Becoming a Veterinary Technician in Indiana
Veterinary technology is a great career choice in any state, but in Indiana, the field is growing by 20 per cent each year. This means that there are more opportunities all the time to earn a great living working with animals. The state’s vet techs must be certified by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA), but animal caretakers and veterinary assistants do not. [Leer en español]
Salaries for Veterinary Technicians
The average salary for a vet tech working in Indiana is $29,400, and the top earners in the field make up to $42,500. With less training required and no certification or licensing, animal caretakers and vet assistants earn less in Indiana. The average salary for these types of positions is $23,450, with the highest earners making an average of $30,280 per year.
Requirements for Veterinary Technician Licensing
Veterinary technology is a licensed career in Indiana. Those interested in working in the state need to apply for the Indiana PLA with proof that all requirements have been met. These include a criminal background check, a passing score on the Veterinary Technology National Examination (VTNE), a passing score on a jurisprudence examination, and transcripts from a completed veterinary technology program.
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.
American Veterinary Medical Association -Accredited Veterinary Technician Programs
To become a licensed vet tech in Indiana, candidates must first complete a veterinary technology program. Several programs in the state are approved by the Indiana PLA and accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA):
- Brown Mackie College, Fort Wayne, and South Bend
- Harrison College, Indianapolis
- Purdue University, West Lafayette
- The Vet Tech Institute at International Business College, Fort Wayne, and Indianapolis
Veterinary Technician National Examination
Once a candidate has completed their training, they must pass the VTNE to become licensed. This is a multiple-choice exam that covers topics such as pharmacology, anesthesia, clinical pathology, and more. The test is administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). Any attempts at cheating or misconduct will fail and the candidate will not be able to retake the exam for 12 months.
Veterinary Technician Employers in Indiana
There are currently 1,470 vet techs and 1,560 vet assistants and animal caregivers working in Indiana. These workers are employed in animal hospitals, veterinary emergency centers, research laboratories, kennels, and shelters. Some examples of vet tech employers in the state include:
- Animal Emergency Clinic, Mishawaka
- Vale Park Animal Hospital, Valparaiso
- Humane Society of Indianapolis, Indianapolis
- Farmstead Veterinary Services, Bloomington
Professional Organizations for Vet Techs
Professional organizations confer many benefits on their members, such as job leads, continuing education opportunities, chances to network, and information about licensing. In Indiana vet, techs can join the Indiana Veterinary Technician Association and the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. This group provides similar benefits but on a national level.
Veterinary Technician Schools in Indiana
Fort Wayne, IN Area
Brown Mackie College-Fort Wayne
3000 E.Coliseum Blvd., Suite 100, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46805
Veterinary Technology – Associate Program
Brown Mackie College’s Associate-level Veterinary Technology program is based at their Fort Wayne campus in the city of Fort Wayne. The majority of the school’s 507 students are in 4-year programs. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. The cost of tuition is likely to be in the order of $12,672 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $603, although this varies from program to program.
International Business College-Fort Wayne
5699 Coventry Lane, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46804-7145
Veterinary Technology – Associate Program
International Business College’s Associate-level Veterinary Technology program is based at its Fort Wayne campus in the city of Fort Wayne, IN. Most of the school’s 372 students are in 4-year programs. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. The cost of tuition is likely to be in the order of $13,920 for each academic year. Learning materials may cost roughly $1,350, although this will vary with the program.
Indianapolis-Carmel, IN Area
Harrison College-Indianapolis
550 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204-2611
Veterinary Technology – Associate Program, Veterinary Technology – Certificate Program
Harrison College offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and a Certificate program. All programs are taught at their Indianapolis campus in the city of Indianapolis, IN. The majority of the school’s 3,498 students are in 4-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Tuition fees are about $17,100 per year.
International Business College-Indianapolis
7205 Shadeland Station, Indianapolis, Indiana 46256-3954
Veterinary Technology – Associate Program
International Business College’s Associate program in Veterinary Technology is based at their Indianapolis campus in the city of Indianapolis, IN. The college has about 354 students in total, with the majority of students in 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Tuition fees are generally about $13,920 for each academic year. Books and supplies can cost roughly $1,480, although this will depend on the program.
Lafayette, IN Area
Purdue University-Main Campus
Hovde Hall of Administration, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2040
Veterinary Technology – Associate Program, Veterinary Technology – Bachelor Program
Purdue University offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and a Bachelor program. Classes are taken at their Main campus in West Lafayette in Tippecanoe County, IN. Of the 39,752 students, about 24% are postgraduates. The university is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is roughly in the order of $10,002 and for students from outside the state around $28,804 for each academic year. Learning materials may cost roughly $1,220, although this will vary with the program.
Michigan City-La Porte, IN Area
Brown Mackie College-Michigan City
325 E US Hwy 20, Michigan City, Indiana 46360-7362
Veterinary Technology – Associate Program
The Associate’s program at Brown Mackie College is taught at their Michigan City campus in the city of Michigan City, Indiana. This private, for-profit college has roughly 112 students in total, with most students on 4-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.
South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI Area
Brown Mackie College-South Bend
3454 Douglas Rd., South Bend, Indiana 46635
Veterinary Technology – Associate Program
Brown Mackie College’s Associate program is offered at their South Bend campus in South Bend in St Joseph County. This private, for-profit college has in the order of 340 students in total, with the majority of students on 4-year programs. The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools institutionally accredited the college. The cost of tuition is, as a rough guide, in the order of $12,672 for each academic year, while books and supplies may cost roughly $603, 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
You may also want to check out options in Michigan, Illinois, Kentucky, and Ohio.
[sp-listings]