Becoming a Veterinary Technician in Utah

Veterinary technology is one of the fastest-growing professional fields in the country, with the total number of veterinary technician jobs projected to grow by 29.5 percent between 2012 and 2022. In many states, this rate of growth is projected to be even more significant; for example, in the state of Utah the projected job growth rate is a massive 44.2 percent. This makes Utah a great place to pursue a rewarding career in veterinary technology. [Leer en español]

Salaries for Veterinary Technicians

The median annual salary for veterinary technicians in Utah is $30,620. This is lower than the median annual salary for vet techs nationwide, even though housing prices and the overall cost of living in Utah are somewhat higher than the national average. However, the fast rate of job growth in this state means that it is still a great place to get started as a vet tech, and techs with more experience will eventually be able to command a higher salary. The top earners in this profession in Utah may earn as much as $37,830 per year.

Requirements for Veterinary Technicians

Utah is one of a small number of states that do not require vet techs to be certified or licensed and that have no governing body to license vet techs. However, vet techs will still need to demonstrate their competency to potential employers. For vet techs who are just starting in the profession and have no experience to include on their resumes, the best way to do this is usually to complete a vet tech program that has been approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).

Veterinary Technician National Examination

The VTNE is the exam that all aspiring vet techs must pass to qualify for licensing and certification in most states. It consists of 170 multiple-choice questions, divided into two sections—clinical science (100 questions) and general knowledge (70 questions). The exam is offered twice a year at testing centers throughout the country, including several sites in Utah.

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 Programs

There are three schools in the state of Utah with veterinary technology programs that have been accredited by the AVMA. All three schools are part of the Broadview University network: Broadview University – LaytonBroadview University – Orem, and Broadview University–West Jordan. The Orem campus is currently under initial accreditation, while the other two programs have earned full accreditation. All three schools have programs that culminate in an associate of applied science degree.

Major Veterinary Technician Employers in Utah

Work in small animal clinics and veterinary hospitals dominates the vet tech field in Utah, but opportunities may also be available in wildlife management, zoos, or laboratories that perform animal research. Some of the facilities in Utah in need of qualified veterinary technicians include:

Professional Organizations

The Utah Society of Veterinary Technicians and Assistants is the professional organization for vet techs in Utah. Membership is open to vet techs who are certified in another state, as well as vet techs or assistants who are currently employed in Utah. Vet techs may also be qualified to join the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) if they have a degree from an AVMA-accredited school or a certification from another state. Utah vet techs who do not meet these qualifications may still be eligible for associate membership with NAVTA.

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Veterinary Technician Schools in Utah

Logan, UT-ID Area

Bridgerland Applied Technology College

1301 North 600 West, Logan, Utah 84321

Veterinary Assistant – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Bridgerland Applied Technology College can be taken at their campus in the city of Logan, UT. The majority of the school’s 751 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The cost of tuition is in the order of $2,503 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,427, although this varies from program to program.

Ogden-Clearfield, UT Area

Broadview University-Layton

869 West Hill Field Road, Layton, Utah 84041

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

The Associate’s degree program at Broadview University is taught at their Layton campus in Layton in Davis County, Utah. The college has in the order of 126 students in total, with the majority of students in 4-year programs. The university is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Tuition fees are about $13,500 for each academic year. Study materials can cost roughly $1,152, depending on the program chosen.

Provo-Orem, UT Area

Broadview University-Orem

898 N 1200 W, Orem, Utah 84057

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

The Associate’s degree program at Broadview University is based at their Orem campus in the city of Orem, UT. The majority of the school’s 105 students are in 4-year programs. The university is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. The cost of tuition is in the order of $13,500 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,152, although this varies from program to program.

Salt Lake City, UT Area

Broadview University-West Jordan

1902 W 7800 S, West Jordan, Utah 84088

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

Broadview University’s Associate-level Veterinary Technology program is taught at their West Jordan campus in West Jordan in Salt Lake County. This is a full, 4-year private college with 219 students, of which 98% are undergraduates. The university is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Tuition fees are, as a rough guide, around $13,500 annually, while books and supplies may cost around $1,152, although this varies from program to 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 Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming.