Becoming a Veterinary Technician in Arkansas

With a cost of living that is more than 15 percent below the national average, choosing Arkansas as a place to live and work is a smart move. Veterinary technician, veterinary assisting, and animal caretaker jobs are available throughout the state for those who love animals and are ready to train for a career caring for them in veterinary clinics, research facilities, rescue centers, and animal hospitals. [Leer en español]

Salaries for Veterinary Technicians

For a veterinary technician in Arkansas, the average annual salary is $29,120, although top earners can make as much as $37,510. With less training required and no certification process, veterinary assistants make less than vet techs. The average salary for an assistant or caretaker is $22,130 with top earners making closer to $29,280.

Requirements for Veterinary Technicians

Vet techs in Arkansas must be certified by the State of Arkansas Veterinary Medical Examining Board. To be certified, a vet tech must be a U.S. citizen, or eligible for citizenship, and must demonstrate moral integrity and ethical standards. To be a certified vet tech in the state, an applicant must also have completed a vet tech program at a school accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and have passed the Veterinary Technician National Examination. Finally, a complete application must include a notarized letter of recommendation from a licensed veterinarian.

Veterinary Technician National Examination

The Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) is a three-hour, computer-based exam that tests vet techs on their knowledge and skills in multiple areas of veterinary practice. The VTNE is administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have graduated from an AVMA-accredited vet tech program and be U.S. citizens or eligible for citizenship. Those who pass the exam can then apply for certification with the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Examining Board.

AVMA-Accredited Veterinary Technician Education

There is currently only one veterinary technician program in Arkansas that has been accredited by the AVMA. The Veterinary Technology Program at Arkansas State University, Beebe is a fully-accredited two-year, associate degree program.

Major Veterinary Technician Employers in Arkansas

Currently, 250 vet techs are working in Arkansas, as well as 760 veterinary assistants and animal caretakers. According to projections, these fields are expected to grow by about 13 percent over the coming years. This means that more positions will become available in the future. Some of the facilities looking for vet techs include:

• Animal Emergency Clinic of Northwest Arkansas, Springdale
• Countryside Animal Hospital, Hot Springs National Park
• Green Mountain Animal Hospital, Little Rock
• Arkansas Veterinary Clinic, Fort Smith
• Humane Society of the Ozarks, Fayetteville

Professional Organizations for Arkansas Vet Techs

In Arkansas, vet techs can join the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Association and enjoy the resources available to all members. Arkansas vet techs can also join the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, or NAVTA, which offers members professional resources and group discounts on things like hotels, travel, and health insurance.

Veterinary Technician Schools in Arkansas

• Central Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
• Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR

Central Arkansas nonmetropolitan area Area

Arkansas State University-Beebe

1000 Iowa Street, Beebe, Arkansas 72012-1000

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

The Associate’s program at Arkansas State University can be taken at their Beebe campus in the town of Beebe. The college has roughly 4,140 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The university is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Fees for tuition for in-state students are likely to be in the order of $3,480 and for students from outside the state likely to be about $5,370 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,256, although this will vary with the program. This program provides hands-on education in veterinary technology operations. Students will develop entry-level competencies necessary to obtain employment in veterinary hospitals and the industry.

* 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

Arkansas residents have further educational options in the neighboring states of Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Tennessee.