How to Become a Veterinary Technician (Vet Tech)

Veterinary technicians are the nurses of the animal world. They assist veterinarians with examinations, perform laboratory tests, administer anesthesia, take X-rays, and provide post-operative care. If you love animals and want a hands-on healthcare career, vet tech is one of the most rewarding paths available — especially as pet ownership and veterinary care spending continue to climb.

The BLS reports vet techs earn a median annual wage of $40,990, with specialization and experience pushing wages to $55,000–$70,000+. Job growth is projected at 19% through 2033 — one of the fastest-growing healthcare careers.

What Does a Vet Tech Do?

Veterinary technicians perform a wide range of clinical tasks under a veterinarian's supervision:

• Restraining and handling animals during examinations
• Collecting blood, urine, and tissue samples for laboratory analysis
• Administering and monitoring anesthesia during surgical procedures
• Taking and developing radiographs (X-rays)
• Preparing and sterilizing surgical equipment
• Providing nursing care for hospitalized animals
• Educating pet owners on medications, nutrition, and aftercare

Step 1 — Complete an AVMA-Accredited Program

To become a licensed vet tech, you must graduate from a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Programs are available at community colleges and veterinary schools:

• Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology: 2 years — most common path; includes lab science, pharmacology, radiology, and clinical rotations
• Bachelor's Degree in Veterinary Technology: 4 years — enables advanced roles and specialist certification
• Online/hybrid programs: Several AVMA-accredited schools offer online coursework with in-person clinical externships

Non-AVMA-accredited programs will not qualify you to take the VTNE, so verify accreditation before enrolling.

Step 2 — Pass the VTNE

The Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) is the standardized licensing exam administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). The exam covers:

• Pharmacy and pharmacology
• Surgical nursing
• Dentistry
• Laboratory procedures
• Animal nursing and care
• Diagnostic imaging
• Anesthesia and pain management

The VTNE is a 170-question computer-based exam. Most states require passing the VTNE plus any additional state-specific requirements for licensure.

Step 3 — Earn State Licensure

Each state's Veterinary Medical Board issues vet tech licenses (titles vary: LVT, CVT, or RVT depending on the state). Requirements generally include passing the VTNE, submitting transcripts, and paying a licensure fee. Some states also require background checks.

Veterinary Technician Specialties

The Academy of Veterinary Technicians (NAVTA) recognizes over 20 specialty credentials for experienced vet techs:

• VTS (Anesthesia and Analgesia): Operating room specialists
• VTS (Emergency and Critical Care): Animal ICU and ER work
• VTS (Oncology): Cancer treatment support
• VTS (Dentistry): Veterinary dental procedures
• VTS (Zoological Medicine): Zoo and exotic animal care

Specialist credentials typically require a minimum of 3–5 years of experience plus passing a specialty exam. Specialists earn $55,000–$75,000 on average.

Where Vet Techs Earn the Most

• Emergency and specialty hospitals pay $5,000–$15,000 more than general practice
• Top-paying states: California, Connecticut, Nevada, Massachusetts
• Zoo and research settings often include excellent benefits packages

See our Veterinary Technician career profile for AVMA-accredited programs and licensing information by state.