Online veterinary technician degree programs teach students how to properly care for animals, evaluate their condition and prepare them for medical treatment. Individuals who are interested in working with animals (and their owners) in a fast-paced environment may enjoy these programs. Students may earn a career diploma, certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree in the field.

Veterinary technician graduates may seek employment in private veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, large zoos, or marine biology centers. Students who matriculate from these programs may work as veterinary technicians, or seek a career teaching in schools of veterinary medicine, or assisting zoologists and marine biologists.

Available Degree Levels

• Career Diploma: Varies
• Certificate: One to two years to complete
• Associate Degree: Two years to complete
• Bachelor’s Degree: Four years to complete

Veterinary technician online career diploma programs equip students with the basic skills to work alongside veterinarians, assisting with the needs of animals. Some diploma programs may allow students to focus their studies and gain specific training in an area of interest, such as small animals. Individuals who have earned a veterinary technician diploma may know how to sterilize surgical instruments, help provide emergency aid, and monitor animals after surgery.

An online veterinary technician certificate introduces students to the basics of handling and caring for domestic and exotic species. Courses may include medical terminology, veterinary laboratory and clinical procedures, and animal restraint and handling.

An associate degree for veterinary technicians prepares students to work under the supervision of veterinarians and one-on-one with animals. Students may take courses such as surgical nursing, large animal theory, veterinary pharmacology, and animal anatomy and physiology. These programs may also prepare students to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam, allowing them to become licensed in the field.

Aspiring veterinary technicians may opt to earn an online bachelor’s degree in the field. Associate-level programs may equip students with knowledge in veterinary office and clinical procedures. Courses may include small animal disease, applied animal behavior, anatomy of domestic animals, and clinical laboratory techniques.

Career Options

Online veterinary technician programs prepare students to become integral members of the veterinary team, providing them with the skills to work alongside veterinarians, zoologists, and marine biologists. Graduates of these programs may find work in private veterinary clinics, laboratories, or animal hospitals. In these environments, individuals may take animal x-rays, observe animal behavior and conditions, perform laboratory tests on animals, record patients’ case histories, and assist veterinarians in a variety of tasks.

Possible career fields include:

• Veterinary Technician
• Veterinary Technologist
• Veterinary Surgical Assistant
• Veterinary School Teacher
• Animal Behaviorist