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Healthcare

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

Perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases. Prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts. Clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines. May assist a veterinarian during surgery.

Median salary (BLS)

$47,380

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$36k – $63k

Job outlook

+9% (faster than average)

AI exposure

Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $93,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.

Plan a path to Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

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Education

Typical entry: Associate degree

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How to qualify

EstimateLicense required

Cost to qualify

$8,200–$23,000

Time to qualify

2.2 yr

Renewal

$75/yr

  1. 1

    Associate degree (community college)

    Degree

    Two years at in-district rates — average published tuition & fees ≈ $4,050/yr, plus ~$1,200/yr books & supplies.

    $8,000–$22,000 · 2 years source

  2. 2

    National & state licensure

    License

    A national board/registry exam plus a state license application (the NCLEX pattern). Exact exam and fees depend on the role and state.

    $200–$1,000 · 2 months · varies by state · renews every 2 yr source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Veterinary Technologists and Technicians" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

  1. Junior Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

    Entry / Junior

    $35,710

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

    Established

    $47,380

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

    Senior

    $55,280

Key skills

A typical day

  • •Administer anesthesia to animals, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals' responses to anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted.
  • •Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery.
  • •Maintain controlled drug inventory and related log books.
  • •Perform laboratory tests on blood, urine, or feces, such as urinalyses or blood counts, to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems.
  • •Prepare and administer medications, vaccines, serums, or treatments, as prescribed by veterinarians.

Fields of study

Any field

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.