Becoming a Veterinary Technician in Texas

Texas is a huge employer of veterinary technicians, leading the country with approximately 8,870 vet techs as of 2014, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Furthermore, the profession is growing rapidly in the state, with a 27.6 percent projected job growth rate between 2012 and 2022. This could equate to an increase of nearly 2,500 jobs by 2022. [Leer en español]

Salaries for Veterinary Technicians

Veterinary technicians in Texas earn a median salary of $30,430 per year. The top earners in this field may command a salary of as much as $43,940 per year. Although the median vet tech salary in Texas is below the national average for this profession ($36,850 per year), this is largely offset by the low cost of living in Texas (9.7 percent below average) and also the moderate cost of housing.

Requirements for Veterinary Technicians

Texas does not require employees to be certified to perform the duties of a veterinary technician. However, many employers in the state prefer or require their employees to be certified through the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. Before the Board will issue a license, candidates need to complete a course of study in veterinary technology that has been accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).

AVMA-Accredited Veterinary Technician Education

For a state with such a large population of veterinary technicians, it’s not surprising that Texas also has many schools with AVMA-approved vet tech programs. The schools with fully-accredited programs are Cedar Valley College in Lancaster (both the on-campus and distance learning programs), Lone Star College in Tomball, McLennan Community College in Waco, Palo Alto College in San Antonio, and the Vet Tech Institute of Houston. There are also three programs in Texas under initial accreditation: Blinn College in Bryan, and Pima Medical Institute-Houston.

Major Veterinary Technician Employers in Texas

The areas with the fastest growth in veterinary technician jobs are urban centers like Dallas and Houston, where small animal work dominates. However, there is also a significant amount of livestock and other large animal work in this state, famous for its ranch country. Some of the Texas facilities in need of qualified vet techs include:

Professional Organizations

The leading professional organization for vet techs in Texas is the Texas Association of Registered Veterinary Technicians (TARVT). Registered vet techs in this state are also eligible to join the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).

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Veterinary Technician Schools in Texas

Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX Area

Austin Community College District

5930 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, Texas 78752

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

The Associate’s degree program at Austin Community College District is taught at their campus in the city of Austin. The majority of the school’s 40,949 students are on 2-year programs. Fees for tuition for in-district students are roughly about $2,550 and are $9,210 and $11,340 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively, while books and supplies may cost roughly $1,200, although this will vary with the program.

Central Texas nonmetropolitan area Area

Blinn College

902 College Ave, Brenham, Texas 77833-4098

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

The Associate’s degree program at Blinn College is taught at their campus in the town of Brenham. This public college has around 18,850 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for in-district students is generally in the order of $2,256 and is $3,912 and $5,904 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Learning materials may cost around $1,396, although this will vary with the program.

Dallas-Plano-Irving, TX Metropolitan Division Area

Cedar Valley College

3030 North Dallas Ave, Lancaster, Texas 75134-3799

Veterinary Technology – Certificate Program, Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

Cedar Valley College offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. All programs are based at their campus in Lancaster in Dallas County. The majority of the school’s 6,759 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition fees for in-district students are likely to be around $1,770 and are $3,330 and $5,220 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively, while books and supplies may cost about $2,000, although this varies from program to program.

Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Metropolitan Division Area

Weatherford College

225 College Park Drive, Weatherford, Texas 76086-5699

Veterinary Assisting – Certificate Program

Weatherford College’s Certificate-level Veterinary Assisting program is taught at its campus in the town of Weatherford, TX. This public college has approximately 5,613 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Fees for tuition for in-district students are roughly about $2,400 and are $3,720 and $5,280 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Study materials can cost roughly $1,200, depending on the program chosen.

Gulf Coast Texas nonmetropolitan area Area

Texas A & M University-Kingsville

955 University Blvd, Kingsville, Texas 78363

Animal Science – Bachelor Program

Texas A & M University’s Bachelor-level Animal Science program is offered at their Kingsville campus in the town of Kingsville, Texas. This is a full, 4-year public college with 13,246 students, of which 74% are undergraduates. Tuition fees for in-state students are generally around $7,700 and for out-of-state students likely to be about $20,191 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,344, although this varies from program to program.

Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, TX Area

Houston Community College

3100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002

Veterinary Assistant – Certificate Program

Houston Community College’s Certificate-level Veterinary Assistant program is based at its campus in the city of Houston, TX. Most of the school’s 58,276 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for in-district students is likely to be around $1,632 and is $3,360 and $3,756 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Learning materials may cost around $3,000, although this will vary with the program.

Lone Star College System

5000 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77381-4399

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program, Veterinary Technology – Certificate Program

Lone Star College System offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and a Certificate program. All programs are based at their campus in the city of The Woodlands, Texas. The college has in the region of 69,395 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Fees for tuition for in-district students are usually about $1,504 and are $3,184 and $3,544 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Learning materials may cost in the order of $2,000, although this will vary with the program.

Pima Medical Institute-Houston

10201 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024

Veterinary Technician – Associate Program, Veterinary Assistant – Certificate Program

Pima Medical Institute offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and a Certificate program. All programs are based at their Houston campus in the city of Houston. The majority of the school’s 993 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. Tuition fees for the Vet Tech program are likely to be in the order of $12,024 yearly. Learning materials may cost about $743. Program completion is usually 8 months.

Vet Tech Institute of Houston

4669 Southwest Fwy Ste 100, Houston, Texas 77027

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

Vet Tech Institute of Houston’s Associate-level Veterinary Technology program is taught at their campus in the city of Houston. Most of the school’s 216 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. The cost of tuition is, as a rough guide, in the order of $14,200 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $934, depending on the program chosen.

North Central Texas nonmetropolitan area Area

Navarro College

3200 W 7th Avenue, Corsicana, Texas 75110

Veterinary Science – Associate Program

The Associate’s program at Navarro College is based at their campus in the town of Corsicana. This public college has in the order of 9,999 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition fees for in-district students are generally around $2,218 and are $3,568 and $5,068 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Study materials can cost around $1,581, depending on the program chosen.

Tarleton State University

1333 W. Washington, Stephenville, Texas 76401-0000

Veterinary Technology – Bachelor Program

Tarleton State University’s Bachelor-level Veterinary Technology program is based at its campus in the town of Stephenville, Texas. Of the 11,681 students, about 13% are postgraduates. Fees for tuition for in-state students are in the order of $6,630 and for students from outside the state around $15,990 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $1,200, depending on the program.

San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX Area

Palo Alto College

1400 W Villaret Blvd, San Antonio, Texas 78224-2499

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program, Veterinary Assistant – Certificate Program

Palo Alto College offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and two Certificate programs. All programs are based at their campus in the city of San Antonio. The college has about 8,376 students in total, with most students in 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Fees for tuition for in-district students are roughly about $2,088 and are $5,550 and $10,740 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Books and supplies can cost roughly $2,074, although this will depend on the program.

Waco, TX Area

McLennan Community College

1400 College Dr, Waco, Texas 76708

Veterinary Assistant – Certificate Program, Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

McLennan Community College offers various Certificate program options in Veterinary Technology a Certificate program and an Associate program. Classes are taken at their campus in the city of Waco, TX. This public college has approximately 8,294 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The cost of tuition for in-district students is generally around $2,760 and is $3,192 and $4,560 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Study materials can cost around $1,260, 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

Texas residents have further educational options in the neighboring states of New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana.

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Vet tech salaries in Texas

Texas employs more veterinary technicians and technologists than almost any other state. According to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, 16,730 people work in this occupation across the state. That number matters to you because more jobs means more hiring, more competition for good pay, and more room to move between employers as your career grows.

Your starting wage depends heavily on which role you take first. BLS May 2025 OEWS data shows two clear levels in Texas.

Veterinary assistant wages in Texas

Veterinary assistants earn less than credentialed technicians, but the role is a common entry point. In Texas, the median wage for veterinary assistants is $34,850 per year. The lowest 10 percent earn around $24,070. The top 25 percent earn $43,270 or more, and the top 10 percent reach $46,890. If you take an assistant role while you finish your degree, you get paid work experience that counts toward your career.

Veterinary technician wages in Texas

Once you earn your credential and pass the VTNE (the Veterinary Technician National Examination, which is the licensing test required in most states), your pay jumps. The median wage for veterinary technologists and technicians in Texas is $39,410 per year, based on BLS May 2025 OEWS data. The 25th percentile sits at $36,040, so most credentialed techs earn well above the assistant median. The top quarter earn $46,780 or more, and the top 10 percent reach $54,610.

That gap between the assistant median ($34,850) and the technician top 10 percent ($54,610) is roughly $20,000 per year. A two-year associate degree is usually all it takes to move from one end of that range to the other.

What affects your pay in Texas

Location plays a big role. Urban areas like Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin tend to pay more than rural counties. Specialty clinics, emergency animal hospitals, and research institutions also pay above the general median. Experience and the type of animals you work with matter too. Large-animal practices in rural Texas often compete for qualified techs because supply is lower there.

Accredited vet tech programs in Texas

AVMA accreditation means the American Veterinary Medical Association has reviewed and approved a program. Most state licensing boards require you to graduate from an AVMA-accredited program before you can sit for the VTNE. Below are Texas programs with verified program pages so you can check current details directly.

Community college programs

Collin County Community College District in McKinney offers a Veterinary Technology AAS. Community colleges in Texas generally keep tuition low, making this a cost-efficient path if you are in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Blinn College District in Brenham covers veterinary technology through its agricultural sciences division. Brenham sits between Houston and Austin, which gives graduates access to two major metro job markets.

Dallas College in Dallas has agricultural and animal science programs that include a pathway toward veterinary technology. Dallas is one of the largest markets for vet techs in the state, so clinical placement connections can be strong.

McLennan Community College in Waco places you near the center of the state, which is practical if you want to work in either the Dallas-Fort Worth or Austin metro after graduating.

Weatherford College in Weatherford is west of Fort Worth. The area has a strong equine industry, which can shape the clinical experience available to you.

Palo Alto College in San Antonio is part of the Alamo Colleges system. San Antonio has a large and growing veterinary services market, and in-district tuition rates are among the lowest in Texas.

University programs

Texas A&M University-Kingsville in Kingsville offers a bachelor’s-level path in animal science with a veterinary technology focus. A four-year degree can open doors to supervisory roles or graduate-level study later.

Tarleton State University in Stephenville has a graduate-level animal science program. This is more relevant if you already hold a credential and want to move into research or management.

East Texas A&M University in Commerce also offers a graduate agricultural sciences path. Like Tarleton, this fits people who are already working and want to advance.

Private and career college programs

Vet Tech Institute of Houston in Houston focuses specifically on veterinary technology. Career-focused schools like this often move faster than community colleges through clinical training, which can mean a shorter time to your credential.

Pima Medical Institute-San Antonio in San Antonio offers a veterinary assistant certificate. This is a good option if you want to get into a clinic quickly and earn while you plan your next step toward full technician credentials.

Choosing between a certificate and an associate degree

A veterinary assistant certificate takes less time and costs less. It gets you into a clinic faster. But it does not qualify you for VTNE eligibility in most cases, so your pay ceiling is lower. Look at the wage data again: the assistant median in Texas is $34,850, while credentialed technicians earn a median of $39,410 with a clear path toward $54,610 at the senior level.

An associate degree in veterinary technology takes about two years. It costs more upfront. But it is the standard route to AVMA accreditation, VTNE eligibility, and state licensure. Most full-time vet tech positions in Texas require this credential.

Some students start with a certificate job to build savings and clinical familiarity, then complete the associate degree while working. That path is slower but manageable if cost is your main concern.

Texas licensing requirements

The Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, known as TBVME, licenses veterinary technicians in the state. To apply for licensure, you generally need to graduate from an AVMA-accredited program and pass the VTNE. Some roles use the title “veterinary technician” as a general description, but only licensed individuals can use the protected title in a clinical or legal context.

Confirm current requirements directly with TBVME before you enroll, because state rules can change. Program advisors at AVMA-accredited schools can also walk you through the current steps.

What the job actually involves

On a typical day, you may take patient histories, draw blood, run lab tests, monitor animals under anesthesia, and assist with surgeries. You also educate pet owners, manage medication records, and help with imaging like X-rays. The work is hands-on from day one.

Texas practices cover a wide range of animal types. Urban clinics focus mostly on dogs and cats. Practices in the Hill Country, the Panhandle, and East Texas often see cattle, horses, and other livestock. Your clinical training location can shape which specialty you end up in.

Next steps

Check the program pages linked above, compare program length and location, then contact the admissions office directly to ask about AVMA accreditation status, current tuition, and the clinical sites used for training. Starting with an accredited program is the single most important decision you will make in this process.