Do you love animals? Training in animal care can lead to careers as a Veterinary Technician, Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Office Supervisor, Humane Society Worker, Pet Nutritionist an more.

Careers in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health Science: Veterinary medicine is the career that is most often considered by young people who want to work with animals. It is certainly a good choice, but as you can already see, there are lots of other opportunities, and veterinary medicine is not for every person who is an animal lover. To become a veterinarian you need to be an outstanding student, particularly during your college career. You need to begin preparing for veterinary school while you are in high school, taking as many science and math courses as you can and doing well in these subjects. In college, you need to enter a pre-veterinary science major and maintain at least a 3.5 (or better) grade point average. You need to gain experience in “the field” by volunteering or working in a veterinary practice.

There are only 27 veterinary colleges in the United States, and many accept only students who are residents of their state. States without veterinary colleges usually have contracted arrangements with states which do have schools to ensure that animal lovers from all states have the opportunity to attain their dream of becoming a veterinarian. These days, the entrance rate into vet school is about 1 out of 2.5 applicants for applicants. The rate is considerably lower for students from states with out a veterinary college. Thus, it always pays to be the very best student you can.

Once you are in vet school, it takes four years to obtain your D.V.M. or V.M.D. degree. Many graduates continue on into at least a one year internship before going into practice on their own. Most veterinarians choose either small animal practice, large animal practice, mixed (large and small), or equine (horse) practice. Veterinarians just starting out in practice make salaries in the range of $30,000; those with established practices may make $70,000-$100,000 per year. There are many career options for veterinarians. Many continue on to graduate school or residencies in such areas as internal medicine, surgery, laboratory animal medicine, pathology, and others. These individuals become specialists in their fields and can command much higher salaries. For example, a board certified pathologist or surgeon may make over $150,000/year. Vets may also go into exotic animal medicine, practicing in a zoo or having their own clinic for people who have exotic pets. Veterinarians may also practice aquatic veterinary medicine and work with marine mammals, such as whales and porpoises.

There are many government, private industry, and university jobs available for veterinarians who are in laboratory animal medicine, pathology, toxicology, and other specialties. These individuals work with research animals. It is their job to make sure that animals that are used in research receive good care and are not abused. Some may do research themselves on the diseases that affect man and animals.

You do not have to be a veterinarian to participate in many interesting jobs that relate to animal health. Veterinarians need veterinary assistants to help them with the care and treatment of animals. Veterinary technicians can learn their trade by attending junior college (2 year) or university programs (4 year) in animal health science, veterinary science, animal science, and related fields. There are also a number of trade school programs which provide a 8-12 month course in veterinary technology. Some “vet techs” learn on the job in a veterinary clinic. A range of salaries are paid by veterinarians across the country for veterinary assistance. Many assistants and technicians begin at minimum wage and may eventually earn $10-$15/hour or more.

An excellent career for those interested in working with animals is in the field of Laboratory Animal Science. All research facilities, which use animals, have a staff of animal care technicians who manage the animal facilities and care for the research animals. To work in an animal facility, it is best to have either a college degree in animal science, biology or similar, be trained as a veterinary technician, or have a strong background of personal experience working with animals (such as raising your own pets, coming from a farm background, etc.) There are many different types of jobs available in the animal facility; for example, actually caring for animals such as mice, chickens, reptiles, amphibians, dogs, monkeys, and farm animals. Entry level Animal Technicians can make a starting salary of $15,000-$20,000; those in mid level positions earn $22,000-$25,000; and those in supervisory or management positions make $30,000 and up. As a young person, you may have negative feelings about the use of animals in research and not wish to consider this type of career at all. The fine women and men who work in the animal facilities are there to make sure that the animals are well cared for and treated with kindness. Animal Technicians are important overseers of research, and if they see an animal that is sick or abused, it is their job to report problems to the veterinarians in charge, or to notify, if necessary, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, which has the authority to halt a research project if the animals are being mistreated. Most individuals who work in an animal facility will spend their entire career as an animal facility employee, providing love and kindness to the many animals that they meet.


Animal Care Colleges

Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program (ONLINE)
Learn the skills you need to become a Veterinary Assistant — at home, at your own pace with Education Direct. Work with animals! The Education Direct Veterinary Assistant Program can help you make a difference. Your abilities can keep animals healthy, nurse them when ill — even save their lives! Train quickly and conveniently. And you’ll learn it all at home – no classroom needed! You’ll get valuable information about animal-related issues from care and handling to veterinary practice and administration. It’s like having your own personal Veterinary Assistant school.

Alabama Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

Alaska Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

Arizona Veterinary Technician Schools
Apollo College (Mesa, Phoenix, Tucson AZ) - Veterinary Technology
Long Technical College (Phoenix, AZ) - Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Technology

Arkansas Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

Canada Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

California Veterinary Technician Schools
San Joaquin Valley College (Fresno, CA 93710) Veterinary Technology
Western Career College (Antioch, CA 94598, Citrus Heights, CA 95621, Emeryville, CA 94608, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, Sacramento, CA 95826, San Jose, CA 95119, San Leandro, CA 94578, Stockton, CA 95207) - Vet Tech Programs in California: Veterinary Technology, Ultrasound Technology

Colorado Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

Connecticut Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

Delaware Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

Florida Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

Georgia Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

Hawaii Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

Idaho Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

Illinois Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

Indiana Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

Iowa Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

Kansas Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

Kentucky Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

Louisiana Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

Maine Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

Maryland Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

Massachusetts Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

Michigan Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

Minnesota Veterinary Technician Schools
Duluth Business University (Duluth, MN 55807) - Veterinary Technology
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

Mississippi Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

Missouri Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

Montana Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

Nebraska Veterinary Technician Schools
Vatterott College (Omaha, NE, Deerfield, Spring Valley 68137) - Veterinary Technician, Licensed Vet Tech
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

Nevada Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

New Hampshire Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

New Jersey Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

New Mexico Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

New York Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program in New York
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program in New York

North Carolina Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

North Dakota Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program in North Dakota
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program in North Dakota

Ohio Veterinary Technician Schools
Bradford School - Columbus, OH 43219) - Veterinary Technician
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program in Ohio
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program
Stautzenberger - Strongville (Strongville, OH)  - Veterinary Technology  

Oklahoma Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

Oregon Veterinary Technician Schools
Apollo College - (Portland, OR 97232) - Veterinary Assistant, Limited X-Ray, Medical Laboratory Technician in Portland
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

Pennsylvania Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program Onlin
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program in Pennsylvania
Western School of Health & Business (Pittsburgh, PA) - Vet Tech Training Program in Pittsburgh, PA
Vet Tech Institute, a division of Median School of Allied Health Careers (Pittsburgh, PA 15222) - Veterinary Technician

Puerto Rico Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program in Puerto Rico
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

Rhode Island Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

South Carolina Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

South Dakota Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

Tennessee Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program in Tennessee
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program in Tennessee
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program in Tennessee

Texas Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program in Texas
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program in Texas
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program in Texas

Utah Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program in Utah
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program
Utah Career College - Layton (Layton, UT)  - Veterinary Technology  

Vermont Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program Vermont
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

Virginia Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program Virginia
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

Washington Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program in Washington
Apollo College (Spokane, WA 99206) - Vet Tech Programs: Veterinary Assistant
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

Washington DC Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program in DC
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

West Virginia Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program in West Virginia
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

Wisconsin Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program in Wisconsin
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program

Wyoming Veterinary Technician Schools
Animal Behavior College (Online) - Related to Veterinary Assistant Program: Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program in Wyoming
Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI Online) - Related to Vet Tech Assisting: Animal Care Specialist Program in Wyoming
Thomson Education Direct (Online) - Veterinary Assistant Training Program in Wyoming

*Note: Some schools listed are online schools offering programs related to Veterinary Techician Training online

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