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Path to
Veterinary Technology

If you love animals and want a career in science and healthcare, veterinary technology could be the right fit. Veterinary technicians are essential members of the veterinary team, working directly alongside veterinarians to diagnose illnesses, perform medical procedures, and care for animals across a wide range of settings.

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A hands-on career✦Four-year BS degree✦AVMA accredited✦FAMU · FVSU✦A hands-on career✦Four-year BS degree✦AVMA accredited✦FAMU · FVSU✦A hands-on career✦Four-year BS degree✦AVMA accredited✦FAMU · FVSU✦A hands-on career✦Four-year BS degree✦AVMA accredited✦FAMU · FVSU✦
DAILY WORK

What veterinary
technicians do.

Veterinary technicians are often described as the nurses of the animal world. They handle a broad range of clinical responsibilities that are central to the daily operation of any veterinary practice.
  • 01Examining animals and recording medical histories
  • 02Administering medications, vaccines, and treatments
  • 03Running laboratory tests including blood work and urinalysis
  • 04Taking X-rays and other medical images
  • 05Assisting in surgeries and monitoring anesthesia
  • 06Performing dental cleanings and preventive care
  • 07Educating pet owners about nutrition and animal care
  • 08Maintaining detailed medical records
WHERE THEY WORK

A career with
range.

One of the most appealing aspects of the veterinary technology career is the variety of settings available. Students with backgrounds in agriculture or rural communities are especially well-suited to large and food animal settings.
01

Veterinary clinics caring for companion animals

02

Large animal practices working with horses, cattle, and farm animals

03

Emergency and critical care hospitals

04

Specialty hospitals — surgery, oncology, cardiology, and more

05

Animal shelters and rescue organizations

06

Zoos, aquariums, and wildlife centers

07

Research laboratories and universities

08

Government agencies including the USDA and FDA

OUTLOOK

Strong outlook.
Real advancement.

The veterinary technician profession is projected to grow significantly over the coming decade, driven by the same workforce shortages affecting veterinary medicine more broadly. After gaining experience, vet techs can pursue:
01

VTS Certification

Specialty certification as a Veterinary Technician Specialist in emergency, surgery, dentistry, behavior, and more.

02

Research & Education

Roles in research, education, or government agencies.

03

Practice Leadership

Practice management and clinical leadership positions.

04

Bridge to DVM

Use the vet tech degree as a foundation for veterinary school (DVM).

A four-year bachelor's degree in veterinary technology provides deeper scientific training and broader career options than a two-year associate degree. Only 23 institutions nationwide offer four-year bachelor's programs in veterinary technology — and two of them are 1890 land-grant universities.

Vet Tech Schools
01 / 01
Vet Tech Schools

Florida A&M University and Fort Valley State University offer AVMA-accredited four-year Bachelor of Science degrees in veterinary technology.

Both programs prepare graduates for national certification and a wide range of career settings.

Explore Vet Tech Schools→
AFTER GRADUATION

The exam,
the license.

After completing a four-year veterinary technology degree, graduates are eligible to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). Most states require passing this exam and obtaining state licensure before practicing. Your program will prepare you for this process.

AAVSB ↗NAVTA ↗AVMA ↗
Take the next step

Ready to
explore?

Visit the Vet Tech Programs page to learn about the AVMA-accredited four-year programs at FAMU and FVSU. Thinking about the DVM pathway instead? See the Path to Veterinary Medicine.

Vet Tech Programs→Path To Vet Med→
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