Becoming a Veterinary Technician in New Jersey
The field of veterinary technology has seen solid job growth in New Jersey in recent years, and employment opportunities for veterinary technicians should continue to increase in this state. Between 2012 and 2022, vet tech jobs are projected to grow by 11.7 percent in New Jersey, while overall employment opportunities nationwide are only expected to increase by 10.8 percent. [Leer en español]
Salaries for Veterinary Technicians
Veterinary technicians in New Jersey earn a mean annual salary of $38,920, which is a bit higher than the average annual salary of $36,850 that veterinary technicians earn nationwide. However, the median home price and cost of living in New Jersey are also higher than the national average, so vet techs who are attracted by the higher salaries in this state should keep that in mind. Experienced veterinary technicians on the highest end of the pay scale in New Jersey make salaries as high as $54,950 per year.
Requirements for Veterinary Technicians
The New Jersey Veterinary Technician Association (NJVTA) is responsible for certifying veterinary technicians in this state. Before applying for certification, candidates must graduate from an American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA) approved program and pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). Vet techs from other states may also receive Certification by Reciprocity if they have passed the VTNE and are members in good standing in their former state’s credentialing organization.
Veterinary Technician National Examination
The Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) is a timed, three-hour exam that consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. Before taking the VTNE, candidates must submit an application and fee to the American Association of Veterinary State Boards. The VTNE is offered twice each year at testing centers throughout New Jersey and other states. To prepare for the exam, applicants should take advantage of available study materials and practice exams.
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 Education
There are two veterinary technician programs in the state of New Jersey, both of which have full accreditation. Camden County College has been offering an associate in animal technology degree since 1978, while Bergen Community College has a relatively new associate of applied science in animal technology degree that has been offered since 2008.
Major New Jersey Veterinary Technicians Employers
Veterinary technicians in New Jersey work primarily with small domestic animals in animal hospitals, shelters, and clinics. During a time when people value their pets more than ever before, this translates into numerous employment opportunities. Some of the animal medicine facilities in need of certified vet techs include:
- Belle Mead Animal Hospital, Hillsborough Township
- Raritan Animal Hospital, Edison
- Rutherford Animal Hospital, Rutherford
- Princeton Animal Hospital, Princeton
Professional Organizations
The NJVTA is the leading professional organization for New Jersey vet techs in addition to being the state’s credentialing organization. Benefits of joining the NJVTA include continuing education and additional certification opportunities, reduced registration rates for conferences and seminars, networking opportunities with the rest of the New Jersey vet tech community, and reduced membership rates for the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).
Veterinary Technician Schools in New Jersey
Camden, NJ Metropolitan Division Area
Camden County College
200 College Drive, Blackwood, New Jersey 08012
Veterinary Technology – Associate Program
The Associate’s degree program at Camden County College is taught at their campus in Blackwood in Camden County, NJ. The majority of the school’s 12,051 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Fees for tuition for in-district students are roughly about $4,320 and are $4,440 and $4,440 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively, while books and supplies may cost roughly $1,600, although this varies from program to program.
New York-White Plains-Wayne, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division Area
Bergen Community College
400 Paramus Rd, Paramus, New Jersey 07652-1595
Veterinary Technology – Associate Program
Bergen Community College’s Associate program in Veterinary Technology is taught at their campus in Paramus in Bergen County. The college has approximately 15,651 students, with most in 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Tuition fees for in-district students are likely to be around $4,278 and are $7,686 and $8,046 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively, while books and supplies may cost around $1,400, although this will depend on 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
See options in the neighboring states of New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.
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