Veterinary Technician Programs in Illinois: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're considering a career as a veterinary technician in Illinois, you're in luck - the state is home to many excellent programs.

The American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) has accredited several programs in Illinois, including the ones at the University of Illinois and the College of DuPage.

You'll need to earn an associate's degree in veterinary technology to become a licensed veterinary technician in the state.

To get started, look for programs that are accredited by the AAVSB, which will qualify you for the state's licensing exam.

Accreditation is a crucial aspect of veterinary technician programs in Illinois. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) provides accreditation to veterinary technician and technology programs across the U.S.

To be accredited, programs are weighed on criteria such as program finances, student outcomes, quality of facilities, and rigorousness of program curricula. Graduating from an AVMA-accredited program is a prerequisite to taking the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and is necessary to pursue licensure in nearly every state in the country.

To become a certified veterinary technician (CVT) in Illinois, you'll need to submit an application, pay a certification fee, send official transcripts from an AVMA-accredited program, and send test scores from the VTNE. These certifications expire on January 31st of every odd-numbered year and must be renewed following the completion of 15 hours of continued education (CE).

Here are some schools in Illinois offering AVMA-accredited veterinary technology programs:

If you're looking for a veterinary technology program that's accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), you're in luck. There are several schools in Illinois that offer AVMA-accredited programs.

Black Hawk College, Joliet Junior College, Parkland College, Rockford Career College, and the Vet Tech Institute at Fox College all have AVMA-accredited programs. These programs confer an associate degree in applied science and prepare students to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE).

To become a certified veterinary technician (CVT) in Illinois, you'll need to graduate from an AVMA-accredited program and pass the VTNE. Here are the schools that offer AVMA-accredited veterinary technology programs in Illinois:

These programs are accredited by the AVMA's Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA), which ensures that they meet high standards for veterinary technology education.

For your interest: Veterinary Education

To become a veterinary technician, you'll need to meet certain admission requirements. High school graduation or equivalent is the first step.

A physical examination is also necessary before starting any clinical coursework. This ensures you're healthy enough to work with animals.

Shadowing a certified veterinary technician (CVT), licensed veterinary technician (LVT), or registered veterinary technician (RVT) for at least 40 hours is another requirement. This hands-on experience will give you a taste of what the job entails.

You'll need to submit an application to the program, and it's recommended to do so early, as the selection process starts in January and is quite competitive. The application process begins on September 1, and the program admits up to 32 students each fall.

To be eligible for admission, you'll need to achieve grades of "C" or above in all courses required for the Veterinary Technology program. Final grades below a "C" will result in dismissal from the program.

Here's a list of required courses for admission to the Veterinary Technology program:

A rabies vaccination is also required prior to admission and by many clinical sites.

Veterinary technicians in Illinois have a strong earning potential, with a median salary of $46,140 in 2023, according to the Bureau for Labor Statistics. This is higher than the national average of $43,740.

The cost of living in Illinois is relatively low, making the higher salaries even more attractive. In fact, Illinois was ranked as the 16th most affordable state in the country in 2023.

Illinois has a high concentration of vet techs, with 4,450 working in the state. The Champaign-Urbana metropolitan area is particularly notable, with a high job concentration ranking of #6 in the nation.

Here's a breakdown of the salary range for vet techs in Illinois, compared to national figures:

The Bureau for Labor Statistics predicts a 19.7% growth in veterinary technician jobs in Illinois between 2016 and 2026, which is a significant opportunity for those in the field.

If you're looking to pursue a career as a veterinary technician in Illinois, you're in luck - the state has some top-notch programs to choose from. Joliet Junior College offers an associate's program through its Agriculture Sciences Department, which boasts a three-year first-time VTNE pass rate well into the 90s.

Parkland College, Illinois' oldest program, has a competitive admission process and a first-time licensing examination pass rate of more than 94% during the 2015 to 2018 cycle. Prior experience may help boost your score.

For real-world experience, consider Rockford Career College, which offers a first-time pass rate above 85%. Students can expect hands-on experience before graduating.

Here are some top schools and resources to consider:

Joliet Junior College is one of the top vet tech schools in Illinois, offering an associate's program through its Agriculture Sciences Department. The program is 74 credits, with 57 hours of core major requirements and two clinical care rotation courses.

Joliet Junior College boasts a three-year first-time VTNE pass rate well into the 90s, making it a standout school in the field.

Parkland College is Illinois' oldest program, accredited since 1976, and has a competitive admission process. Prior experience is not required but may boost your chances of getting in.

Rockford Career College has a first-time pass rate above 85%, far above the average, and offers real-world experience as part of its program.

As a student considering a career as a veterinary technician, it's essential to know where to find reliable resources. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) oversees veterinary technicians in Illinois and can be found on their website at https://www.idfpr.com/profs/vet.asp.

To further your education and career, you'll want to explore the resources provided by the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association. They offer links to state, national, and international resources for vet techs, including academies that award veterinary technician specialty certifications, at https://www.isvma.org/certified-veterinary-technician-resources/.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Is Veterinary Technician a Good Career

If you're unsure about your career path, you can explore the various options listed on the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association website, which includes careers such as veterinary technician, paramedic, and pharmacy technician.

Here are some resources to consider:

Becoming a veterinary tech in Illinois requires completing a program that's accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities. This means you'll need to find a program that meets these standards.

In Illinois, you can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree from an in-state program, and most programs around the nation award an associate degree as well. Some programs, however, may offer a bachelor's degree. Accredited programs will include hands-on experience with animals in veterinary settings.

To become licensed, you'll need to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination, which is required for all candidates. You can apply to take the exam before you graduate. If you're already certified in another state, you may be able to get licensed in Illinois without taking the exam if you've passed a comparable one.

To get started, you'll need to complete certain courses, including Intro to Veterinary Technology, Composition I, Agricultural Economics, and several biology and chemistry courses.

Additional reading: Bachelor Degree in Veterinary Science

To become a veterinary tech in Illinois, you'll need to complete a program that's accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). These programs typically award an Associate of Applied Science degree.

You'll need to complete a program that holds accreditation through the American Veterinary Medical Association, Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities. This program will include experience with animals in veterinary settings.

Academic courses may be offered in different formats, including distance programs that allow you to do your clinical hours at a convenient location. Some students choose to enroll in these types of programs.

The required exam is the Veterinary Technician National Examination. You'll need to apply to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation before taking the examination.

Here are the steps to become a certified veterinary technician (CVT) in Illinois:

Note that these certifications expire on January 31st of every odd-numbered year and must be renewed following the completion of 15 hours of continued education (CE).

As a veterinary technician, you'll have a wide range of duties to perform, from basic lab work to more complex procedures.

You'll be responsible for tasks such as venipuncture, IV catheter placement, and microchip placement, but only under the supervision of a veterinarian.

In a laboratory setting, you'll process lab samples and perform tasks like bacterial streak and culture.

Fine needle aspiration and dental prophylaxis will also be part of your job, but these will require a relatively high level of supervision.

You might even find yourself checking for ringworm under a black light at a night club, a quirky perk of the job that's sure to spark some interesting conversations.

State regulation will dictate what tasks you can perform, but rest assured that you'll have a clear understanding of what's expected of you.

With the right training and supervision, you'll be well-equipped to handle the demands of this rewarding career.

Illinois boasts a strong occupational outlook for veterinary technicians, with 4,450 employed across the state. The median salary for full-time Illinois veterinary technicians is $35,400, according to BLS estimates.

The cost of living in Illinois is relatively low, making salaries go further. In fact, the state is the 16th most affordable in the country, according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center.

Here's a breakdown of salary data for vet techs in Illinois compared to national figures:

The job market for vet techs in Illinois is also looking strong, with predicted growth of 21 percent between 2022 and 2032, much faster than the average projected for all occupations.

The future of veterinary technology in Illinois is looking bright. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that openings in this profession will grow 21 percent between 2022 and 2032, much faster than the average projected for all occupations.

This growth in new jobs means that veterinary technicians can expect a strong job market in the state. According to ProjectionsCentral, the anticipated growth rate for vet techs in Illinois between 2020 and 2030 is 15.3 percent.

The Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association provides many resources to working vet techs in the state, including a technician conference, professional networking, and job postings. This can be a great way for vet techs to connect with others in the field and find new job opportunities.

Certified veterinary technicians (CVTs) in Illinois may apply for positions in a variety of work environments, including humane societies, laboratories, and zoos. Here are some examples of potential workplaces for vet techs in Illinois:

In Illinois, you can find veterinary technician employers in a variety of settings. These include veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, and veterinary specialty centers.

Many veterinary technicians and assistants work in animal research facilities, rescue shelters, and kennels. These settings provide a range of opportunities for those interested in animal care.

Some notable employers in Illinois include Banfield Pet Hospital in Aurora and Pets Are Worth Saving (PAWS) in Chicago. These organizations are well-established and respected in the field.

Here are some specific employers in Illinois where you can find veterinary technician jobs:

Joliet Junior College offers an associate’s program through its Agriculture Sciences Department, which is 74 credits and includes 57 hours of core major requirements.

Parkland College boasts a first-time licensing examination pass rate of more than 94% during the 2015 to 2018 cycle, making it Illinois’ oldest program, accredited since 1976.

Rockford Career College has a first-time pass rate above 85%, far above the average, and offers real-world experience as part of its accredited program.

Southeastern Illinois College is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission, and offers an Associate-level Veterinary Technology program at its campus in Harrisburg.

Tuition fees for in-district students at Southeastern Illinois College are usually around $3,120, while in-state and out-of-state students pay $4,800 and $5,040 respectively.

If you're looking for schools in Illinois that offer AVMA-accredited vet tech programs, you have several options.

Black Hawk College is one of them, located at 26230 Black Hawk Road, Galva, Illinois, 61434.

Joliet Junior College is another, with a main address of 1215 Houbolt Rd, Joliet, Illinois, 60431.

Parkland College is also AVMA-accredited, and can be found at 2400 W Bradley Ave, Champaign, Illinois, 61821.

Rockford Career College is located at 1130 South Alpine Road, Rockford, Illinois, 61108, and offers an AVMA-accredited program as well.

Vet Tech Institute at Fox College is located at 18020 Oak Park Ave, Tinley Park, Illinois, 60477 and is also AVMA-accredited.

Here are the schools listed in a table:

Southeastern Illinois College is located at 3575 College Road, Harrisburg, Illinois 62946, offering an Associate-level Veterinary Technology program at their campus in Harrisburg in Saline County, IL.

Most students at Southeastern Illinois College are enrolled in 2-year programs, with around 1,834 students in total.

The college is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission.

Tuition fees for in-district students are usually around $3,120.

For in-state and out-of-state students, tuition fees are $4,800 and $5,040 respectively.

Study materials can cost in the order of $1,112, depending on the program chosen.