Are you passionate about animals and interested in a career as a veterinary technician? Pursuing a degree through an online college can be a flexible and convenient option for those who need to balance their studies with work or other commitments.
Online colleges offer programs that can prepare you for work in veterinary clinics, research facilities, zoos, and other animal-related environments. Coursework covers topics such as animal anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and medical procedures. In addition to core courses, most programs require hands-on experience with animal patients in a clinical setting. To ensure that you receive the necessary practical training, many schools have partnerships with local veterinary clinics or may provide internships for their students.
What are veterinary technician online colleges?
Veterinary technician online colleges offer certificate and degree programs for aspiring vet techs online.
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Benefits of attending veterinary technician online colleges
Attending veterinary technician online colleges can save time and money, offer flexibility, and provide access to a wider range of programs and courses.
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Top veterinary technician online colleges
Some top veterinary technician online colleges include Penn Foster College, San Juan College, and Purdue University Global.
Introduction
Veterinary technicians are an essential part of animal healthcare as they assist veterinarians in providing care for animals. They perform various tasks such as taking patients’ histories, administering medication, performing laboratory procedures, preparing animals for surgeries, and assisting in surgeries. Online colleges have made it easier for aspiring veterinary technicians to get certified and advance their careers without having to attend traditional classes. This article discusses the top online colleges for veterinary technicians.
Accreditation
When looking for an online college to enroll in, it is essential to ensure that it is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). AVMA accreditation means that the college has met the rigorous standards set by the AVMA, and its graduates are eligible to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
The VTNE is an important exam that measures the competencies required to be a credentialed veterinary technician. Passing the exam is essential for certification, and it is required by most states before one can practice as a veterinary technician. Therefore, it is vital to choose an AVMA-accredited online college.
Top Online Colleges for Veterinary Technicians
1. Penn Foster College
Penn Foster College is an online college that offers a Veterinary Technician Associate Degree program. The program is fully accredited by the AVMA, and students can complete it within two years. The curriculum consists of courses such as animal anatomy and physiology, veterinary pharmacology, animal behavior, and husbandry, among others.
Students are also required to complete hands-on clinical training, which can be done at a veterinary clinic near their location. Graduates of Penn Foster College are eligible to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
2. Purdue University
Purdue University offers a fully online Veterinary Technology Associate Degree program that is accredited by the AVMA. The program can be completed in two years, and the curriculum includes courses such as animal nursing, veterinary laboratory procedures, anatomy and physiology, and animal disease management, among others.
The program also includes hands-on clinical training, which can be completed at a veterinary clinic near the student’s location. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
3. San Juan College
San Juan College offers an online Veterinary Technology Associate Degree program that is accredited by the AVMA. The program can be completed within two years, and the curriculum includes courses such as animal anatomy and physiology, veterinary pharmacology, animal behavior, and husbandry, among others.
The program also requires students to complete hands-on clinical training, which can be done at a veterinary clinic near their location. Students also have the option of completing a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree in Veterinary Practice Management after completing the Associate Degree program.
Conclusion
Online colleges have made it easier for aspiring veterinary technicians to advance their careers by providing flexible learning opportunities. Choosing an AVMA-accredited online college is crucial as it ensures that graduates are eligible to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), which is required for certification in most states. Penn Foster College, Purdue University, and San Juan College are some of the top online colleges for veterinary technicians.
FAQ: Veterinary Technician Online Colleges
1. Can I become a veterinary technician by attending an online college?
Yes, you can become a veterinary technician by attending an accredited online college that offers a Veterinary Technician Associate Degree or a Veterinary Technology Bachelor’s Degree. However, it’s important to note that you will still need to complete hands-on experience and clinical training requirements in order to earn your degree and become a certified veterinary technician.
2. What are the benefits of attending an online college for veterinary technician training?
The benefits of attending an online college for veterinary technician training include flexibility in scheduling your coursework, being able to complete your coursework from anywhere, and often lower costs than attending a traditional brick-and-mortar college.
3. What should I look for in an online veterinary technician college?
You should look for an online veterinary technician college that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), has a strong reputation for veterinary technician training, offers hands-on experience and clinical training, and has a good track record of graduates passing the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
4. Is hands-on experience required for an online veterinary technician college?
Yes, hands-on experience is required for an online veterinary technician college. This may include clinical training at a local veterinary clinic or animal hospital, as well as other hands-on experiences that allow you to practice the skills you learn in your coursework.
5. How long does it take to complete an online veterinary technician program?
The length of time it takes to complete an online veterinary technician program can vary depending on the program and the individual’s pace. A Veterinary Technician Associate Degree program typically takes around two years to complete, while a Veterinary Technology Bachelor’s Degree program can take around four years to complete.
6. Are there any prerequisites for enrolling in an online veterinary technician college?
Prerequisites for enrolling in an online veterinary technician college can vary by program, but often include a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as courses in biology, math, and other sciences.
7. What courses will I take in an online veterinary technician program?
Courses in an online veterinary technician program will vary by program, but often include topics such as animal anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, surgical nursing, radiography, and clinical pathology.
8. Is certification required to become a veterinary technician?
Yes, certification is required to become a veterinary technician. In order to become certified, you must pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and meet other requirements set by your state.
9. What can I expect for my career as a veterinary technician after graduating from an online college?
As a veterinary technician, you can expect to work in a variety of settings, such as animal hospitals, private veterinary practices, research facilities, and zoos. Your work may include assisting veterinarians with animal care, performing laboratory tests, administering medication, and educating pet owners.
10. How much can I expect to earn as a veterinary technician?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for veterinary technicians was $36,260 as of May 2020. However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and the type of facility you work in.