in a program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). These programs typically take two years to complete and lead to an associate's degree.
Career Opportunities
With a veterinary technician degree, you can join the care team at a private or specialty practice. You can work at a zoo or wildlife facility, or launch a career at a biomedical facility or in veterinary supply sales. Your skills are also valuable to feed manufacturing facilities, in food safety and inspection, and diagnostic labs.
You'll have the opportunity to study how to administer anesthetics and monitor patients. You'll also learn to assist during surgery, ER, and critical care, and get hands-on experience taking an x-ray and an ultrasound.
Career Options with a Veterinary Technician Degree
With a veterinary technician degree, you can join the care team at a private or specialty practice. This is a great opportunity to work with animals in a variety of settings.
You can also work at a zoo or wildlife facility, where you'll have the chance to care for exotic animals. Your skills will be valuable in this type of setting.
Biomedical facilities and veterinary supply sales are other career options available to you. You can use your skills to help develop new products or services.
Feed manufacturing facilities, food safety and inspection, and diagnostic labs are also places where you can apply your skills. These areas rely on veterinary technicians to ensure the health and safety of animals and humans.
During your studies, you'll learn how to administer anesthetics, monitor patients, and assist during surgery, ER, and critical care. This hands-on training will prepare you for real-world situations.
You'll also get to take an x-ray and an ultrasound, which are essential skills for a veterinary technician.
For more insights, see: Veterinary Technician Skills
Start Your Career at NOVA

If you're looking to start a career in veterinary technology, NOVA's program is a great place to begin. Located on the Loudoun Campus, it's designed for individuals who want to master the latest techniques and skills.
The program is specifically designed for those who want to become Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVT). Upon acceptance, students will combine their scientific aptitudes and compassionate natures to become patient advocates.
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Education and Training
If you're looking for schools with AVMA-approved vet tech programs near you, Texas has several options. Cedar Valley College in Lancaster, Lone Star College in Tomball, McLennan Community College in Waco, Palo Alto College in San Antonio, and the Vet Tech Institute of Houston all have fully-accredited programs.
Some of these schools even offer distance learning options, making it easier to balance school with other responsibilities. For example, Cedar Valley College's on-campus and distance learning programs are both AVMA-approved.
Hands-on training is a crucial part of becoming a veterinary technician, and some schools offer state-of-the-art teaching hospitals with facilities like surgery suites and digital radiology suites.
Requirements for Technicians

To become a veterinary technician, you'll need to meet certain requirements. Texas doesn't require certification, but many employers prefer or require it.
In Texas, certification is issued by the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, which requires a course of study in veterinary technology accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
To get certified, you'll need to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
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Hands-On Training
NOVA's Veterinary Technology program is designed to provide hands-on training in a state-of-the-art teaching hospital.
Students have access to a surgery suite, dental suite, digital radiology suite, and patient housing, allowing them to perform the majority of their required essential skills on-site.
This unique setup allows students to gain practical experience in a real-world setting, preparing them for a career as a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT).
At NOVA, students can combine their scientific aptitudes and compassionate natures to become patient advocates trained in various veterinary techniques.
Credit for prior learning (CPL) is also available, allowing students to earn college credit for learning gained in nontraditional ways, such as certifications, AP or IB exams, military training, or life experience.
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Accredited Schools
Texas has many schools with AVMA-approved vet tech programs, which is great news for aspiring veterinary technicians. These schools have met the high standards set by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Some of the schools with fully-accredited programs in Texas include Cedar Valley College in Lancaster, Lone Star College in Tomball, McLennan Community College in Waco, Palo Alto College in San Antonio, and the Vet Tech Institute of Houston.
If you're looking for a specific school to apply to, McLennan Community College in Waco is a great option, offering both a Certificate program and an Associate program in Veterinary Technology.
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AVMA-Accredited Technician Education
If you're looking for AVMA-accredited veterinary technician education in Texas, you're in luck - the state has many schools with fully-accredited programs.
Cedar Valley College in Lancaster offers both on-campus and distance learning programs that are fully accredited by the AVMA.
Lone Star College in Tomball, McLennan Community College in Waco, Palo Alto College in San Antonio, and the Vet Tech Institute of Houston also have fully-accredited programs.
There are also three programs in Texas under initial accreditation, including Blinn College in Bryan and Pima Medical Institute-Houston.
These accredited programs can give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed as a veterinary technician in Texas.
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McLennan Community College
McLennan Community College is a public college located in Waco, Texas, with a campus at 1400 College Dr. It has approximately 8,294 students in total, with most on 2-year programs.
The college offers a Certificate program and an Associate program in Veterinary Technology. You can also earn a Certificate in Veterinary Assistant.
Tuition fees vary depending on your location, with in-district students paying around $2,760, in-state students paying $3,192, and out-of-state students paying $4,560. Study materials can add up to around $1,260, depending on the program.
McLennan Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. This accreditation ensures that the college meets certain standards of quality and integrity.
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Specific Schools
If you're looking for schools with AVMA-approved vet tech programs in Texas, there are several options to consider. Cedar Valley College in Lancaster offers both on-campus and distance learning programs that are fully accredited.
Cedar Valley College is one of the many schools in Texas that has a fully-accredited vet tech program. Lone Star College in Tomball also has a fully-accredited program.
Additional reading: Pima Veterinary Technician Program
McLennan Community College in Waco is another school in Texas with a fully-accredited vet tech program. Palo Alto College in San Antonio is also a great option.
The Vet Tech Institute of Houston has a fully-accredited vet tech program as well. Blinn College in Bryan and Pima Medical Institute-Houston are two schools in Texas with programs that are currently under initial accreditation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a vet tech in KY?
Becoming a vet tech in Kentucky typically takes 2 years to complete. Our Vet Tech program provides the necessary skills and knowledge to start your career in this rewarding field.
How do I become a vet tech in WV?
To become a vet tech in WV, you'll need to earn a high school diploma or GED and pass the Veterinary Technicians National Exam and WV State Exam. After passing both exams, you'll be licensed as a Registered Veterinary Technician in WV.
How long are most vet tech programs?
Most vet tech programs take 2-4 years to complete, depending on the desired degree. This can be completed on a full-time basis.
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