Veterinary Technology Degree (Online), AAS

Why Study Veterinary Technology?

Veterinary technicians are essential members of a veterinary team. By studying to be a vet tech, you will learn techniques for assisting veterinarians in diagnostic imaging, pharmacology, and surgical and clinical procedures. By providing quality care for your animal patients, you will strengthen the bonds between animals and their human families.

To become a vet tech, you must earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Veterinary Technology from an AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) accredited program. Upon graduating from the program, you will qualify to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). After passing, you can then apply to be a credentialed veterinary technician in your state.

Why Earn an Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology at San Juan College?

High VTNE Pass Rate

Gain the skills and knowledge you need to pass the VTNE at San Juan College. Our quality instruction and responsive faculty will give you the confidence you need to care for animals and earn your credentials.

Our veterinary technology program has an excellent track record of preparing students for this exam. Our graduates had an 84.62% pass rate for 2020-2023. Our passing rates are 15-20% above the national average for other online and on-campus programs.

Flexible & Rigorous

San Juan College's veterinary technician program is only one of 10 fully accredited online vet tech programs in the nation. Our online vet tech AAS allows you to complete classes in a way that best fits your schedule and from anywhere in the world. No matter where you are, you will receive a top-notch education, as seen by our excellent VTNE pass rate.

Our expert faculty and staff will teach you high-level clinical skills and are always ready to connect with you. At your Off-Campus Clinical Instruction site, a licensed veterinarian or credentialed veterinary technician will mentor you as you gain clinical experience with treating animals.

Affordable Option

Because of SJC's low tuition rates, the Veterinary Technology AAS is a great investment for you. You'll receive a rigorous, high-quality education that will prepare you for your career. You may also qualify to get your degree tuition-free through the NM Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships. 

Veteran Tuition Benefits

We are proud to offer benefits to our active military and veterans and their dependent children and spouses. We offer in-state tuition rates for our classes in accordance with SB 136 (2009). We encourage you to contact the San Juan College Veteran Center to determine your benefit eligibility.

What You'll Learn With an AAS in Veterinary Technology

Earn your associate degree in veterinary technology online to assist veterinarians in improving the lives of animal patients. You'll study:

• Nursing skills such as sample collection, administration of medicine, and bandaging wounds
• Diseases, treatments, and medicines
• Anesthetic and surgical assisting skills
• Diagnostic imaging
• Veterinary medical terminology, animal anatomy, and physiology
• Large animal diseases, care, and assistance
• Lab animal and small exotic animal care and procedures
• Emergency and critical care for animals

Veterinary Technology AAS Curriculum

What Does it Take to Complete Your Online Veterinary Technology Associate Degree?

The Veterinary Technology AAS is a part-time program, and you will complete one to four courses per semester. You should expect to spend five to seven hours per week for each course—studying, completing written assignments, taking examinations, and practicing clinical assignments.

All courses are offered every semester, and you may begin the program at the start of any semester.

As part of the program, you will have to complete clinical skills courses for the large, lab, and exotic species. San Juan College offers a two-day Fast Track Lab in Waco, Texas, so you travel and complete that requirement.

Clinical Requirements

As part of the associate degree in veterinary technology, you will receive hands-on experience at a clinic in your area. At your Off-Campus Clinical Instruction (OCCI) site, a licensed veterinarian will oversee your clinical hours.

• You will be responsible for finding an approved companion animal (most commonly dogs and cats) and a veterinary facility to serve as an OCCI site.
• San Juan College offers a two-day Fast Track Lab in Waco, Texas, to complete VETT 233 and VETT 235.
• If you cannot attend the Fast Track Lab, you will be required to secure a food and farm animal (large animal) at an OCCI site to complete the clinical skills for VETT 233 and VETT 235.
• View all clinical requirements. 

Transfer Options for Veterinary Technology AAS Graduates

Want to earn your bachelor's degree in veterinary technology? You will be able to transfer your SJC Veterinary Technology AAS to the University of Missouri thanks to an articulation agreement between our schools. You will enter with junior standing complete additional courses to earn your bachelor's degree.

To learn more about the transfer process, talk with one of the veterinary technology program's advisors.

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Full AVMA-CVTEA Accreditation

San Juan College's Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology program has full accreditation with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) through the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA).

VTNE Pass Percentage for July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2024

Number of first-time candidates that have taken the VTNE	124 students
Three-year VTNE pass percentage	86.29% pass rate

Careers and Outcomes

Veterinary technicians can work in a variety of animal healthcare settings, including:

• Private veterinary practices
• Animal hospitals
• Equine or large animal facilities
• Zoo and wildlife facilities
• Laboratory animal medicine

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs in this field is predicted to grow by 20% from 2021 to 2031. The large demand for vet techs means you can start a career wherever you live.

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