Becoming a Veterinary Technician in New York

The state of New York has a large and fast-growing population of veterinary technicians. The number of veterinary technician positions in the state is projected to increase by 24 percent by 2022. While this is somewhat slower than the projected nationwide job growth in this booming profession, it is still more than twice the rate of overall job growth expected in the United States, which is 10.8 percent. [Leer en español]

Salaries for Veterinary Technicians

Veterinary technicians in New York earn an average salary of $46,020, which makes them some of the best-paid vet techs in the country. In comparison, the average annual salary for vet techs nationwide is only $36,850. Furthermore, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the top earners in this field in New York may earn as much as $59,340 per year. However, the cost of housing and overall cost of living is also higher than average in this state.

Requirements for Veterinary Technicians

All veterinary technicians in New York must be licensed by the New York State Education Department Office of the Professions. To qualify for licensure, applicants must complete a veterinary technician program that has been approved by the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA) and pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). Applicants who have been licensed by another state may have their license endorsed by New York if they have met New York’s requirements.

AVMA-Accredited Veterinary Technician Programs in New York

There are many schools with American Veterinary Medical Association-accredited veterinary technician programs in New York state. Three of these schools, Medaille College, Mercy College, and State University of New York-Canton, offer a four-year bachelor of science degrees. Medaille and Canton also offer fully accredited, two-year associate of applied science degrees, as do La Guardia Community College, State University of New York-Delhi, and Suffolk Community College. Several schools also have initial or probationary accreditation for their veterinary technician programs, including Genesee Community College, State University of New York-Ulster, and Westchester Community College.

Major Veterinary Technician Employers in New York

New York offers a range of working environments for veterinary technicians, ranging from busy, small animal hospitals in dense urban areas, to work with farm animals in beautiful rural areas. There are currently 3,800 veterinary technicians working in New York, and that number is expected to grow to 4,710 by 2022. Some of the facilities in need of licensed veterinary technicians include:

• BluePearl Veterinary Partners, New York
• Capital District Veterinary Referral Hospital, Lantham
• Parkside Veterinary Hospital, Albany

Professional Organizations

The New York State Association of Veterinary Technicians (NYSAVT) is the leading professional organization for New York vet techs. Vet techs in this state may also join the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).

Veterinary Technician Schools in New York

• Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area
• Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY
• Rochester, NY
• Nassau-Suffolk, NY Metropolitan Division
• Capital/Northern New York nonmetropolitan area
• Central New York nonmetropolitan area
• Kingston, NY

Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY Area

Medaille College

18 Agassiz Circle, Buffalo, New York 14214-2695

Veterinary Technology – Bachelor Program, Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

Medaille College offers multiple training options, including a Bachelor’s program and an Associate’s program. Classes are taken at their campus in the city of Buffalo, NY. This is a full, 4-year private college with 2,479 students, of which 77% are undergraduates. The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Tuition fees are around $26,252 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,100, although this varies from program to program.

Capital/Northern New York nonmetropolitan area Area

Clinton Essex Warren Washington BOCES

1585 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh, New York 12901-0455

Animal Science/Veterinary Assistant – Certificate Program

Clinton Essex Warren Washington BOCES’s Certificate-level Animal Science/Veterinary Assistant program is taught at their campus in the town of Plattsburgh. This public college has in the order of 63 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. Tuition fees are around $10,100 for each academic year, while books and supplies may cost roughly $1,586, although this varies from program to program.

SUNY College of Technology at Canton

34 Cornell Drive, Canton, New York 13617-1098

Veterinary Science Technology – Associate Program, Veterinary Technology – Bachelor Program

SUNY College of Technology at Canton offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and a Bachelor program. All programs are taught at their campus in the town of Canton. The majority of the school’s 3,278 students are in 4-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Fees for tuition for in-state students are likely to be in the order of $7,855 and for students from outside the state likely to be about $12,245 yearly. Learning materials may cost about $1,200, although this will vary with the program.

Central New York nonmetropolitan area Area

SUNY College of Technology at Delhi

2 Main Street, Delhi, New York 13753-1100

Veterinary Science Technology – Associate Program

The Veterinary Science Technology Associate’s degree program at SUNY College of Technology at Delhi is taught at their campus in the town of Delhi, NY. Of the 3,598 students, about 0% are postgraduates. The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Fees for tuition for in-state students are in the order of $7,855 and for students from outside the state approximately $12,225 annually. Study materials can cost around $1,400, depending on the program chosen.

Kingston, NY Area

Ulster County Community College

491 Cottekill Rd, Stone Ridge, New York 12484

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

The Associate’s program at Ulster County Community College is based at their campus in Stone Ridge in Ulster County. The majority of the school’s 3,594 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is about $4,942 and for students from other states around $9,172 for each academic year. Study materials can cost roughly $1,000, depending on the program chosen.

Nassau-Suffolk, NY Metropolitan Division Area

Suffolk County Community College

533 College Rd, Selden, New York 11784-2899

Veterinary Science Technology – Associate Program

Suffolk County Community College’s Associate-level Veterinary Science Technology program is offered at their campus in Selden in Suffolk County. The college has approximately 26,600 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is roughly about $5,100 and for students from other states around $9,490 for each academic year, while books and supplies may cost roughly $1,500, although this varies from program to program.

New York-White Plains-Wayne, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division Area

CUNY Bronx Community College

2155 University Avenue, Bronx, New York 10453

Animal Care Management – Certificate Program

CUNY Bronx Community College’s Certificate-level Animal Care Management program is taught at their campus in the city of Bronx. The college has around 11,506 students in total, with most students in 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Tuition fees for in-state students are generally around $5,206 and for out-of-state students approximately $8,086 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $1,364, although this will depend on the program.

CUNY LaGuardia Community College

31-10 Thomson Ave, Long Island City, New York 11101

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

CUNY LaGuardia Community College’s Associate program in Veterinary Technology is based at their campus in the city of Long Island City. The majority of the school’s 20,231 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Fees for tuition for in-state students are in the order of $5,218 and for students from outside the state likely to be about $8,098 yearly. Learning materials may cost about $1,364, although this will vary with the program.

Mercy College

555 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry, New York 10522

Veterinary Technology – Bachelor Program

The Bachelor’s degree program at Mercy College is based at their campus in Dobbs Ferry in Westchester County, NY. This is a full, 4-year private college with 11,272 students, of which 70% are undergraduates. Tuition fees are likely to be about $18,076 for each academic year. Learning materials may cost roughly $1,492, although this will vary with the program.

SUNY Westchester Community College

75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla, New York 10595

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

SUNY Westchester Community College’s Associate-level Veterinary Technology program is based at their campus in Valhalla in Westchester County, New York. The college has around 13,916 students in total, with most students in 2-year programs. Fees for tuition for in-state students are likely to be in the order of $4,723 and for students from outside the state likely to be about $12,213 yearly. Learning materials may cost about $2,000, although this will vary with the program.

Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area Area

Genesee Community College

One College Rd, Batavia, New York 14020

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

The Associate’s program at Genesee Community College is based at their campus in the town of Batavia, New York. This public college has roughly 6,876 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is in the order of $4,410 and for students from outside the state around $5,010 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $1,170, depending on the program.

SUNY College of Technology at Alfred

10 Upper College Drive, Alfred, New York 14802

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

SUNY College of Technology at Alfred’s Associate-level Veterinary Technology program is based at their campus in the town of Alfred. The majority of the school’s 3,661 students are in 4-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Tuition fees for in-state students are roughly in the order of $8,057 and for students from outside the state around $14,617 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $1,200, depending 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 Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Vermont.

College Listings

Vet tech salaries in New York

New York employs more than 5,000 veterinary technologists and technicians, making it one of the busiest states in the country for this career. If you are thinking about becoming a vet tech here, knowing what the pay looks like at each stage helps you plan.

According to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, veterinary technologists and technicians in New York earn a median wage of $59,010 per year. The middle range runs from $50,410 at the 25th percentile to $66,310 at the 75th percentile. If you reach the top 10 percent of earners in the state, your pay can reach $78,760.

Starting out, you will likely earn closer to $47,640, which is the 10th percentile figure for this occupation in New York. That is still a solid entry point, and wages tend to rise as you gain experience, specialty credentials, and clinical hours.

How entry-level roles compare

Many people start in this field as a veterinary assistant before completing a full vet tech program. In New York, veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers earn a median of $44,750 per year, with a mean of $43,880, based on BLS May 2025 OEWS data. The 10th percentile for this group is $36,450, and the 90th percentile reaches $53,460.

The pay gap between assistants and licensed technicians is real. The median for technicians ($59,010) is about $14,000 higher than for assistants ($44,750). Completing an accredited program and passing your licensing exam moves you into the higher-paid role. New York has 5,790 people working as veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers, so the entry-level path is common, but the earnings ceiling is lower without the credential.

How vet tech licensing works in New York

New York licenses veterinary technicians through the State Education Department. To sit for the licensing exam, you need to graduate from a program accredited by the AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities, known as AVMA-CVTEA. That body sets the national standard for vet tech program quality.

After graduation, you take the Veterinary Technician National Examination, called the VTNE. Passing it is required before you can practice as a licensed vet tech in the state. Some states allow provisional licenses while you wait for exam results, but you should confirm the current rules directly with the New York State Education Department, since procedures can change.

Once licensed, you can pursue specialty credentials in areas like anesthesia, dentistry, emergency care, or internal medicine. Specialty credentials often lead to higher pay and more focused clinical work.

Accredited vet tech programs in New York

You have several options across the state, from community colleges to four-year institutions. Most programs take two years and award an associate degree. The programs listed below have been included based on verified program information.

Programs by region

New York City area

• CUNY Bronx Community College in the Bronx has an animal care management program. It is a practical option if you live in or near the city and want to keep costs low with in-state community college tuition.

Hudson Valley and Westchester

• SUNY Westchester Community College in Valhalla has a veterinary technology AAS program. An AAS is an Associate of Applied Science degree, designed to prepare you directly for work in the field.
• Mercy University in Dobbs Ferry also has relevant programs. Check their current catalog for veterinary-related offerings, since program details update regularly.
• Ulster County Community College in Stone Ridge has an animal science program that can serve as a pathway into the field.

Long Island

• Suffolk County Community College in Selden has a veterinary science technology program. Suffolk County is a high-demand area for animal care workers, so local clinical placement opportunities tend to be strong.
• Long Island University in Greenvale has a college of veterinary medicine. If you are considering going further than a technician credential, that program page explains the DVM path, which is the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.

Central and western New York

• SUNY Delhi in Delhi has a veterinary science associate program. SUNY Delhi has a long track record in animal health training and a rural campus with hands-on clinical access.
• SUNY College of Technology at Alfred in Alfred has agribusiness and animal-related programs. Check current offerings directly, as program names and structures can shift between catalog years.

North Country

• SUNY Canton in Canton has a veterinary science technology program. It is a good option if you are in the northern part of the state and want a SUNY campus with a dedicated animal health focus.
• Clinton Essex Warren Washington BOCES in Plattsburgh is a regional career and technical education center. BOCES programs, which stands for Boards of Cooperative Educational Services, often cover animal care at the secondary and post-secondary level. Contact them directly to confirm current program availability.

What to look for in a program

AVMA-CVTEA accreditation is the first thing to confirm. Without it, you cannot sit for the VTNE in New York, which means you cannot get licensed. Check the AVMA website directly for the current accreditation status of any program you are considering, since accreditation can be granted, placed on warning, or withdrawn.

After accreditation, look at clinical training. Programs with on-site teaching hospitals or formal partnerships with veterinary practices give you more hands-on hours before graduation. Ask each program how many clinical hours are required and where students complete them.

Program length matters for your budget and timeline. Most associate degree programs take about two years of full-time study. Some programs allow part-time enrollment, which adds time but can help you work while you study.

In-state tuition at SUNY schools

Several programs above are part of the State University of New York system, known as SUNY. If you are a New York resident, in-state tuition at SUNY schools is significantly lower than out-of-state rates. This can make a real difference in your total cost. Compare the full cost of attendance, which includes tuition, fees, housing, and supplies, not just the tuition line.

Day-to-day work as a vet tech in New York

Vet techs in New York work in private clinics, animal hospitals, research facilities, shelters, and specialty practices. In New York City, many practices see a high volume of patients, so the pace can be fast. In rural areas upstate, you may work with a broader mix of species, including farm animals and wildlife.

Your duties as a licensed vet tech typically include drawing blood, placing IV catheters, monitoring anesthesia, taking X-rays, running lab tests, and educating pet owners about medications and follow-up care. You work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, but you carry real responsibility in the exam room and the treatment area.

The work is physical. You will be on your feet for most of your shift, and you will handle animals that are stressed or in pain. Good programs prepare you for this. Clinical rotations, where you practice in a real veterinary setting while still a student, are where most of the practical learning happens.

Next steps for getting started

If you are ready to move forward, the most useful first step is to request information directly from the programs that fit your location and schedule. Confirm AVMA-CVTEA accreditation, ask about application deadlines, and find out whether the program has a waitlist. Some SUNY vet tech programs fill quickly each year.

You can also reach out to local veterinary clinics about volunteer or veterinary assistant work while you apply. Time in a clinic before you start your program gives you a clearer picture of the work and strengthens your application.

Use the program links above to visit each school’s page, compare what they include in their curriculum, and contact their admissions offices with specific questions. The BLS May 2025 OEWS data for New York shows a median wage of $59,010 for licensed vet techs. That figure reflects what the credential is worth in this state. The program you choose is how you get there.