The Vet Tech Institute has been teaching students in Pittsburgh since 1958 and now has programs in St. Louis, Chicago, Houston, Indianapolis, Columbus, Ohio, and Fort Wayne, Ind. Students will learn the skills needed to administer medications, vaccines and IVs, assist in surgeries and treat and monitor sick or injured animals. This American Veterinary Medical Association accredited program will take only 18 months to complete, then the student will be eligible to take a national licensing exam to become certified. Those who are interested in becoming a student can contact the school to set up a visit and learn more.
Mesa Community College is in Mesa, Ariz., and offers a veterinary technology program that teaches the knowledge and skills necessary to work with veterinarians, scientists and other humane organizations. Students learn about medical sciences, veterinary medical care and animal care. Classes will include animal diseases, animal anatomy, equine behavior, general genetics, society and business and microbiology. Completion of this program will earn an associate in applied sciences degree. To apply for this program, first you must meet with a program adviser at the veterinary technology offices on the school's campus.
Miami Dade College has an accredited veterinary technology program located at its medical center campus in Miami. This program will take six semesters of classes with 73 credits to complete and will earn students an associate of science degree with around 400 hours of clinical work. Students must attend the program full time, which averages about 40 hours per week. Conferences and seminars are occasionally offered on weekends and in the evening and students are expected to attend. After the program is successfully completed, students are able to take the veterinary technician national exam that will be good for two years.
Duluth Business University in Duluth, Minn., offers a veterinary technology program with an associate in applied sciences degree. The program will take about two years and 106 credit hours to complete. Students learn about laboratory work, animal handling, X-ray, assisting in surgeries and how to care for animals. Some classes are available to complete online. After completion of the program, students can have careers at laboratories, animal drug companies, veterinary clinics and hospitals, zoos and humane societies. Employment assistance is available to students after graduation as well.