Becoming a Veterinary Technician in Oklahoma
Veterinary technology is one of the fastest-growing fields in the country, and veterinary technician positions are booming in Oklahoma. In this state, vet tech jobs are projected to grow by 39.4 percent by 2022. Not only is this much faster than the projected job growth for all professions, but it is also faster than the already impressive nationwide projected job growth for veterinary technology, which is 29.5 percent. [Leer en español]
Salaries for Veterinary Technicians
Veterinary technicians in Oklahoma earn an average annual salary of $35,630. This is a bit lower than the national average vet tech salary of $36,850, but vet techs in Oklahoma benefit from the low cost of living and low median home value in this state. The highest-paid veterinary technicians in Oklahoma may earn as much as $38,180 per year.
Requirements for Veterinary Technicians
Veterinary technicians in Oklahoma must be licensed by the Oklahoma State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners before they are allowed to practice in the state. Before they can be licensed, candidates must complete a program that has been accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and pass both the state and national veterinary technician exams. The national exam ensures that each candidate can competently perform the duties of a vet tech, while the state exam ensures that the candidates understand state-specific laws relating to veterinary practice. Registered veterinary technician (RVT) licensure is also available for vet techs that have extensive experience and who wish to demonstrate their mastery of the profession.
Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE)
All prospective veterinary technicians in Oklahoma must sit for and pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). This exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover subjects such as anesthesia, surgical nursing, pharmacology, radiology, clinical pathology, animal care and management, and more. The VTNE is offered twice a year and the fee for taking the exam is $315.
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 three accredited vet tech programs in the state of Oklahoma. Murray State College in Tishomingo, Oklahoma State University in Oklahoma City, and Tulsa Community College all have fully-accredited programs that culminate in associate of applied science degrees.
Major Veterinary Technician Employers in Oklahoma
The state of Oklahoma offers a mix of opportunities for veterinary technicians, ranging from small animal work to jobs caring for farm and ranch animals. Some of the facilities in Oklahoma in need of licensed vet techs include:
- BluePearl Oklahoma City
- Chambers Vet Clinic, Lawton
- Durant Animal Hospital
- Memorial Road Pet Hospital
Professional Organizations
The Oklahoma Veterinary Technician Association (OVTA) is the professional organization for vet techs in this state. Membership benefits include discounts on continuing education, a discount on subscriptions to Veterinary Technician magazine, and $2000 of accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Members of the OVTA are also eligible for the Oklahoma Veterinary Technician of the Year award. Oklahoma vet techs may also join the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).
Veterinary Technician Schools in Oklahoma
- Tulsa, OK
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Northwestern Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area
- Southeastern Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area
Northwestern Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Area
High Plains Technology Center
3921 34th St, Woodward, Oklahoma 73801
Veterinary Assistant – Certificate Program
High Plains Technology Center’s Certificate program is offered at their campus in Woodward in Woodward County. Most of the school’s 262 students are in diploma programs of under two years. The college is accredited by the Oklahoma Board of Career and Technology Education. Tuition fees are usually about $2,625 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $3,000, depending on the program chosen.
Pioneer Technology Center
2101 N Ash, Ponca City, Oklahoma 74601
Veterinary Assistant – Certificate Program
Pioneer Technology Center’s Certificate-level Veterinary Assistant program is based at their campus in the town of Ponca City. This public college has about 436 students in total, with most students on programs that last under 2 years. Tuition fees are about $2,625 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $816, depending on the program.
Oklahoma City, OK Area
Heritage College-Oklahoma City
7202 S. I-35 Service Road, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73149
Veterinary Technician – Associate Program
Heritage College’s Associate-level Veterinary Technician program is offered at their Oklahoma City campus in the city of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Most of the school’s 715 students are on 2-year programs. The cost of tuition for the Vet Tech program is broadly about $29,200 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $1,800. Usually, the program is completed in 20 months.
Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City
900 N Portland, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73107-6195
Veterinary Technology – Associate Program
Oklahoma State University’s Associate program in Veterinary Technology is offered at their Oklahoma City campus in the city of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This public college has a region of 6,712 students in total, with most students in 4-year programs. The university 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 in the order of $2,859 and for students from outside the state likely to be about $7,719 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,440, although this varies from program to program.
Southeastern Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area Area
Murray State College
One Murray Campus, Tishomingo, Oklahoma 73460
Veterinary Technology – Associate Program
Murray State College’s Associate program in Veterinary Technology is taught at their campus in Tishomingo in Johnston County, Oklahoma. This public college has a region of 2,473 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. The cost of tuition for in-state students is around $4,340 and for out-of-state students in the order of $10,260 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $1,726, depending on the program chosen.
Wes Watkins Technology Center
7892 Highway 9, Wetumka, Oklahoma 74883-6155
Veterinary Assistant – Certificate Program
The Veterinary Assistant Certificate program at Wes Watkins Technology Center can be taken at their campus in Wetumka in Hughes County. The majority of the school’s 81 students are on diploma programs of under two years. Tuition fees are, as a rough guide, around $5,214 yearly, while books and supplies may cost roughly $1,585, depending on the program.
Tulsa, OK Area
Community Care College
4242 South Sheridan, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74145
Veterinary Assistant – Associate Program, Veterinary Assistant – Certificate Program
Community Care College offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and a Certificate program. Classes are taken at their campus in the city of Tulsa, OK. This private, not-for-profit college has approximately 626 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. Tuition fees for the Vet Tech program are about $13,892 for each academic year. Books and supplies can cost roughly $277. The typical program completion time is 8 months.
Tulsa Community College
6111 E Skelly Dr, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135-6198
Veterinary Technology – Associate Program
The Associate’s degree program at Tulsa Community College can be taken at their campus in the city of Tulsa, OK. The majority of the school’s 17,861 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is roughly about $2,900 and for students from other states around $7,844 for each academic year. Study materials can cost roughly $1,560, depending on the program chosen.
* 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
Oklahoma residents have further educational options in the neighboring states of Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, and Missouri.
[sp-listings]