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.
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.
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:
- Brown Mackie College, Louisville
- Morehead State University, Morehead
- Murray State University, Murray
- Owensboro Community and Technical College, Owensboro
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:
- Kentucky Humane Society, Louisville
- Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Lexington and Saratoga Springs
- Bluegrass Veterinary Specialists and Animal Emergency, Lexington
- Evergreen Animal Hospital, Louisville
- University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Lexington
- Lexington Hospital for Cats, Lexington
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
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.
College and University Listings
- Louisville-Jefferson County, KY-IN
- West Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Owensboro, KY
Louisville-Jefferson County, KY-IN Area
Brown Mackie College-Louisville
3605 Fern Valley Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40219Veterinary Technology – Associate Program
The Associate’s degree program at Brown Mackie College is offered at their Louisville campus in the city of Louisville, KY. This private, for-profit college has about 1,120 students in total, with most students on 4-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Tuition fees are around $12,672 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $603, although this will depend on the program.
Owensboro, KY Area
Owensboro Community and Technical College
4800 New Hartford Rd, Owensboro, Kentucky 42303Veterinary Technology – Associate Program
Owensboro Community and Technical College’s Associate-level Veterinary Technology program is based at their campus in Owensboro in Daviess County, Kentucky. The majority of of the school’s 4,156 students are on 2-year programs. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is likely to be 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.
West Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Area
Morehead State University
University Blvd, Morehead, Kentucky 40351Veterinary 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, KY. Of the 11,052 students, about 10% are postgraduates. 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 about $8,098 and for students from other states in the order of $20,246 per year, while books and supplies may cost in the order of $1,200, although this varies from program to program.
West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Area
Murray State University
218 Wells Hall, Murray, Kentucky 42071-3318Veterinary Hospital Management – Certificate Program, Veterinary Technology – Bachelor Program
Murray State University offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and a Bachelor program. All programs are offered at their campus in the town of Murray, KY. 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 likely to be about $7,608 and for students from other states likely to be about $20,712 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $1,345, depending on the program chosen.
* 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.