Becoming a Veterinary Technician in Nebraska
The field of veterinary technology is a bright spot in the struggling Nebraska job market. While job growth has been negative in this state in the last few years, veterinary technician positions are projected to grow 28.8 percent by 2022. For Nebraskans interested in a stable and rewarding technical career in healthcare, veterinary technology offers great opportunities. [Leer en español]
Salaries for Veterinary Technicians
The mean annual salary for veterinary technicians in Nebraska is somewhat below the national average for this career: $28,720 compared to $32,350. However, the cost of living in Nebraska is 11.5 percent lower than the national average, and the average home price in Nebraska is also significantly below-average. As a result, veterinary technicians in Nebraska can maintain a relatively high standard of living.
Requirements for Veterinary Technicians
Veterinary technicians in Nebraska are required to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), which in this state is administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). The AAVSB allows each candidate five opportunities to pass the exam. After passing the VTNE, candidates must apply for licensure with the Nebraska Division of Public Health before they are able to begin working as veterinary technicians in Nebraska.
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.
AVMA-Accredited Veterinary Technician Programs
There are currently two veterinary technician programs in Nebraska. Northeast Community College in Norfolk offers an associate of applied science degree, and Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (which has probationary accreditation) also offers an associate of applied science. Vatterott College, which has had a vet tech program since 1984, is voluntarily terminating their program and therefore unlikely to be accepting new students.
Major Veterinary Technician Employers in Nebraska
Veterinary technicians in Nebraska may work in animal hospitals, veterinary clinics, humane societies, animal shelters or commercial farms. Experienced vet techs may also have supervisory or teaching duties. Facilities in Nebraska that need veterinary technicians include:
- Companion Care Veterinary Clinic, Lincoln
- Alliance Animal Clinic, Alliance
- VCA Animal Medical Center of Omaha, Omaha
- The Pet Clinic, Omaha
Professional Organizations
The Nebraska Veterinary Technician Association (NVTA) is the leading professional association for vet techs in Nebraska. Many employers will pay for their employees to join the NVTA, which provides continuing education opportunities in addition to job postings and information about legislative items that may affect veterinary care. Veterinary technicians may also join the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) or the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).
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
Lincoln, NE Area
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
14th and R St, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588Veterinary Technology – Bachelor Program
The Bachelor’s program at University of Nebraska is based at their Lincoln campus in the city of Lincoln, Nebraska. This is a full, 4-year public college with 25,006 students, of which 80% are undergraduates. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has institutional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. The college’s retention rate for full-time students is 84%. Fees for tuition for in-state students are in the order of $8,367 and for students from outside the state likely to be about $22,534 yearly, while study materials may cost about $1,070, depending on the program.
Northeastern Nebraska nonmetropolitan area Area
Northeast Community College
801 E Benjamin, Norfolk, Nebraska 68702-0469Veterinary Technology – Associate Program
Northeast Community College’s Associate-level Veterinary Technology program is based at their campus in the town of Norfolk. The college has round 5,061 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. The cost of tuition for in-state students is about $3,165 and for students from other states in the order of $4,215 per year, while study materials may cost in the order of $1,414, depending on the program.
Western Nebraska nonmetropolitan area Area
Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture
404 East 7th, Curtis, Nebraska 69025-9552Veterinary Technology – Certificate Program, Veterinary Technology – Associate Program
Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. All programs are taught at their campus in Curtis in Frontier County. This public college has around 384 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Fees for tuition for in-state students are likely to be about $4,602 and for students from other states likely to be about $9,363 yearly, while study materials may cost about $1,000, depending on 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
Nebraska residents have further educational options in the neighboring states of South Dakota, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado and Wyoming.