Becoming a Veterinary Technician in Oregon

Being a veterinary technician is a rewarding career with great job prospects, ideal for animal lovers who thrive in dynamic work environments. In Oregon, jobs in veterinary technology are projected to grow at a strong rate through the year 2022. Although the projected job growth rate (20.6 percent) is not quite as strong as the projected nationwide job growth rate in veterinary technology (29.5), it is still much stronger than the rate at which all jobs are projected to grow nationwide. [Leer en español]

Salaries for Veterinary Technicians

The field of veterinary technology offers a strong average salary to workers in this state. Veterinary technicians in Oregon earn a median annual salary of $37,630, which is slightly higher than the nationwide median vet tech salary of $36,850. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top earners in this field in Oregon may earn as much as $58,670 per year.

Requirements for Veterinary Technicians

Before they can legally work in the state of Oregon, veterinary technicians must be licensed through the Oregon Veterinary Medical Examiner Board (OVMEB). To qualify for licensure, candidates must complete a veterinary technician program approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or receive the equivalent on-the-job experience working with a licensed Oregon veterinarian. The OVMEB sets strict guidelines for the nature and quantity of job training needed to substitute for schooling. In addition, candidates must pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and the Oregon Jurisprudence exam.

Featured School

Penn Foster College – Veterinary Technician Program

Penn FosterFull 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

Two schools in Oregon offer AVMA-accredited programs in veterinary technology. Portland Community College has a fully-accredited program that began in 1989 and culminates in an associate of applied science degree. Central Oregon Community College has a relatively new program, also resulting in an associate of applied science, which currently has initial accreditation from the AVMA.

Major Veterinary Technician Employers in Oregon

Veterinary technicians in Oregon work primarily in small animal hospitals and clinics, although the state’s rural areas do offer some opportunities for large animal work. In 2012, there were 1,430 veterinary technicians employed in Oregon, and that number is projected to grow to 1,720 by 2022. Some of the facilities in need of licensed veterinary technicians include:

Professional Organizations

The Oregon Veterinary Technician and Assistant Association (OVTAA) is the leading professional organization for vet techs in this state. Members help to support an organization that advocates for their profession, and they also receive benefits such as access to continuing education opportunities. Oregon vet techs are also eligible to join the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).

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Veterinary Technician Schools in Oregon

Bend, OR Area

Central Oregon Community College

2600 NW College Way, Bend, Oregon 97703

Veterinary Technician – Associate Program

The Veterinary Technician Associate’s degree program at Central Oregon Community College can be taken at their campus in the city of Bend, Oregon. Most of the school’s 6,312 students are in 2-year programs. Tuition fees for in-district students are generally around $3,555 and are $4,599 and $9,135 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Learning materials may cost around $1,800, although this will vary with the program.

Medford, OR Area

Abdill Career College Inc

843 E Main Ste 203, Medford, Oregon 97504-7137

Veterinary Assistant – Certificate Program

Abdill Career College Inc’s Certificate-level Veterinary Assistant program is based at their campus in the city of Medford, OR. The majority of the school’s 41 students are in diploma programs of under two years. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. The cost of tuition is likely to be in the order of $9,270 for each academic year. Learning materials may cost roughly $4,145, although this will vary with the program.

North Central Oregon nonmetropolitan area Area

Blue Mountain Community College

2411 NW Carden Ave, Pendleton, Oregon 97801

Veterinary Assistant – Certificate Program

Blue Mountain Community College’s Certificate-level Veterinary Assistant program is based at their campus in Pendleton in Umatilla County, OR. This public college has approximately 1,731 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The cost of tuition for in-state students is around $4,443 and for out-of-state students in the order of $12,339 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $1,364, depending on the program chosen.

Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA Area

Carrington College-Portland

2004 Lloyd Center, 3rd Floor, Portland, Oregon 97232-1309

Veterinary Assisting – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Carrington College can be taken at their Portland campus in the city of Portland, OR. This private, for-profit college has in the order of 100 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Tuition fees for the Vet Tech program are generally about $14,265 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $580. The typical program completion time is 9 months.

Portland Community College

12000 SW 49th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97219-7132

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

Portland Community College’s Associate program in Veterinary Technology is based at their campus in the city of Portland. The majority of the school’s 30,929 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Tuition fees for in-state students are around $3,766 and for out-of-state students approximately $8,374 annually. Study materials can cost around $1,689, depending on the program chosen.

Southern Oregon & Linn County nonmetropolitan area Area

Linn-Benton Community College

6500 Pacific Blvd SW, Albany, Oregon 97321

Veterinary Assistant – Certificate Program

The Veterinary Assistant Certificate program at Linn-Benton Community College is taught at their campus in the city of Albany, OR. Most of the school’s 5,314 students are in 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Fees for tuition for in-state students are in the order of $4,265 and for students from outside the state likely to be about $9,313 yearly. Learning materials may cost about $1,602, although this will vary with 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 WashingtonIdahoNevada, and California.