How long does it take to become a veterinary technician?

Most veterinary technician programs take about two years to complete, including clinical rotations.

Do veterinary technicians need to be licensed?

Yes. Vet techs must pass the VTNE exam and meet their state’s licensing or certification requirements.

What’s the average salary for veterinary technicians?

The median annual salary for veterinary technicians is about $43,970, with higher earnings possible in specialty or emergency care.

How to Become a Veterinary Technician

Updated October 21, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents

Love animals and want a career helping them stay healthy?
Becoming a Veterinary Technician lets you work side-by-side with veterinarians in clinics, hospitals, and animal care facilities — providing hands-on medical support to pets and wildlife.

Vet techs are the healthcare professionals of the animal world. You’ll assist with exams, surgeries, lab work, and emergency care — and every day brings a chance to make a difference.

What Veterinary Technicians Actually Do

Veterinary technicians support veterinarians in all aspects of animal care and treatment.

Common Responsibilities

Assisting veterinarians during surgeries and procedures
Collecting blood, urine, or tissue samples for lab testing
Administering medications, vaccines, and anesthesia
Taking x-rays and performing diagnostic imaging
Monitoring animal recovery and patient records
Educating pet owners about care and treatment

Veterinary technicians are the bridge between animals, medicine, and compassion — ensuring every patient gets quality care.

Salary & Job Outlook

Quick Facts	Veterinary Technicians
2024 Median Pay	$45,980 per year / $22.11 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education	Associate degree in veterinary technology
Work Experience Required	None
Training Time	2 years
Job Outlook (2023–33)	9% (Much faster than average)
Employment Change (2023–33)	+12,200 jobs

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

Veterinary technology is one of the fastest-growing healthcare fields, driven by rising pet ownership and advances in animal medicine.

How to Become a Veterinary Technician (5 Steps)

Becoming a vet tech takes dedication — but you can enter the field with a two-year associate degree and national certification.

Earn a High School Diploma or GED
Take courses in biology, chemistry, and math to prepare for veterinary technology programs.
Complete an Accredited Veterinary Technology Program
Enroll in a program accredited by the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association).
Coursework includes:
- Animal anatomy and physiology
- Veterinary pharmacology
- Surgical and clinical procedures
- Diagnostic imaging and lab testing
- Veterinary ethics and recordkeeping
Most programs take 2 years and include supervised clinical rotations.
Pass the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Exam)
After graduation, you’ll need to pass the VTNE, a national certification exam administered by the AAVSB (American Association of Veterinary State Boards).
Apply for State Licensure (if required)
Most states require a license, registration, or certification. Check your state’s veterinary board for requirements.
Start Working as a Veterinary Technician
Vet techs are employed in clinics, animal hospitals, research labs, and even zoos and wildlife centers.

steps-to-become-a-veterinary-technician

Licensing & Certification

To work as a vet tech, you’ll typically need:

Graduation from an AVMA-accredited program
Passing the VTNE exam
State licensure (Registered, Licensed, or Certified Veterinary Technician)

Optional certifications are available for specialization:

Emergency & Critical Care (VTS-ECC)
Anesthesia & Analgesia (VTS-AA)
Dental or Surgical Technology

Advanced certifications can lead to higher pay and more specialized roles in animal healthcare.

Skills That Make You Great at This

Compassion and patience for animals
Attention to detail under pressure
Strong communication with pet owners
Technical proficiency in lab and surgical work
Emotional resilience and problem-solving

Great vet techs balance clinical skill with empathy — comforting both animals and their humans.

Where You’ll Work (and Grow)

Veterinary technicians can work in:

Veterinary clinics and hospitals
Animal shelters and humane societies
Research laboratories
Zoos and wildlife rehabilitation centers
Military or government agencies

Career Growth Paths

Veterinary Technologist (Bachelor’s degree)
Veterinary Practice Manager
Specialty Technician (Emergency, Surgery, Dentistry)
Animal Nutrition or Research Specialist

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Rapidly growing career field
Deep emotional satisfaction helping animals
Variety of work environments and specializations
Entry-level career with advancement opportunities

Cons:

Physically and emotionally demanding
Exposure to injured or sick animals
Moderate pay compared to human healthcare fields

Start Your Veterinary Technician Journey

If you’re passionate about animals and want a career that blends science, care, and compassion, veterinary technology is the perfect fit.

Turn your love for animals into a lifelong career in veterinary medicine.

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Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.