Becoming an RVT

AAVEC is proud to encourage learning and growth of our staff by offering several options to qualified individuals seeking to become registered veterinary technicians (RVTs). This page has all the details about how to get started, different AVMA-accredited schools, FAQs on the different tuition-assistance and reimbursement programs, and links to related resources.

Veterinary Technician Programs

CCBC - Essex

The only AVMA-accredited program for veterinary technicians in Maryland is at the Essex campus of the Community College of Baltimore County.

Penn Foster

Arizona-based Penn Foster has partnerships with some of the largest veterinary hospitals in the country—including NVA —who recognize the quality of an AVMA-CVTEA fully accredited Veterinary Technician program. This partnership enables access to discounted tuition (request link from Education Coordinator).

Northern Virginia Community College - Loudoun

Fully AVMA- and CVTEA-accredited, the NoVA vet technology program offers coursework in combination with required clinical hours each semester. They offer on-site program classes as well as virtual learning options (only one may be chosen).

Dallas College - Cedar Valley Campus

Located in Dallas County, Texas and accredited by AVMA in 2001, this school is has various scholarship
opportunities specifically for its distance students. Part of the curriculum is a ten-hour weekly
minimum commitment in an approved veterinary clinic, as well as coursework.

Colby Community College

This Kansas-based program does not require any campus visits but does offer various weekend mentorships in Colby to teach students about animals that may not be endemic to their areas (e.g., large animal mentorship, laboratory animal and exotic pet mentorship, microbiology mentorship). It offers three convenient start times—January, June, or August.

San Juan College

San Juan College in New Mexico is open to applicants in nearly all states who can meet their off-campus clinical instruction (OCCI) and preceptor criteria. Although students aren’t required to travel to campus, they are offered the opportunity to complete “fast track labs” either at facilities near their homes or at the scenic Highlander Ranch in Waco, Texas.

St. Petersburg College

Semesters start August, January, and May for online learners. Clinical hours are required throughout each semester (280 hours per semester, or 12 hours/week). You may need work with an advisor to ensure that your clinical hours are in an approved veterinary hospital. This is one of only 3 of the 221 Vet Tech programs with AAHA-accreditation.

YTI Career Institute

Based in York, PA, YTI offers regular start dates for their program. A combination of hybrid online education, simulated labs, as well as supervised clinical experience fills out the training received through this program. Easily apply online and check out the various scholarship opportunities.

Other

If you know of another AVMA-accredited Vet Tech program you are interested in attending, please meet with the Education Coordinator to determine eligibility and next steps!

AAVEC Sponsorship

AAVEC wants to help you succeed in realizing and achieving your goals in veterinary medicine. Our generous sponsorship program for Penn Foster and tuition reimbursement program for other AVMA-accredited Vet Tech programs helps qualified individuals seeking to obtain their RVT licensing. All the details regarding sponsorship, reimbursement, and qualifications can be found in the brochure and FAQ links below. If you still have questions, please contact Liz, the Education Coordinator.

Informational Flyer 2024

Application for Sponsorship

Additional FAQs

Additional Helpful Sites

Below are additional resources related to becoming a registered veterinary technician, VTNE registration, qualifying and applying for state licensure, and more.

MD Dept of Agriculture

AAVSB - VTNE Information

VET EXPLORATION