Guide to Online Associate's Degrees in Veterinary Technician

If you’re searching for an associate degree that will allow you to work closely with animals, then you definitely want to think about getting a veterinary technician associate degree.

Why Get A Veterinary Technician Associate Degree?

Veterinary technicians have a very demanding, but rewarding job. They assist vets in a clinical practice by taking the animal’s health history, taking blood, administering medications, assisting in surgery, performing lab tests such as urinalysis and blood counts, and taking x-rays.

There are several reasons why this can be a demanding job. One of the biggest is because as a veterinary technician, you’re on your feet all day. You might have to control large dogs, cows, or horses, and help lift them if they’re unable to walk.

This is also an emotionally demanding job, especially if an animal comes in who’s obviously been mistreated or abused. It can be heart wrenching to euthanize an animal, and if you work for an animal shelter you may have to do this often.

But, this is also an incredibly rewarding and emotionally satisfying career. You’re helping animals live healthy lives. You get daily contact with them, and if you love being around animals this is more than worth the challenges you’ll face now and again.

What You’ll Learn In A Veterinary Technician Associate Degree Program

Getting a veterinary technician associate degree means that you’ll be taking classes that are heavy in math, science, and lab work. Because you’ll be working directly with animals, you’ll receive hands-on instruction on how to do things like safely control an animal, take blood, administer stitches, and other routine tasks.

Some of the classes you might take to get a veterinary technician associate degree include:

Animal Anatomy and Physiology
Reproduction, Genetics, and Aging
Pharmacology
Veterinary Office Management
Medical Math
Animal Nutrition
Medical Terminology

Now, you might be wondering how, exactly, you’d learn how to do things like draw blood or administer stitches if you’re getting your veterinary technician associate degree online, right?

Well, almost all veterinary technician online degree programs require students to form a relationship with their local veterinarian. If he or she agrees, the students will intern under the local vet for this degree. This means that in addition to taking classes, you’ll also be pulling shifts at their clinic, learning the hands-on portion of being a vet tech.

This vet will also act as proctor for the exams. All tests will be sent directly to the local veterinarian, who will oversee you while you take them, and then send them back to the school once you’re done.

Careers With A Veterinary Technician Associate Degree

If you’re looking for job security, then getting your veterinary technician associate degree is a great way to get it. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that this field will grow by a whopping 41% over the next ten years, which is higher than almost any other industry.

The reason is because most people consider their dogs and cats (and other animals) to be part of their family. They’re spending more time and money to keep their animals healthy, resulting in a booming animal care industry.

Salaries for veterinary technicians range from $25,000 to $35,000. If you decide to get your Bachelor’s Degree in veterinary technology, you can expect far more responsibilities, and also a much higher salary.

Guide to Online Associates Degree Programs

Associate degree holders generally have better job prospects than those with only a high school diploma. Earning an associate degree usually takes two years, and doing so in at an online school can be much more convenient than at a traditional campus. Below are the top accredited online schools offering associate degrees in the US.

	With one of the largest offerings of accredited online associate degrees, Post University is consistently highly rated by its students because of its flexibility and affordability. All associate degrees offered are fully accredited. Post was founded in 1890 and has been providing highly-rated degree programs to students ever since with an emphasis on practicality and application. Read full school profile » Request Information
	The University of Phoenix was one of the first accredited colleges to offer online degrees. Today, it has grown to become one of the nation's largest universities through its online division and campuses coast to coast. They remain one of the top choices for students looking for an associates degree online because of the broad array of choice and affordability they offer students. Read full school profile » Request Information
	With perhaps the largest number of online associates degrees offered, Kaplan University's degrees are fully accredited, affordable, and offer a flexibility that many other online schools cannot match. This unrivaled selection spans several industries, hundreds of specializations, and all degree levels of education, empowering students to choose their own path to a career. Read full school profile » Request Information
	One of the nation's leading Christian universities, Liberty offers a broad range of accredited associate degrees online. Their incorporation of moral and ethical considerations into study make them a popular choice for students seeking a well-rounded education built on academic integrity. Established in 1985, Liberty University has one of the longest-standing online education programs in the country. Read full school profile » Request Information
	The online associates degrees at Everest University can be completed in under 2 years, making this a great way for students to quickly works towards their life goals. An associates degree can give you a jump-start on your career and open opportunities around every corner. Many of the programs help students pursue positions in ever-growing fields. Read full school profile » Request Information
	Virginia College offers a wide range of accredited associates programs. VC takes several steps in helping students pays for college by offering financial aid to those who qualify, including textbooks in the tuition cost, and providing online programs that can be completed under two (2) years, giving students a quick way to jump start their careers. Read full school profile » Request Information
	DeVry University is a highly-regarded leader in education with campuses across the nation and several online degrees available. DeVry focuses on providing degrees centered in the technology industry or fields that require a broad understanding and need for technical skills. DeVry has several highly popular degrees like Accounting, Web Graphic Design, Health IT, and Network Systems Administration. Read full school profile » Request Information
	Strayer University has over the last decade become one of the most respected schools offering accredited online associate degrees. Their strong reputation among employers, broad course offerings, and over one hundred years in education make them consistently a top choice for students. Strayer has over 85 campuses and 60,000 students currently attending online or at one of its campuses. Read full school profile » Request Information