Becoming a Veterinary Technician in Wisconsin

The field of veterinary technology is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations nationwide between 2012 and 2022. Growth for this field in Wisconsin expected to grow at a similar rate: 28.5 percent compared to an average of 29.5 percent across the country. In contrast, nationwide employment across all professions is expected to grow by 11 percent. [Leer en español]

Salaries for Veterinary Technicians

The median salary for veterinary technicians in Wisconsin is very similar to the median salary for vet techs nationwide: $36,880 per year compared to $36,850 per year. Since Wisconsin also offers a very moderate cost of living, this state is a great bet for both new and experienced vet techs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest-paid veterinary technicians in this state may earn as much as $44,470 per year.

Requirements for Veterinary Technicians

Veterinary technicians in Wisconsin must be licensed by the Department of Safety and Professional Services. To qualify for licensure, candidates must either complete a veterinary technology program approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or receive at least two years of job training with a licensed Wisconsin veterinarian. Candidates who have completed a course of study or two years of job training must then pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).

Veterinary Technician National Examination

The VTNE is composed of 200 multiple-choice questions, which must be completed in three hours. The exam tests a candidate’s knowledge of veterinary medical and surgical nursing and pharmacology, among other topics. It is administered through the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). Once the candidate has passed this exam, he or she can be officially licensed as a veterinary technician in Wisconsin. 

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

Wisconsin has quite a few options for students looking for AVMA-accredited veterinary technology programs, including seven campuses associated with Globe University. All seven Globe University locations – AppletonEau ClaireGreen BayLa CrosseMadison EastMiddleton, and Wausau – have initial accreditation from the AVMA, as does Milwaukee Career CollegeMadison College has been accredited since 1974 and is the only Wisconsin school currently to have full accreditation. All nine programs available in Wisconsin culminate in an associate of applied science degree.

Major Veterinary Technician Employers in Wisconsin

The number of veterinary technicians employed in Wisconsin is expected to grow by around 510 jobs between 2012 and 2022, going from 1,780 to 2,290. Some vet techs in this state work with livestock in Wisconsin’s famous dairy industry, while many others work with small animals in veterinary clinics and hospitals. Some of the Wisconsin facilities in need of licensed vet techs include:

Professional Organizations

The Wisconsin Veterinary Technician Association (WVTA) is the leading professional organization for vet techs in this state. This association provides continuing education opportunities, job resources, and legislative updates. Licensed Wisconsin vet techs are also eligible to join the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).

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Veterinary Technician Schools in Wisconsin

Appleton, WI Area

Globe University-Appleton

5045 W. Grande Market Drive, Grand Chute, Wisconsin 54914-0000

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

The Veterinary Technology Associate’s program at Globe University is taught at their Appleton campus in Grand Chute in Outagamie County. The majority of the school’s 203 students are in 4-year programs. The university is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. The college’s retention rate for full-time students is 100%. Tuition fees are about $14,040 per year, while books and supplies may cost in the order of $1,152, although this varies from program to program.

Eau Claire, WI Area

Globe University-Eau Claire

4955 Bullis Farm Rd, Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54701-5168

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

The Veterinary Technology Associate’s program at Globe University can be taken at their Eau Claire campus in the city of Eau Claire. The majority of the school’s 153 students are in 4-year programs. The university is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Tuition fees are broadly in the order of $14,040 yearly, while study materials may cost about $1,152, depending on the program.

Green Bay, WI Area

Globe University-Green Bay

2620 Development Drive, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54311

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

The Veterinary Technology Associate’s degree program at Globe University is based at their Green Bay campus in Green Bay in Brown County. This private, for-profit college has around 185 students in total, with most students on 4-year programs. The university is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. The cost of tuition is in the order of $14,040 yearly, while study materials may cost about $1,152, depending on the program.

La Crosse, WI-MN Area

Globe University-La Crosse

2651 Midwest Dr, Onalaska, Wisconsin 54650

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

Globe University’s Associate program in Veterinary Technology is offered at their La Crosse campus in the city of Onalaska. The majority of the school’s 178 students are in 4-year programs. The university is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Tuition fees are likely to be about $14,040 for each academic year. Learning materials may cost roughly $1,152, although this will vary with the program.

Madison, WI Area

Globe University-Madison East

4901 Eastpark Blvd, Madison, Wisconsin 53718

Veterinary Technology – Associate ProgramVeterinary Technology – Bachelor Program

Globe University offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and a Bachelor program. Classes are taken at their Madison East campus in the city of Madison. The college has approximately 217 students in total, with the majority of students in 4-year programs. The university is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Tuition fees are likely to be around $14,040 per year. Learning materials may cost roughly $1,152, depending on the program.

Globe University-Madison West

1345 Deming Way, Middleton, Wisconsin 53562

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

Globe University’s Associate-level Veterinary Technology program is based at their Madison West campus in Middleton in Dane County, WI. Most of the school’s 182 students are in 4-year programs. The university is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Tuition fees are generally about $14,040 for each academic year. Books and supplies can cost roughly $1,152, although this will depend on the program.

Madison Area Technical College

1701 Wright St, Madison, Wisconsin 53704-2599

Veterinary Technician – Associate Program

The Associate’s program at Madison Area Technical College is based at their campus in the city of Madison. This is a full, 4-year public college with 16,759 students, of which 100% are undergraduates. 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 $4,217 and for students from other states around $6,143 for each academic year. Study materials can cost roughly $1,742, depending on the program chosen.

Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI Area

Milwaukee Career College

3077 N Mayfair Rd Ste 300, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53222

Veterinary Technician – Associate ProgramVeterinary Assistant – Certificate Program

Milwaukee Career College offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and a Certificate program. Classes are taken at their campus in Milwaukee in Milwaukee County. Most of the school’s 92 students are on 2-year programs. Tuition fees for the Vet Tech program are around $15,392 per year. Books and supplies can cost the order of $608. The typical program completion time is 8 months.

Wausau, WI Area

Globe University-Wausau

1480 Country Road XX, Rothschild, Wisconsin 54474

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

Globe University’s Associate program in Veterinary Technology is taught at their Wausau campus in Rothschild in Marathon County. Most of the school’s 122 students are in 4-year programs. The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools institutionally accredited the university. Tuition fees are about $14,040 for each academic year, while books and supplies may cost roughly $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 IowaMinnesotaMichigan, and Illinois.