Becoming a Veterinary Technician in West Virginia

The number of jobs in veterinary technology has been increasing significantly, and the rate of job growth in this field is projected to be much higher than job growth for all occupations in the coming years. Thanks to its low cost of living, West Virginia may be a good place to pursue a career in this fast-growing field. [Leer en español]

Salaries for Veterinary Technicians

Veterinary technicians in West Virginia earn a median annual salary of $29,690. This is significantly less than the median annual salary for this profession nationwide, but the low overall cost of living and very low cost of housing in the state mean that West Virginia vet techs can still earn a relatively good living. Salaries are likely to be higher in larger West Virginia cities like Charleston and Huntington. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top earners in the field of veterinary technology in West Virginia may earn as much as $43,500.

Requirements for Veterinary Technicians

Veterinary technicians in West Virginia must be registered through the West Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine. Candidates must apply for registration with transcripts from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) program and passing scores from the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). Before registration can be completed, applicants will also need to take and pass the state jurisprudence exam to ensure their understanding of West Virginia law as it relates to proper veterinary practice. Registered veterinary technicians in West Virginia must renew their registration every two years by submitting proof of continuing education.

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

West Virginia currently has two schools that offer vet tech programs. Piermont Community and Technical College have full accreditation, and graduates will earn an associate of applied science degree. The veterinary technology program offered jointly through Carver Career Center and the BridgeValley Community and Technical College was originally accredited in 2009, but its accreditation is currently under probation. Graduates of this program also receive an associate of applied science degree.

Major West Virginia Veterinary Technicians Employers

As of 2014, there were approximately 300 veterinary technicians employed in the state of West Virginia. With only one city of over 51,000 people and large rural areas throughout the state, West Virginia offers work in small animal clinics and hospitals in addition to work with livestock. Some of the West Virginia facilities in need of registered vet techs include:

Professional Organizations

There is currently no active professional organization in West Virginia for veterinary technicians. Vet techs in this state who want to network with colleagues, get information about continuing education opportunities and stay up-to-date with legislative changes may want to join the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).

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Veterinary Technician Schools in West Virginia

Charleston, WV Area

Carver Career Center

4799 Midland Dr, Charleston, West Virginia 25306-6397

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

Carver Career Center’s Associate program is based at their campus in Charleston in Kanawha County. The majority of the school’s 259 students are on 2-year programs. The North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, Board of Trustees, institutionally accredited the college. The retention rate of full-time students at this college is over 80%. Tuition fees for the Vet Tech program are in the order of $7,350 yearly. Learning materials may cost about $1,743. Program completion is usually 24 months.

North Central West Virginia nonmetropolitan area Area

Pierpont Community and Technical College

1201 Locust Ave, Fairmont, West Virginia 26554

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

Pierpont Community and Technical College’s Associate-level Veterinary Technology program is taught at their campus in the town of Fairmont, WV. The majority of the school’s 2,311 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 about $4,460 and for students from outside the state in the order of $10,574 per year, while study materials may cost in the order of $1,000, depending on the program.

Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area Area

BridgeValley Community & Technical College

2001 Union Carbide Dr, South Charleston, West Virginia 25136

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

BridgeValley Community & Technical College’s Associate program is based at their campus in South Charleston in Fayette County. The majority of the school’s 2,344 students are on 2-year programs. The cost of tuition for in-state students is in the order of $4,300 and for students from outside the state in the order of $9,620 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $1,348, 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

See options in the neighboring states of PennsylvaniaOhioVirginia, and Kentucky.