The Veterinary Technician Career Path: From School to Your First Job

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Key takeaways

• Veterinary technicians play a critical, hands-on role in animal care. Their responsibilities go well beyond simply assisting veterinarians and can include laboratory testing, radiographs, anesthesia monitoring, medications, dental and surgical support, patient records, and client education.
• Becoming a vet tech requires education, practical training, and usually credentialing. The typical pathway involves researching state requirements, completing an accredited veterinary technology program (often an associate degree), completing clinical externships, passing the VTNE, and obtaining the appropriate state credential.
• The career is rewarding but physically and emotionally demanding. Vet techs may work with seriously ill or injured animals, support euthanasia, interact with distressed owners, and handle physically demanding tasks such as restraining or lifting animals. Strong communication, teamwork, resilience, and professionalism are important.
• There are many career paths and opportunities for advancement. Vet techs can work in emergency and specialty practices, shelters, laboratories, research, zoos, wildlife, livestock, and industry. With additional education and experience, they can pursue specialties, veterinary technologist roles, or leadership/management opportunities.

If you’re an animal lover, working in the veterinary field may seem like a no brainer, but it’s a very demanding career that shouldn’t be entered into lightly. If you’ve considered becoming a veterinary technician, it’s important to know what the job entails and how to obtain it before making a decision.

What does a veterinary technician do?

Veterinary technicians have a lot of job duties. Credentialed vet techs are often able to do more than non-credentialed vet techs, though not every state requires a vet tech to be certified or licensed.

Some of the standard tasks a vet tech will perform include:

• Supporting veterinarians during examinations and treatment
• Collecting samples
• Performing laboratory tests
• Taking radiographs
• Monitoring anesthesia
• Assisting with dental and surgical procedures
• Administering medications as legally permitted
• Maintaining patient records
• Educating and communicating with animal owners
• Supporting hospital safety and infection-control practices

Even though it may not be a requirement to get credentialed in your state, it can still be beneficial to seek it out for both expanded job duties and career growth. Credentialed or not, working as a vet tech requires a lot of interaction with the human owners of the animals that come in, so if you prefer the company of animals over people, you will be interacting with both.

Read more: What Veterinary Clinics Actually Look for in Entry-Level Vet Tech Candidates (And How to Stand Out)

Where do veterinary technicians work?

Veterinary technicians work in all the places you’d expect, like animal hospitals and clinics, but there are some places that might surprise you. Zoos and wildlife facilities also need veterinary care for their animals, so it’s possible to work with some pretty exotic animals without living in an exotic place.

Other places vet techs can work include

• Emergency practices
• Specialty practices
• Animal Shelters
• Laboratories
• Research facilities
• Livestock settings

What veterinary technicians cannot do

It’s important to remember that vet techs are not veterinarians. There are some tasks they can’t do. Duties like diagnosing animals, prescribing medication, and performing surgery are usually jobs for the vet, though vet techs can often assist. State law and credentials also can impact what veterinary technicians can do on the job.

Is a veterinary technician career right for you?

It certainly can be! If you want to work with animals of all types and have an interest in science and medicine, this can be a great career option for you. The job does require a great deal of strength, both physical and emotional, however, so it’s important to really consider whether you can handle all of the tough parts that come with the territory.

Vet techs often work with very ill or severely injured animals, which can be difficult to stomach sometimes. Another upsetting part of the job is any instance of euthanasia. While vet techs don’t perform this procedure, they may be present for it and also may need to speak with distraught pet owners. This part of the job is not for the faint of heart.

There are physical demands as well. Animals need to be restrained and some animals are very heavy or aggressive, so it’s possible to come home with some war wounds in the form of bites and scratched. You’ll also have to do some lifting in this role, so if you have a history of back problems, it may not be a feasible option for you.

Keeping all of that in mind, working as a vet tech can be incredibly rewarding, and the industry needs more of them. If you feel confident in your ability to handle all the hard parts and thrive in fast-paced environments, this can be the perfect job for you.

Read more: Is a Veterinary Career Right for You? 5 Questions to Ask Before Enrolling

Veterinary technician vs. veterinary assistant vs. veterinary technologist

These three roles may seem similar, but there are differences.

Read more: How a Vet Assistant Can Become a Vet Tech

Step 1: Research your state’s veterinary technician requirements

Before deciding what school you want to gain your training through and even which role you might want to pursue, it’s a good idea to look into the education requirements for each one. If your state requires graduation from an accredited program, you may have to narrow your school search down.

It can also be helpful to determine if you want to take the VTNE exam or not. It is not required for the vet assistant role, but if you want to become a vet tech or vet technologist, you will have to pass this exam. There also may be continuing education credits required depending on state or employer requirements. If you want to get a better idea of what the requirements are, you can check out the AAVSB Board or your state veterinary board.

Step 2: Complete your high school education

A high school diploma is a requirement for all three of these veterinary roles, so if you, like many people, didn’t finish high school for one reason or another, you’ll want to do this before you can start even pursuing a job as a veterinary assistant.

Having the science foundations you learn in high school biology and chemistry courses can be important for a career in the veterinary field. It can also be beneficial during this time to volunteer at local animal shelters to get some experience working with animals under your belt. This can also help build your customer service skills.

Step 3: Choose an accredited veterinary technology program

If you are looking to become a vet tech or vet technologist, chances are you’ll need to graduate from an accredited program.

Why AVMA-CVTEA accreditation matters

When a school or program is accredited, it means that it meets the standards set by that accrediting body. In a nutshell, it’s what makes the program “count.” You usually need to graduate from an AVMA-CVTEA accredited training program in order to take the VTNE, so checking accreditation status of any programs you’re interested can be in your best interest.

Shawna Rutar, LVT, B.S.VT and member of Penn Foster’s veterinary team says, “Accreditation ensures you are truly being taught the vital information and skills necessary to properly care for the patients that brought you to this field in the first place"

Associate degree vs. bachelor’s degree

The type of degree you need depends on which veterinary role you want to pursue. You don’t need a degree at all to become a veterinary assistant, but to become a veterinary technician or a veterinary technologist, a degree is required.

If you want to become a vet tech and stop there, you’ll only need an associate degree before taking the VTNE. If you want to continue on to become a vet technologist, a bachelor’s degree is required, though you’ll likely already have obtained an associate degree and taken the VTNE.

Can you complete vet tech school online?

Yes! There are accredited online vet tech programs, like Penn Foster, that allow you to learn your material online. There usually still is a hands-on component, however. Penn Foster’s program has two required in-person externships so students can gain real-world experience and be more prepared when it’s time to officially work in the field.

If you’re thinking about transitioning to a vet technologist, you’ll likely already have this hands-on experience under your belt so the entirety of the program can be completed online. It’s important to keep in mind that if you’re completing your vet tech or technology training online, you’ll likely need excellent time management and self-direction skills.

Read more: How Online Vet Tech School Helped Madison Take Control of Her Future

Step 4: Enroll and prepare for vet tech coursework

The Penn Foster Veterinary Technician Associate Degree Program covers a vast array of subjects you’ll need to know to become a vet tech. You’ll learn about animal anatomy and physiology, veterinary practice management, veterinary pharmacology, and more. You’ll also get hands-on experience with both small and large animals in your two required externships, where you’ll complete skills and work under the supervision of real vet techs or veterinarians.

Study strategies while working through your vet tech program

You may be nervous or unsure how to start preparing to study for your vet tech program, especially if you’ve been out of school for a while. Consider applying these strategies as you move through your coursework.

• Schedule regular study blocks
• Use active recall
• Practice medical terminology
• Connect concepts to clinical examples
• Ask instructors questions early
• Develop reliable organizational systems

Step 5: Complete your clinical externships

The clinical externships in the vet tech program are essential to getting hands-on experience in the field. During the two required externships, you’ll work under the supervision of real veterinarians and vet techs to complete your necessary skills on both small and large animals. 

Once you’ve completed your externships, you will be able to add this work experience to your resume. Employers may not always require previous experience in a clinic or hospital, but it certainly never hurts.

How to find and approach an externship site

While finding a site(s) for your externships is your responsibility, Penn Foster assigns mentors to their vet tech students who can offer support through the process. We also have a handy site locator students can use if they’re struggling to find a location.

If you have a site in mind, you can contact that to see if they can accommodate you as well as all of the skills you’ll be required to demonstrate. They’ll also need to have the equipment necessary to complete the skills. The externships are a time commitment, so you’ll want to make sure before the time comes that your schedule will allow you to dedicate time to them. If you already work in a veterinary clinic or hospital, you may be able to complete your externships there if they can accommodate what you need and are approved.

Once it’s time to start your externships, it may be a good idea to treat them like an extended professional interview. If you don’t already work at your externship site, the networking you do there can potentially help you attain a more permanent position in the future.

All externship sites must be approved by Penn Foster.

How to succeed during a vet tech externship

Success can be measured and interpreted in many different ways. There’s no official success rule book. That being said, there are some general good form items that can help you do well in your externships.

It’s good workplace etiquette to be on time and always let your site supervisor know if you won’t be able to make it for any of your scheduled time in advance. Open communication is a good practice in most aspects of life, but especially in professional settings. This can be crucial in veterinary settings for safety. If you have questions, it’s always a good idea to voice them. If you’re unsure how you’re doing, you can seek feedback and, if need be, adjust accordingly.

Maryanne Misso, LVT, MSED and Penn Foster veterinary staff member, shares, “Employers expect entry-level technicians to have fundamental clinical skills, but they also value soft skills such as communication, teamwork, organization, critical thinking, and dependability. Technical skills can be strengthened over time, but professionalism and work ethic are essential from day one.”

Step 6: Graduate and prepare for the VTNE

While most states require it, even if your state doesn’t require you to take the VTNE and be credentialed to work as a vet tech, it can still benefit you to take the exam. It evaluated the competency of veterinary technicians, so it can be a good indicator for employers if you’re thoroughly qualified for the job or not.

According to the AAVSB, which owns and administers the VTNE, to be eligible to sit for this exam there are three different pathways you can take. However, it more often than not is a state requirement to graduate from an AVMA accredited program to sit for the VTNE. If you take the VTNE and don’t pass the first time, don’t worry! You can retake it, though you will have to wait 30 days and submit a new application.

Penn Foster’s Veterinary Technician Program covers the cost of your first attempt at the VTNE, so it’s one less thing you need to budget for. The pass rate for Penn Foster students taking the VTNE is also promising, with a three-year VTNE pass percentage of 70.5% from 2023 to 2025. A passing score is never a guarantee, however, no matter what program you learn from or how hard you study.

Read more: Fear Free Certification for Penn Foster Vet Tech Students

VTNE study tips

It can be a good idea to start preparing for the VTNE before graduation, especially if you struggle with test anxiety. The AAVSB provides practice tests, study material, and a content outline that can help you get ready to take the exam.

A realistic study calendar for your schedule can help you be consistent so you’re not cramming right before the exam. Since you’ll also have at least one of your externships behind you by the time you start preparing for the VTNE, you can think about how you’d apply the knowledge your learning to clinical scenarios you’ve experienced.

It can also be helpful to check current AAVSB policies and fees so you know what’s in store. Any practice or study material you obtain from them likely has a fee attached, so knowing this beforehand can help you prepare financially.

Step 7: Apply for your state credential

Getting credentialed may not be required in your state, but it’s unlikely. Consider looking up your state’s law on credentialing prior to moving forward with enrollment in a training program so you exactly what you’ll need to do from the jump.

There likely will be some prerequisites to applying for your state credential (CVT, LVT, RVT), like passing the VTNE, submitting educational verification, a state jurisprudence or board exam, and a background check and fingerprinting, to name a few. The requirements vary by state and can even change if the state updates their laws.

Read more: How to Become Certified as a Vet Tech (State by State)

Step 8: Prepare for your first veterinary technician job

After you’ve graduated, passed the VTNE, and gotten your credentials, you can start preparing to work in the field officially as a vet tech! Here are some things to consider when you reach this stage.

Read more: Real Student Stories: How Kelsy Found Her Path as a Mom, Military Spouse, and Future RVT

Build a veterinary technician resume

Resume building can be anxiety inducing, but it’s a necessary part of the job hunt process. This is a place where credentialing can help you stand out. You’ll also be able to add your externship experience and the clinical skills you gained on your resume so potential employers can see a well-rounded view of your qualifications.

Ask your externship supervisors for references

Externships are great not only because they allow you to gain real-world experience, but also because they’re good networking opportunities. You can ask your externship supervisors for references when it’s time to start applying for vet tech jobs if you don't already work at the site you completed your externships at.

Search beyond general-practice clinics

General veterinary practice clinics may seem like the obvious choice when looking for employment as a vet tech, but you can expand your job search to other areas that need support. Consider also putting applications in at emergency hospitals, specialty clinics, animal shelters, laboratories, or research facilities. If you want to work in a more adventurous environment, you can consider applying to work in zoos or wildlife reserves.

Prepare for common vet tech interview questions

You can research interview questions to help yourself prepare ahead of time. Here are some questions you may be asked as well when you interview for a vet tech job:

• Why did you choose veterinary technology?
• Tell us about a difficult animal-handling situation.
• How do you respond to feedback?
• How do you prioritize multiple patients?
• How would you support a distressed pet owner?
• Which clinical skills are you most confident performing?
• Which skills do you want to strengthen?
• How do you maintain accurate medical records?
• How do you manage emotionally difficult situations?
• Why are you interested in this practice?

Evaluate potential employers

Sometimes getting a job isn’t just about how the employer feels about you. Your thoughts on the employer and practice matter too. Working in the veterinarian field can be very emotional at times, so a positive work environment can be incredibly important. You can research reviews from past employees on places you’re interviewing at and even ask some questions during the interview, such as:

• What is the onboarding process?
• Is there a mentorship program?
• How are the technicians utilized at the practice?
• What does the staffing and workload look like?
• Will you be overscheduled? Under-scheduled?
• Do they help with continuing education financially or with partnerships?
• Do they offer credentialing support?
• Is workplace safety prioritized?
• What are the pay and benefits?
• Are there opportunities to develop specialty skills?
• What are the responsibilities assigned to credentialed technicians?

Veterinary technician salary and job outlook

Veterinary technicians are in demand at the moment, which is a big deal in a time when job security is so hard to come by. The job outlook, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is 9% over the next eight years. There are 14,300 projected job openings each year.

The median salary for vet techs as of May 2024 is $45,980, though it can go higher or lower depending on several factors, such as credentials, geographic areas, experience, specialty, employer type, and responsibilities, to name a few.

Read more: Why Salary Isn’t the First Question Potential Vet Techs Ask: How Vet Techs Balance Salary Challenges with Passion

How long does it take to become a veterinary technician?

The timeline can vary. An in-person training program can possibly take longer than an online one, or less time if you’re working on it between work shifts and childcare. Not everyone can go to school full-time so it could take longer for those only doing part-time training. Some people may have credits transfer in as well, which can shorten the timeframe.

Things like externship scheduling, VTNE testing windows, and state processing times can delay getting into the field as well. Penn Foster’s Veterinary Technician Associate Degree Program is self-paced, so it could be possible to complete it quicker than an in-person program, but there are still the two required externships that will take time. It’s possible to complete each semester of this program in as little as 9 months*, but students should take the time they need to learn and train.

* The estimated completion times per semester are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from November 2020 - October 2021, excluding withdrawals.

How to advance your career after becoming a vet tech

Once you become a credentialed vet tech, you can gain experience in a specialty setting and earn a veterinary technician specialist designation if this interests you. You can also continue your education to stack credentials and move into different roles, like veterinary technologist with a bachelor’s degree or practice management. Education, experience, and leadership skills can help you reach your career goals.

How Penn Foster can help you prepare for a veterinary technician career

Penn Foster’s online Veterinary Technician Associate Degree is designed to help learners build the academic knowledge and hands-on clinical skills used in veterinary settings. The program is accredited by the AVMA through CVTEA and includes required clinical externships. Because credentialing rules vary, you should confirm that the program meets the requirements of the state where you plan to work before enrolling.

The program is self-paced and, outside of the required in-person externships, is online. The externships allow you to gain real-world experience with both small and large animals. If you’re on a budget, the program’s monthly payment plans could be perfect for you. There’s also an education department with instructors and externship staff if you need help while you move through your program, and you’ll prepare for the VTNE while you’re enrolled.

Frequently asked questions about becoming a vet tech

Do you need a degree to become a veterinary technician?

Typically you’ll need an associate’s degree to become a vet tech, but you can check your state requirements as well as with any employers you have in mind to see if it’s truly a requirement.

Can you become a vet tech online?

Yes! While there is usually a hands-on clinical requirement that is in-person, studying the curriculum can be done online.

Does a vet tech need to be licensed?

Credential titles vary depending on state, but most states do require vet techs to be credentialed. Checking state laws and requirements is the best way to determine if you need to get credentialed or not.

Is an accredited vet tech program required?

Rules can vary, but most jurisdictions require graduation from an AVMA-CVTEA - or CVMA-accredited program to sit for the VTNE.

Is the VTNE required in every state?

Since most states require the VTNE for vet techs, it’s likely you’ll need to take this exam. However, it’s possible you live in a state that does not require it, so verifying your location’s rules is important.

How difficult is vet tech school?

Answer honestly: coursework includes medical science and practical skill development, but structured study habits and support can help.

Can you work while attending vet tech school?

Yes! Penn Foster’s Veterinary Technician Program is self-paced so you can work while enrolled. If you already work in a vet clinic, it may even be possible to do your externship at your place of employment if they can accommodate it and are approved as an externship site.

Maryanne Misso advises, “Balancing school, work, and personal responsibilities can be challenging, but it's achievable with good planning. Creating a realistic schedule, staying organized, and setting aside regular study time can help. It's also important to remember that asking for support when needed is a sign of strength, not weakness.”

Can a vet assistant become a vet tech?

Explain that experience may be valuable, but most candidates still need to meet accredited education, examination, and state credentialing requirements.

Can a vet tech become a veterinarian?

Working as a vet tech can absolutely be a great stepping stone, but it does not make you qualified to become a veterinarian. You can, however, move on to complete the required education through veterinary school and clinical experience to become a veterinarian if that is the career path you are interested in.

Where can veterinary technicians work besides animal clinics?

There are many places a vet tech can work!

• Emergency Hospitals
• Specialty Clinics
• Animal shelters
• Laboratories
• Research facilities
• Zoos
• Wildlife facilities
• Livestock environments
• Industry settings

Is being a vet tech emotionally difficult?

Yes, working as a vet tech can be very emotionally difficult at times. In this role you’ll experience severely ill or injured animals, animals that must be euthanized, and distressed pet owners. It can be a rewarding career, there’s no doubt about it, but it is not for the faint of heart. Co.Vet reports on a NAVTA survey that 70% of vet technicians experience burnout, with 65% citing compassion fatigue as their top wellbeing challenge.

Read more: The Realities of Working in a Veterinary Clinic: What No One Tells You

Hear from people in the field

We spoke with our credentialed staff so you can hear from the experts!

What should someone know before enrolling in a vet tech program?

“Loving animals may bring you into the profession, but success in veterinary medicine also means connecting with the people who love them, communicating with compassion, and working as part of a team to provide the best possible care.” - Megan Gerik, RVT

What qualities help students succeed during clinical training?

“In clinicals, externships, and beyond, strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, a genuine eagerness to learn, the humility to remain open to growth, and the willingness to keep trying are all qualities for success.” -Lindsay Bennett, RVT, BAS, CFVP

What separates a strong entry-level candidate from other applicants?

“Placing the needs of your patient above your ego; always be teachable. Demonstrate kindness and consideration for others; a kind heart is worth its weight in gold!!” - Shawna Rutar, LVT, B.S.VT

What is one misconception about veterinary technician work?

“A common misconception is that veterinary technicians simply “help the veterinarian.” In reality, they are highly skilled medical professionals who perform critical hands-on patient care, monitor anesthesia, collect and analyze diagnostics, provide nursing care, educate clients, advocate for patients, and often serve as a vital link between the veterinarian, the patient, and the family.” - Megan Gerik, RVT

How should students prepare for the VTNE?

“Start early and focus on understanding concepts rather than memorizing facts. Consistent study habits, practice questions, and regular review of coursework are often more effective than trying to learn everything at the last minute. Don't forget to give yourself time to rest and recharge as well.” -Maryanne Misso, LVT, MSED

What questions should applicants ask before choosing a program?

“First, do I have a clear expectation of what the world of veterinary medicine is actually like (shadowing at a veterinary hospital is key)? Is the program AVMA accredited? What is the learning format (online, in-person, or hybrid)? Does the learning format fit my needs and lifestyle? Do I want to be a veterinary technician (associate's degree) or veterinary technologist (bachelor's degree)? What are the VTNE pass rates for the program? What is the cost of the program?” - Shawna Rutar, LVT, B.S.VT

What prospective students misunderstand about the profession?

“Prospective students often underestimate just how broad the veterinary technician profession can be. Vet techs aren’t limited to traditional small-animal practice, they can build careers in emergency and specialty medicine, research, education, industry, shelter medicine, wildlife, leadership, and more. It’s a profession with far more pathways than many people realize.” - Megan Gerik, RVT

How should students prepare for an externship?

“While learning a course, always remember that how well you retain these concepts will directly impact your future patients. This is why it's important to create your own flashcards while you go, so when it comes time to demonstrate this knowledge in your externship, you will be ready.” - Shawna Rutar, LVT, B.S.VT

Start your veterinary career today

Whether you want to start as a veterinary assistant and move on to become a vet tech or technologist, or stay at that level, Penn Foster has a program that can help you get there. Explore our veterinary programs and request more information on any that interest you, and get on the road to a rewarding career!