Becoming a Veterinary Technician in Florida

Florida is a great state in which to look for work in animal care fields. Jobs available here for veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, and animal caregivers are enjoying substantial growth, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Projections Managing Partnership (PMP). Anyone with a passion for animals, a willingness to learn, and a desire to live in a sunny, warm climate can enjoy a great vet tech career in Florida. [Leer en español]

Veterinary Technician Salaries

The average annual salary for a vet tech in Florida in 2021 was $36,520, but top earners can get as much as $46,540 working in this field. The average salary is a little lower than the national average, but so is the cost of living in Florida. Vet assistants and animal caregivers require less training, which means they earn a lower average salary of $28,800. This data is available annually from the BLS, but you should note that conditions in your area may vary.

Florida Requirements for Veterinary Technicians

There is no state licensing for vet techs, assistants, or animal caregivers in Florida. It is a good idea, however, for vet techs to be certified through a professional organization to be competitive for jobs. The requirements for being certified through the Florida Veterinary Medical Association include completion of a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), a passing score on the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), and references attesting to good moral character. Vet techs in Florida can also be certified through the Florida Veterinary Technician Association with similar requirements.

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 Vet Tech Programs

The AVMA has accredited several programs at Florida schools for veterinary technicians. While not required to work as a vet tech in Florida, employers prefer to see that new vet techs have completed a program at one of these schools:

Veterinary Technician National Examination

The VTNE is a critical part of the certification process for vet techs. This 3-hour, multiple-choice exam must be taken in person at an approved testing center. You can find more information about the test and how to register at the American Association of Veterinary State Boards website.

Veterinary Technician Employers in Florida

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 8,190 vet techs and 4,350 vet assistants and animal caregivers working in Florida. They hold positions in research facilities, on farms, in veterinary offices and hospitals, at emergency animal clinics, and with rescue groups:

Professional Organizations

Members of the Florida Veterinary Technician Association have access to professional development and educational opportunities, certification, job listings, and other important resources. Vet techs can also choose to join the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America for access to resources on a national level.

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Veterinary Technician Schools in Florida

Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL Area

Daytona State College

1200 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, Florida 32114

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

Daytona State College’s Associate-level Veterinary Technology program is taught at its campus in the city of Daytona Beach, Florida. This public college has roughly 13,248 students in total, with the majority of students in 4-year programs. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for in-state students is usually around $3,282 and for out-of-state students in the order of $12,352 per year. Books and supplies can cost in the order of $1,200, although this will depend on the program.

Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach-Deerfield Beach, FL Metropolitan Division Area

City College-Hollywood

6565 Taft Street, Hollywood, Florida 33024-4045

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

City College’s Associate program is based at its Hollywood campus in Hollywood in Broward County, Florida. Most of the school’s 138 students are on 2-year programs. Tuition fees are around $13,068 for each academic year. Study materials can cost roughly $1,284, depending on the program chosen.

Sanford-Brown Institute-Ft Lauderdale

1201 W. Cypress Creek Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

Sanford-Brown Institute-Ft Lauderdale’s Associate-level Veterinary Technology program is offered at their Ft Lauderdale campus in the city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The majority of the school’s 427 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. The retention rate of full-time students at this college is 83%.

Jacksonville, FL Area

Sanford-Brown Institute-Jacksonville

10255 Fortune Parkway, Suite 501, Jacksonville, Florida 32256

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

The Veterinary Technology Associate’s degree program at Sanford-Brown Institute-Jacksonville is taught at their Jacksonville campus in the city of Jacksonville. Most of the school’s 340 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.

Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall, FL Metropolitan Division Area

Miami Dade College

300 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida 33132-2204

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

Miami Dade College’s Associate program in Veterinary Technology is offered at their campus in the city of Miami, FL. This public college has roughly 66,046 students in total, with the majority of students on 4-year programs. The college is 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 $2,834 and for students from outside the state likely to be about $9,661 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,500, although this varies from program to program.

Ocala, FL Area

Marion County Community Technical and Adult Education Center

1014 SW 7th Rd, Ocala, Florida 34471-3172

Veterinary Assisting – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Marion County Community Technical and Adult Education Center is taught at their campus in the city of Ocala, FL. The majority of the school’s 381 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Tuition fees are usually around $2,312 annually. Study materials can cost around $1,506, depending on the program chosen.

Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL Area

Westside Tech

955 E Story Rd, Winter Garden, Florida 34787-3733

Veterinary Assisting – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Westside Tech is based at their campus in Winter Garden in Orange County, FL. Most of the school’s 964 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Tuition fees are about $3,484 for each academic year, while books and supplies may cost roughly $1,077, although this varies from program to program.

Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL Area

Eastern Florida State College

1519 Clearlake Rd, Cocoa, Florida 32922

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

Eastern Florida State College’s Associate program is based at their campus in Cocoa in Brevard County, FL. This public college has a region of 15,931 students in total, with the majority of students on 4-year programs. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Fees for tuition for in-state students are around $2,496 and for out-of-state students likely to be about $9,739 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,200, although this varies from program to program.

Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL Area

Pensacola State College

1000 College Blvd, Pensacola, Florida 32504-8998

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

The Associate’s degree program at Pensacola State College is taught at their campus in the city of Pensacola, FL. The majority of the school’s 10,317 students are in 4-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is roughly about $2,704 and for students from other states around $10,875 for each academic year. Study materials can cost roughly $1,100, depending on the program chosen.

Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Area

Aparicio-Levy Technical College

10119 East Ellicott Street, Tampa, Florida 33610

Veterinary Assisting – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Aparicio-Levy Technical College is offered at their campus in Tampa in Hillsborough County. The majority of the school’s 181 students are in diploma programs of under two years. The Vet Tech program, with a duration of 750 contact hours, is the college’s largest program. Tuition fees are generally about $2,370 annually. Study materials can cost around $98, depending on the program chosen.

Hillsborough Community College

39 Columbia Drive, Tampa, Florida 33606-3584

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

Hillsborough Community College’s Associate program in Veterinary Technology is taught at their campus in the city of Tampa. This public college has about 27,298 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is around $2,506 and for out-of-state students around $9,111 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $1,320, depending on the program.

St Petersburg College

6021 142nd Ave N, Clearwater, Florida 33760-2822

Veterinary Technology – Bachelor ProgramVeterinary Technology – Associate ProgramVeterinary Technology – Certificate Program

St Petersburg College offers multiple training options, including a Bachelor’s program an Associate program, and a Certificate program. Classes are taken at their campus in the city of Clearwater. The college has roughly 32,681 students in total, with most students in 4-year programs. The college is 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 $3,352 and for students from outside the state likely to be about $11,607 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,600, 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

Florida residents have further educational options in the neighboring states of Georgia and Alabama.