The Top 10 US Schools for a Degree in Veterinary Technician

Are you interested in helping animals? Then, you consider a career as a Veterinary Technician. Not only will you get that opportunity to save the lives of animals, but you’ll also be part of one of the  most popular career tracks this year. Veterinary Technicians earn a good living in 2014, and the Bureau of Labor Statistic’s job outlook for this profession remains highly positive. Over the coming ten years, they expect that the field will increase by 30 percent. That rise essentially means that plenty of Vet Techs will work in the market in the future. If you’re currently researching profitable associate’s degrees to enroll in, or if you’re thinking of going back to school to find a better career, you may want to consider signing up for a Vet Tech degree at one of the schools in our list. Only a handful of major colleges and universities in the U.S. offer programs for a Veterinary Technician degree. We’ve selected what we feel comprise the top 10 US schools for a degree in Veterinary Technician.

1. School: Michigan State University, East Lansing

Cost:

In State Tuition: $116,474
Out of State Tuition: $224,468

School ranking: 71 countrywide (according to the 2010 US News and World Report)

MSU is the top ranking school in the United States with an accredited four-year veterinary technician degree program. It also serves as one of only a few universities that offer such a program. The American Veterinary Medical Association grants full accreditation to Michigan’s Veterinary Technician program. Would-be graduates may opt for either a Certificate of Completion in Veterinary Technology or a bachelor’s of science in Veterinary Technology. The MSU College of Veterinary Medicine offers both programs.

2. School: University of Nebraska, Lincoln

Cost:

In State Tuition: $19,370/year
Out of State Tuition: $23,302/year

School ranking: 96 countrywide (according to the 2010 US News and World Report)

The University of Nebraska Lincoln School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences offers a bachelor’s in Veterinary Technology Degree. This undergraduate program is only available to graduates with associate’s degrees from schools accredited by the AVMA. The BS program at UNL lasts for two years.

3. School: Purdue University – North Central

Cost:

In State Tuition: $77,712 ($19,428/year)
Out of State Tuition: $177,024 ($44,256/year)

Program and school ranking: 14 (according to the 2011 US News and World Report)

You can earn a bachelor’s of science in Applied Science in Veterinary Technology at Purdue. Students may alternatively complete a two-year Associate’s degree program. The BS program involves more coursework, more hands-on hours of clinical duty, and a senior project. You can also opt for a distance learning Associate’s degree of Applied Science. This program will have you complete clinical mentorship at your current place of employment (i.e. the vet practice you already work for).  There is a great resource, on this website, that will teach you all about distance learning!

4. School: Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY

Cost:

$8,583.00 per term

Program and school ranking: N/A

You can opt for a bachelor’s of science in Veterinary Technology. This program also offers the possibility to take on an externship with one of the many vet clinics and zoos in the area. The program received the proper accreditation from the AMVA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities.

5. School: State University of New York at Canton

Cost:

In State Tuition: $3,085/semester
Out of State Tuition: $6,170/semester

School ranking: 43 on 2012 ‘Regional Colleges’ – North list

SUNY students may enroll in a two year associate’s degree program in Applied Science or choose a four-year program in Vet Service Management. The coursework varies. It covers a broad range of fields such as nursing care, small animal care, and farm animal care.

6. School: Moorhead State University, Moorhead, KY

Cost:

Full-time (12-16 credits): $390 per credit
Part-time (1-11 credits):  $460 per credit

School ranking: 106 on 2015 Regional Universities (Midwest) list

7. School: North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND

Cost:

In State Tuition: $3,909/semester
Out of State Tuition: $9,424/semester

School ranking: 181 countrywide

8. School: Miami Dade College, Miami, FL

Cost:

In State Tuition: $8,484 total
Out of State Tuition: $29,237 total

School ranking:  N/A

9. School: Blue Ridge Community College, Weyers Cave, VA

Cost:

In State Tuition: $2,876 total
Out of State Tuition: $6,379 total

School ranking: N/A

10 School: Foothill College, Los Altos Hills, CA

Cost:

In State Tuition: $1,536 total
Out of State Tuition: $6,351 total

School ranking: N/A