Vet Technicians

Education for tomorrow's vet techs

Becoming a Veterinary Technician in Kentucky

A career working with animals is a rewarding one for anyone who loves and cares about animals. In Kentucky the number of opportunities for veterinary technicians, assistants and animal caregivers is always growing. Of these careers, only vet techs are licensed through the state, although proper training is important for any job working with animals. [Leer en español]

Veterinary Technician Salaries

Licensed vet techs in Kentucky can expect to earn an average annual salary of $27,980 or as much as $38,230 for those with more experience. Animal caregivers and veterinary assistants don’t have to earn a degree or certificate, which means they earn less. A typical average salary for vet assistants and caregivers in Kentucky is $19,950.

Requirements for Being a Veterinary Technician

Vet techs in Kentucky must be licensed by the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners (KBVE), although licensing does not occur until the vet tech is employed by a licensed veterinarian. To become a vet tech, candidates must complete a two- or four-year veterinary technology program at an accredited school and pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination. Once hired by a licensed veterinarian, the vet tech must send the appropriate documents to the KBVE along with a letter from the veterinarian confirming employment.

Veterinary Technician Programs Accredited by the AVMA

Kentucky vet techs must complete an educational program that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) in order to be hired by a veterinarian and to become licensed. There are four such programs in the state:

Veterinary Technician Employers in Kentucky

There are over 1,300 vet techs and more than 1,000 veterinary assistants and animal caregivers working in Kentucky for varied employers. These include:

Professional Organizations for Veterinary Technicians in Kentucky

Both students and working vet techs in Kentucky are welcome to join the Kentucky Veterinary Technician Association (KVTA). The KVTA offers vet techs access to job openings in the state and other important resources, including an annual research and case study presentation. Vet techs in Kentucky can also join the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, which offers members even more national and professional resources, as well as group discounts on things like health insurance and hotels.

Popular Colleges

College and University Listings

Louisville-Jefferson County, KY-IN Area

Brown Mackie College-Louisville

3605 Fern Valley Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40219
Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

Brown Mackie College’s Associate program is taught at their Louisville campus in the city of Louisville. The majority of of the school’s 1,120 students are on 4-year programs. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Tuition fees are broadly around $12,672 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $603, depending on the program.

West Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Area

Morehead State University

University Blvd, Morehead, Kentucky 40351
Veterinary Technology – Bachelor Program, Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

Morehead State University offers multiple training options, including a Bachelor program and an Associate program. Classes are taken at their campus in the town of Morehead. This is a full, 4-year public college with 11,052 students, of which 90% are undergraduates. The university is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for in-state students is usually about $8,098 and for students from other states in the order of $20,246 per year. Learning materials may cost about $1,200, although this will vary with the program.

West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Area

Murray State University

218 Wells Hall, Murray, Kentucky 42071-3318
Veterinary Hospital Management – Certificate Program, Veterinary Technology – Bachelor Program

Murray State University offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and a Bachelor program. Classes are taken at their campus in the town of Murray, Kentucky. Of the 11,207 students, about 16% are postgraduates. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Fees for tuition for in-state students are in the order of $7,608 and for students from outside the state likely to be about $20,712 yearly. Learning materials may cost about $1,345, although this will vary with the program.

Owensboro, KY Area

Owensboro Community and Technical College

4800 New Hartford Rd, Owensboro, Kentucky 42303
Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

Owensboro Community and Technical College’s Associate program in Veterinary Technology is based at their campus in Owensboro in Daviess County. The college has approximately 4,156 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. Fees for tuition for in-state students are in the order of $3,624 and for students from outside the state likely to be about $12,456 yearly. Learning materials may cost about $1,000, although this will vary with the program.

* Tuition fees and accredition status are correct at the time of writing, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (http://nces.ed.gov/). Confirm with college before applying.

Other Options

Kentucky residents have further educational options in the neighboring states of Tennessee, Ohio, Virginia, Indiana, Missouri, West Virginia and Illinois.