Becoming a Veterinary Technician in Ohio
Veterinary technology is a rewarding career with rapid job growth predicted for the coming years. In Ohio, veterinary technician jobs are projected to grow 29.7 percent by 2022, creating an additional 900 positions. This rate of job growth is significantly faster than the projected job growth for all careers nationwide. [Leer en español]
Salaries for Veterinary Technicians
The median annual salary for a veterinary technician in Ohio is $36,850, which is the same as the national average annual vet tech salary of $36,850. However, with a cost of living and median home price that are both well below the national average, Ohio offers great value for a veterinary technician’s salary. The top earners in the field of veterinary technology in Ohio earn as much as $47,440 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Requirements for Veterinary Technicians
Veterinary technicians in Ohio must have an Ohio Registered Veterinary Technician Certificate through the Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board. To qualify for the certificate, candidates must successfully graduate from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) approved program and pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). Once a candidate’s transcript and VTNE scores have been sent to the Ohio Board, the Board can issue a certificate.
Veterinary Technician National Examination
The VTNE is a three-hour, multiple-choice exam that consists of 170 questions divided between 10 sections. These sections include pharmacology, medical nursing, laboratory procedures, dentistry/oral surgery, and anatomy/physiology. The VTNE has a pass rate of 77 percent for first-time test takers in Ohio. Candidates can take the VTNE up to three times within 12 months.
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 many AVMA-accredited veterinary technician programs to choose from in Ohio. Columbus State Community College, Cuyahoga Community College, Kent State University-Tuscarawas, UC Blue Ash College, Stautzenberger Community College-Brecksville, Stautzenburger Community College-Maumee and the Vet Tech Institute at Bradford School-Columbus all have fully accredited programs that offer associate of applied science degrees. In addition, Brown Mackie College-Akron, Brown Mackie College-Findlay, Miami-Jacobs Career College in Troy, and Sinclair Community College in Dayton have programs with initial accreditation. Two other Brown Mackie College campuses – Cincinnati and Canton – have programs with probationary accreditation.
Major Veterinary Technician Employers in Ohio
There are currently just over 3,000 veterinary technicians employed in the state of Ohio, and that number is expected to grow to nearly 4,000 by 2022. Ohio vet techs work primarily in small animal clinics and veterinary hospitals. Some of the facilities in Ohio in current need of certified vet techs include:
- Newark Veterinary Hospital, Newark
- Animal MD Veterinary Clinic, Dayton
- MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets, Cincinnati
- Animal Charity of Ohio, Youngstown
Professional Organizations
The leading professional organization for vet techs in Ohio is the Ohio Association of Veterinary Technicians. The association website provides postings for jobs and continuing education opportunities. The association also keeps its members up to date about any changing legislation that may affect veterinary practice in the state. Ohio vet techs may also choose to join the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).
Veterinary Technician Schools in Ohio
- Columbus, OH
- Akron, OH
- Cincinnati-Middletown, OH-KY-IN
- West Northwestern Ohio nonmetropolitan area
- Canton-Massillon, OH
- Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor, OH
- Eastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area
- Dayton, OH
- Toledo, OH
Akron, OH Area
Brown Mackie College-Akron
755 White Pond Dr., Suite 101, Akron, Ohio 44320
Veterinary Technology – Associate Program
Brown Mackie College’s Associate program in Veterinary Technology is taught at their Akron campus in the city of Akron, Ohio. The majority of the school’s 533 students are in 4-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. The retention rate of full-time students at this college is over 80%. Tuition fees are around $12,672 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $603, although this varies from program to program.
Northcoast Medical Training Academy
1832 State Route 59, Kent, Ohio 44240
Veterinary Assistant – Certificate Program
The Certificate program at Northcoast Medical Training Academy can be taken at their campus in Kent in Portage County. The college has roughly 136 students in total, with most students on programs that last under 2 years. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Tuition fees for the Vet Tech program are in the order of $13,990 annually. Program completion is usually 10 months.
Canton-Massillon, OH Area
Brown Mackie College-North Canton
4300 Munson Street, NW, Canton, Ohio 44718
Veterinary Technology – Associate Program
Brown Mackie College’s Associate program in Veterinary Technology is taught at their North Canton campus in Canton in Stark County, OH. This private, for-profit college has around 471 students in total, with the majority of students on 4-year programs. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. The cost of tuition is in the order of $12,672 yearly. Learning materials may cost about $603, although this will vary with the program.
Community Services Division-Alliance City
500 Glamorgan St., Alliance, Ohio 44601
Veterinary Assistant – Certificate Program
Community Services Division’s Certificate program is based at their Alliance City campus in the town of Alliance, OH. Most of the school’s 63 students are in diploma programs of under two years. The college is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, Board of Trustees. The cost of tuition is in the order of $6,475 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,010, although this varies from program to program.
Cincinnati-Middletown, OH-KY-IN Area
Brown Mackie College-Cincinnati
1011 Glendale-Milford Rd, Cincinnati, Ohio 45215-1107
Veterinary Technology – Associate Program
The Veterinary Technology Associate’s degree program at Brown Mackie College is based at their Cincinnati campus in Cincinnati in Hamilton County, OH. This private, for-profit college has roughly 918 students in total, with the majority of students on 4-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Tuition fees are usually around $12,672 annually. Study materials can cost around $603, depending on the program chosen.
University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College
9555 Plainfield Rd, Blue Ash, Ohio 45236-1096
Veterinary Technology – Associate Program
The University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College’s Associate-level Veterinary Technology program is taught at their campus in Blue Ash in Hamilton County, Ohio. The majority of the school’s 5,024 students are in 4-year programs. The University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College has institutional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Tuition fees for in-state students are in the order of $6,746 and for students from outside the state approximately $15,544 annually. Learning materials may cost around $1,500, although this varies from program to program.
Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor, OH Area
Cuyahoga Community College District
700 Carnegie Ave, Cleveland, Ohio 44115-2878
Veterinary Technology – Associate Program
Cuyahoga Community College District’s Associate program in Veterinary Technology is taught at their campus in the city of Cleveland. This public college has approximately 27,084 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. Tuition fees for in-district students are roughly around $3,136 and are $3,953 and $7,648 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Study materials can cost roughly $1,700, depending on the program chosen.
Stautzenberger College-Brecksville
8001 Katherine Boulevard, Brecksville, Ohio 44141
Veterinary Technician – Associate Program
The Associate’s program at Stautzenberger College can be taken at their Brecksville campus in Brecksville in Cuyahoga County. The majority of the school’s 307 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Tuition fees are about $11,610 for each academic year. Study materials can cost roughly $1,650, depending on the program chosen.
Columbus, OH Area
Bradford School
2469 Stelzer Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219
Veterinary Technology – Associate Program
Bradford School’s Associate program is based at their campus in Columbus in Franklin County. This private, for-profit college has approximately 443 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. The cost of tuition is in the order of $13,980 per year. Learning materials may cost in the order of $1,320, although this will vary with the program.
Columbus State Community College
550 E Spring St, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Veterinary Technology – Associate Program
The Associate’s program at Columbus State Community College is offered at their campus in the city of Columbus. The college has about 24,448 students in total, with the majority of students in 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 usually in the order of $3,808 and for students from outside the state in the order of $8,430 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $1,442, depending on the program chosen.
Otterbein University
1 South Grove Street, Westerville, Ohio 43081
Equine Veterinary Technology – Bachelor Program
The Bachelor’s degree program at Otterbein University is taught at their campus in Westerville in Franklin County, Ohio. Of the 2,791 students, about 16% are postgraduates. The university is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Tuition fees are usually about $31,624 annually, while study materials may cost around $1,285, depending on the program.
Dayton, OH Area
Miami Valley Career Technology Center
6800 Hoke Rd, Englewood, Ohio 45315
Veterinary Aide – Certificate Program
The Certificate program at Miami Valley Career Technology Center can be taken at their campus in Englewood in Montgomery County, OH. The college has roughly 280 students in total, with most students on programs that last under 2 years. The college is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, Board of Trustees. The college’s retention rate for full-time students is over 80%. The cost of tuition is, as a rough guide, in the order of $13,120 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $825, although this varies from program to program.
Miami-Jacobs Career College-Troy
865 W Market St, Troy, Ohio 45373
Veterinary Technology – Associate Program
The Associate’s degree program at Miami-Jacobs Career College-Troy is based at their Troy campus in Troy in Miami County. Most of the school’s 206 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Tuition fees are about $10,980 for each academic year. Study materials can cost roughly $1,650, depending on the program chosen.
Sinclair Community College
444 W. Third St., Dayton, Ohio 45402-1460
Veterinary Technology – Associate Program
The Associate’s program at Sinclair Community College is based at their campus in the city of Dayton, Ohio. The college has approximately 19,093 students in total, with most students in 2-year programs. Fees for tuition for in-district students are generally about $2,476 and are $3,604 and $6,868 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively, while study materials may cost around $1,080, depending on the program.
Eastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area Area
Kent State University at Tuscarawas
330 University Dr. N.E., New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663-9403
Veterinary Technology – Associate Program
The Associate’s program at Kent State University at Tuscarawas can be taken at their campus in the town of New Philadelphia, OH. This is a full, 4-year public college with 2,301 students, of which 98% are undergraduates. The university is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Tuition fees for in-state students are generally around $5,664 and for out-of-state students approximately $13,864 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $1,290, although this will depend on the program.
Toledo, OH Area
Stautzenberger College-Maumee
1796 Indian Wood Circle, Maumee, Ohio 43537-4007
Veterinary Technician – Associate Program
Stautzenberger College’s Associate program is taught at their Maumee campus in Maumee in Lucas County, OH. The majority of the school’s 708 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Tuition fees are usually about $11,610 for each academic year. Study materials can cost roughly $1,650, depending on the program chosen.
West Northwestern Ohio nonmetropolitan area Area
Brown Mackie College-Findlay
1700 Fostoria Ave, Suite 100, Findlay, Ohio 45840
Veterinary Technology – Associate Program
The Associate’s degree program at Brown Mackie College is taught at their Findlay campus in the town of Findlay, Ohio. Most of the school’s 369 students are in 4-year programs. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. The cost of tuition is broadly in the order of $12,672 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $603, 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
Ohio residents have further educational options in the neighboring states of Indiana, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Michigan.
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