Becoming a Veterinary Technician in Connecticut

Jobs in veterinary technology and assisting are on the rise in Connecticut and throughout most of the country. For anyone seeking a career taking care of animals, there are plenty of options. Veterinary technicians work closely with veterinarians and can perform limited procedures. Assistants receive less training but also work to help veterinarians. Animal caregivers work in laboratories and shelters looking after animals. [Leer en español]

Salaries for Veterinary Technicians

The average salary for a vet tech working in Connecticut is $46,190, which is higher than the national average of $32,350. Vet assistants and animal caregivers also surpass the national average but still make less than vet techs. The highest earners among Connecticut vet techs can make as much as $59,390. The higher-than-average salaries reflect the cost of living in Connecticut, which is about 25 percent higher than the national average.

Connecticut Requirements for Veterinary Technicians

The only requirement to work as a vet tech in Connecticut is a two- or four-year applied science degree. The state does not certify vet techs, but those interested in being competitive in the job search should consider having certain basic qualifications. These include the completion of a veterinary technology program at a school accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association and a passing score on the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE).

Veterinary Technician National Examination

The VTNE, developed and administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB), measures an applicant’s knowledge and skills as a veterinary technician. A passing score is required to become licensed in any state; Connecticut does not make exceptions. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions divided into four sections: medical nursing, medical management, dental and laboratory, and anatomy/physiology.

The veterinary technician national exam is offered three times a year and the registration fee is $300. Applicants must have their applied science degree in hand before taking the test. Study resources for the VTNE are available from AAVSB, or through private tutoring services.

The next step after passing the VTNE is to apply for licensure with the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Examining Board. The application fee is $150 and must be accompanied by proof of passing the VTNE, a copy of an official transcript from your applied science degree program, and any other necessary documents. Once approved, you will receive your license and be eligible to practice as a veterinary technician in Connecticut.

With the right qualifications and licensing, you can be well on your way to a rewarding career caring for animals.

Featured School

Penn Foster College – Veterinary Technician Program

Penn FosterFull 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

Although it isn’t required to be hired as a vet tech in the state, an education from an AVMA-accredited school makes a candidate more competitive for a job. In Connecticut, there are two accredited programs. The first is at Northwest Connecticut Community College in Winsted. The program is fully accredited. The Middlesex Community College vet tech program in Middletown is in the initial stages of accreditation by the AVMA. Each program leads to an associate degree and prepares students to pass the VTNE.

Employers Hiring Veterinary Technicians in Connecticut

Vet techs, vet assistants, and animal caregivers have many options for being hired in Connecticut. They are employed by veterinarians in private practice, animal hospitals, laboratories, animal rescue groups, and emergency and specialty veterinary clinics. Here are just a few of the vet tech and animal caregiver employers in the state:

Professional Organizations

There is no state organization for veterinary technicians in Connecticut, but anyone who works with animals can contact the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association for information, resources, and job listings. Vet techs working in Connecticut can get resources on a national level by joining the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America.

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Veterinary Technician Schools in Connecticut

Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT Area

Norwalk Community College

188 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut 06854

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

Norwalk Community College’s Associate program is taught at its campus in the city of Norwalk, CT. The majority of the school’s 6,363 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. The cost of tuition for in-state students is around $4,052 and for out-of-state students in the order of $12,116 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $1,200, depending on the program chosen.

Danbury, CT Area

Northwestern Connecticut Community College

Park Pl E, Winsted, Connecticut 06098

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

The Veterinary Technology Associate’s degree program at Northwestern Connecticut Community College is based at their campus in the town of Winsted, CT. The majority of the school’s 1,614 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. Fees for tuition for in-state students are about $4,047 and for students from other states likely to be about $12,096 yearly. Books and supplies can cost about $1,200, although this will depend on the program.

Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT Area

Middlesex Community College

100 Training Hill Rd, Middletown, Connecticut 06457-4829

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

The Veterinary Technology Associate’s degree program at Middlesex Community College is taught at their campus in the city of Middletown, Connecticut. The college has a region of 3,005 students in total, with most students in 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is roughly about $4,032 and for students from other states around $12,096 for each academic year, while books and supplies may cost roughly $1,200, although this varies from program to program.

* 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 the neighboring states of New YorkMassachusettsNew HampshireVermont, and Rhode Island.

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