Best Veterinary Assistant Programs in Radford, Virginia (2026)
The best veterinary assistant programs near Radford, Virginia pair accredited training with a state median wage of about $37,450 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). This guide ranks nearby schools by proximity and shows local labor-market context so you can compare program length, cost, and credentials.
Key Facts
- State median wage: $37,450/yr
- Projected growth: +8.7% (2024-2034), about 22,200 openings/yr
- Virginia employment: 4,810 workers
- Virginia location quotient: 1.44
- Typical program length: 6-12 months (certificate) to 2 years (associate)
- Distance origin: Schools sorted by miles from Radford
Sources: BLS OEWS, May 2025; BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034; IPEDS, 2023.
Vet Assistant Schools near Radford (2026)
Schools below are sorted by distance from Radford, Virginia. Compare each program’s length, schedule, cost, and credential.
No schools in our database within 250 miles. If this is a mistake, contact us.
Veterinary Assistant Pay and Job Outlook
| Percentile | Annual wage |
|---|---|
| 10th | $30,120 |
| 25th | $35,660 |
| 50th (median) | $38,150 |
| 75th | $45,710 |
| 90th | $49,150 |
| Year | Employment |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 117,800 |
| 2034 projected | 128,100 |
| Percent change | +8.7% |
Vet Assistant Pay & Job Outlook
This occupation reported a Virginia median annual wage of about $37,450 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Figures reflect all workers in the occupation, not graduates of any single program.
| Percentile | Annual wage |
|---|---|
| 10th | $30,120 |
| 25th | $35,660 |
| 50th (median) | $38,150 |
| 75th | $45,710 |
| 90th | $49,150 |
| Year | Employment |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 117,800 |
| 2034 projected | 128,100 |
| Percent change | +8.7% |
How to become a vet assistant in Virginia
Becoming a vet assistant in Virginia generally follows these steps. Licensing and required hours vary by occupation and locality — confirm specifics with your state board before enrolling.
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most programs require a high school diploma or equivalent for admission.
- Enroll in an accredited program. Choose an accredited vet assistant program near you and complete the required coursework and hands-on or clinical hours.
- Complete supervised training or an apprenticeship. Many roles combine classroom instruction with supervised on-the-job or clinical hours. Confirm required hours with your state board.
- Earn certification or a state credential. Pass any required certification or licensing exam. Requirements vary in Virginia; verify with the state board or licensing authority.
- Apply for jobs and continue education. Use your credential to apply to local employers, and keep certifications current through continuing education.
Apprenticeships & Pathways
Some vet assistant roles can be entered through a registered apprenticeship or supervised hours that combine paid work with related instruction. Required hour totals differ by program and occupation; confirm exact totals with the sponsoring employer or the state board before committing.
What You’ll Study
A typical vet assistant program blends classroom theory with hands-on labs or supervised practice. Coursework usually covers safety, core technical skills, tools and equipment, and preparation for any required certification exam. Course lists vary by school — review each program’s catalog.
Choosing a School
Start with accreditation, then compare program length, schedule (day/evening/online), total cost, and whether the credential matches what local employers hire for. Use the proximity-sorted list above and the Radford labor-market figures to weigh your options.
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Next Steps
- All trade schools in Radford: Trade schools in Radford
- Statewide trade schools: Trade schools in Virginia
- Methodology & data sources: How we rank
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does vet assistant training take near Radford?
Vet Assistant certificate programs near Radford typically take 6 to 12 months of full-time study, while associate degree programs generally run about 2 years. Many students also enter the field through a registered apprenticeship or supervised clinical hours. Actual completion time depends on schedule (full-time vs. part-time) and any prerequisite coursework. Confirm exact program lengths with each school.
How much do vet assistant workers earn in Virginia?
According to BLS OEWS (May 2025), this occupation earned a median annual wage of approximately $37,450 in Virginia. Pay varies with experience, certification, and employer. The 10th to 90th percentile range was approximately $30,430 to $48,580 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Do I need a license or certification in Virginia?
Requirements vary by role and employer. Many positions value industry certifications and supervised hours, and some occupations require a state license. Always confirm current requirements with your state board or licensing authority before enrolling.
How do I choose a vet assistant school near Radford?
Start with accreditation, then compare program length, schedule, total cost, and whether the credential aligns with what local employers hire for. Use the proximity-sorted school list above to weigh nearby options against the local labor market figures on this page.
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |