An online bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology may provide students with the skills and training needed to perform medical tests on animals and assist licensed veterinarians. Students enrolled in these four-year programs may use veterinary software applications, study animal behavior and emergency care, and perform specific laboratory tests. Coursework within these programs may include general education requirements, science-related electives, and major-specific courses, such as advanced veterinary behavior, companion animal diseases, and advanced veterinary behavior.

Upon graduation, students may either seek entry-level employment or pursue additional education and enroll in a graduate-level program in veterinary technology. Bachelor’s-level graduates may find employment opportunities in animal nutrition, veterinary practice management, and biomedical research.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: High School Diploma or GED
• Program Length: Four years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Entry-Level Employment or Master’s / Doctoral Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 52% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum within an online bachelor’s-level program in veterinary technology may combine general education requirements alongside science-based electives and major-specific courses. In these four-year programs, students may study emergency and medical care, advanced dentistry, and integrative medicine. Core veterinary technology courses may include the following:

• Veterinary Pharmacology
• Small Animal Nutrition
• Advanced Veterinary Behavior
• Veterinary Hospital Marketing
• Anesthesia and Surgical Nursing
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Veterinary Technology
• Companion Animal Diseases

Career Options

Graduates of online bachelor’s in veterinary technology may find careers in animal medicine, biomedical research, animal nutrition, veterinary practice management, and animal behavior. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for those pursuing careers as a veterinary technician are expected to increase by 52% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Veterinary Technologist
• Animal Anesthetist
• Veterinary Surgical Nurse
• Veterinary Radiography Technician
• Veterinarian’s Nurse

Continuing Education

Upon graduation, students may opt to further their education and enroll in a graduate-level program in veterinary medicine. These upper-level programs may provide students with additional training and skills in veterinary sciences as well as guidance pertaining to clinical and diagnostic materials.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook