Becoming a Veterinary Technician in Louisiana

Veterinary technicians in Louisiana are part of a growing field of animal workers. The number of jobs available for vet techs, as well as veterinary assistants and animal caretakers, is steadily growing, which means more

opportunities for those who love animals to find a rewarding career in the state. [Leer en español]

Veterinary Technician Salaries

Vet techs working in Louisiana make an average annual salary of $28,040. This is lower than the national average salary for vet techs, but the low cost of living in the state makes up for the discrepancy. Additionally, top earners in the state can make as much as $37,550 per year. Vet assistants and caregivers earn less, at $24,180 annually, but do not have to be licensed.

Requirements for Veterinary Technicians

The Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine (LBVM) licenses vet techs in the state. To become licensed, you must first complete a veterinary technology program that has been accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and then pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). The next step is to send a completed application to the LBVM with the required fee, school transcripts, and exam scores. Candidates licensed in another state must also submit two reference letters to attest to character and professionalism.

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 Programs

Vet techs in Louisiana must have completed an educational program accredited by the AVMA. These programs are designed to prepare students for the skilled work that vet techs perform and to pass the VTNE. Hopeful vet techs have four programs to choose from in Louisiana:

Veterinary Technician Employers in Louisiana

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are over 1,300 vet techs and over 1,200 vet assistants and animal caretakers currently working in Louisiana. They are employed by private practice veterinarians, animal hospitals, kennels, rescue centers, wildlife organizations, and animal emergency hospitals. Some of the important employers in the state include:

Veterinary Technician Professional Organizations

In addition to the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, a professional organization that offers vet techs nationwide resources, vet techs in Louisiana can join the Louisiana Association of Veterinary Technicians. This organization provides vet techs in the state with information about licensing, continuing education, and professional networking opportunities.

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Veterinary Technician Schools in Louisiana

Baton Rouge, LA Area

Baton Rouge Community College

201 Community College Drive, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

The Associate’s program at Baton Rouge Community College is offered at their campus in the city of Baton Rouge, LA. The majority of the school’s 7,740 students are on 2-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 about $3,872 and for students from other states in the order of $7,951 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,200, although this varies from program to program.

Hammond nonmetropolitan area Area

Northshore Technical Community College

1710 Sullivan Dr, Bogalusa, Louisiana 70427

Veterinary Technology – Certificate ProgramVeterinary Technology – Associate Program

Northshore Technical Community College offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program an Associate program, and a Certificate program. Classes are taken at their campus in Bogalusa in Washington County, Louisiana. The college has approximately 3,752 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Fees for tuition for in-state students are likely to be in the order of $3,935 and for students from outside the state likely to be about $7,444 yearly. Learning materials may cost about $1,220, although this will vary with the program.

Natchitoches nonmetropolitan area Area

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

University Parkway, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71497-0002

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

The Associate’s degree program at the Northwestern State University of Louisiana is taught at their campus in the town of Natchitoches, LA. Of the 9,002 students, about 12% are postgraduates. The university is 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 $7,006 and for students from other states around $17,794 for each academic year. Study materials can cost roughly $1,220, depending on the program chosen.

New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner, LA Area

Delgado Community College

615 City Park Ave, New Orleans, Louisiana 70119

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

Delgado Community College’s Associate program in Veterinary Technology is taught at their campus in the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. This public college has in the region of 17,152 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. Tuition fees for in-state students are generally in the order of $3,911 and for students from outside the state approximately $8,200 annually. Learning materials may cost around $1,200, although this will vary with the 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

Louisiana residents have further educational options in the neighboring states of ArkansasMississippi, and Texas.