Becoming a Veterinary Technician in Alabama
Being a veterinary technician (vet tech), a veterinary assistant or an animal caregiver is a fun and rewarding career. In Alabama, projections suggest that there will be growth in the field over the next several years. For animal lovers looking into a job as a vet tech, there will be plenty of new positions opening up in Alabama. [Leer en español]
Salaries for Veterinary Technicians
The average annual salary for a vet tech in Alabama is $29,180. This is a little lower than the national average of $36,850, but Alabama has a cost of living that is significantly below the average cost of living nationwide. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top earners in the field for Alabama are making up to $46,100.
Alabama Requirements for Veterinary Technicians
To work as a veterinary technician in Alabama, individuals must be licensed by the state. The qualifications for being licensed include being at least 18 years old, demonstrating good character, and proof of the completion of an animal technology program from an approved school. New vet techs must also submit an application with a fee to the Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners and must pass a national licensing exam with a score of at least 70 percent. Vet techs are required to take continuing education courses and to renew licenses every year.
Licensed veterinary technician applicants must also submit proof of rabies vaccine, to ensure they and their patients are protected against the disease.
Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE)
To become a licensed vet tech in Alabama, one must pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). The VTNE is a three-hour exam consisting of 150 multiple choice questions related to veterinary science and small animal care. It is offered twice each year at select locations throughout the United States. To receive an admission ticket, individuals must apply to the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).
Penn Foster College – Veterinary Technician Program
Full accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Clinical externships through a private practice near your home or Penn Foster College’s partner VCA Animal Hospitals. Gain hands-on experience alongside licensed veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians. Call 1-800-851-1819 today.
AVMA-Accredited Veterinary Technician Education
The American Veterinary Medical Association accredits vet tech training programs at schools throughout the country. There are two AVMA-accredited vet tech programs in Alabama at Faulkner State Community College in Bay Minette and Jefferson State Community College in Birmingham. Students completing either of these programs will earn an associate of applied science degree and will be prepared to be licensed in the state. The accredited program at Faulkner is new and has only received initial accreditation, while the Jefferson program is fully accredited and has been since 2007.
Major Veterinary Technician Employers in Alabama
There are 840 veterinary technicians currently employed in the state of Alabama, but the number of positions is always growing and there are plenty of opportunities for anyone hoping to enter this field. Vet techs work in animal hospitals, veterinary practices, research facilities, kennels, shelters, and stables. Some of the facilities looking for vet techs include:
- Animal Medical Center, Tuscaloosa
- Riverview Animal Clinic, Birmingham
- Alabama Veterinary Specialists, Bessemer
- Veterinary Regional Referral Hospital, Decatur
Professional Organizations
The primary professional organization for veterinary technicians in Alabama is the Alabama Veterinary Technician Association (AVTA). The AVTA is open to all licensed vet techs in the state and offers continuing education opportunities and job listings. Vet techs may also join the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, or NAVTA, which offers members professional resources and group discounts on things like health insurance and hotels.
Veterinary Technician Schools in Alabama
Birmingham-Hoover, AL Area
Jefferson State Community College
do not remove this text2601 Carson Rd, Birmingham, Alabama 35215-3098
iVeterinary Technology – Associate Program
The Associate’s program at Jefferson State Community College is based at their campus in the city of Birmingham. The college has a region of 8,516 students in total, with the majority of students in 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Fees for tuition for in-state students are likely to be in the order of $4,380 and for students from outside the state likely to be about $7,830 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,982, although this varies from program to program.
Huntsville, AL Area
Ross Medical Education Center-Huntsville
do not remove this text930 Old Monrovia Road, NW, Huntsville, Alabama 35806-2509
iVeterinary Assistant – Certificate Program
Ross Medical Education Center’s Certificate program is based at their Huntsville campus in the city of Huntsville, AL. Tuition fees for the Vet Tech program are in the order of $14,200 yearly. Program completion is normally 9 months.
Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Area
Tuskegee University
do not remove this textKresge Center, 3rd Floor, Tuskegee, Alabama 36088-1920
iVeterinary Science – Master Program
Tuskegee University’s Master’s program in Veterinary Science is taught at their campus in the town of Tuskegee. Of the 3,103 students, about 17% are postgraduates. The university is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition fees are generally around $20,015 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $1,603, although this will depend on the program. The Master of Science in Veterinary Science graduate program at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health produces successful academicians and investigators in the areas of cancer cell biology, HIV/AIDS, cancer and nano-therapy, reproductive biology, risk analysis/epidemiology, food safety and control of food intake.
Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Area
James H Faulkner State Community College
do not remove this text1900 US Hwy 31 S, Bay Minette, Alabama 36507-2698
iVeterinary Technology – Associate Program
The Associate’s degree program at James H Faulkner State Community College is taught at their campus in the town of Bay Minette. Most of the school’s 4,481 students are in 2-year programs. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is generally about $4,320 and for students from other states approximately $7,770 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $1,450, although this will depend on the program. Students in the Vet Tech Program see real-world experience by visiting industries across the area. Trips have included the State Diagnostic Laboratory and the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo to understand other areas of the Veterinary field.
* Tuition fees and accreditation status are correct at the time of writing, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (http://nces.ed.gov/). Confirm with the college before applying.
Other Options
See options in Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida.
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