Students who complete an associate’s degree in veterinary technology qualify themselves to work with animals in a veterinarian office. The degree is likely to include instruction in veterinary medicine, animal biology, giving x-rays and anesthesia to animals, and caring for animals in office or laboratory settings. Employment for veterinary techs is projected to increase over the next several years.
For our list of the top 20 affordable accredited veterinary technology associate’s degrees, we started with a list of over 75 programs with a tuition of $8000 or less (based on tuition reported on collegenavigator.gov). The best programs were then ranked according to the quality of the programs (based on graduation rate and student: teacher ratio, reported on collegenavigator.gov). Vet tech degree online programs are rare, but several of these programs are partially online vet tech degree programs, and are denoted as such.
The top 20 affordable accredited veterinary technology associate’s degree programs are:
- Carver Career and Technical Education Center
- Ogeechee Technical College
- Foothill College
- Eastern Florida State College
- Athens Technical College
- Crowder College
- Eastern Wyoming College
- Central Carolina Community College
- Gateway Technical College
- Genesee Community College
- Owensboro Community and Technical College
- Hinds Community College
- Mt. San Antonio College
- Colorado Mountain College
- Bellingham Technical College
- Jefferson College
- Middlesex Community College
- Miami Dade College
- Black Hawk College
- Pierpont Community and Technical College
20. Pierpont Community and Technical College
Fairmont, West Virginia
Veterinary Technology Associate in Applied Science
The veterinary technology associate’s degree program at Pierpont is an affordable option for those looking to work as an assistant to a veterinarian. The 74-credit curriculum includes 15 general education credits and 58 program-specific credits. The program prepares students to work in all aspects of animal health, disease and welfare. Graduates will be prepared to become vital and contributing members of a veterinary health care team.
Tuition: $6,709
19. Black Hawk College
Moline, Illinois
Veterinary Technology Associate in Applied Science
Black Hawk College’s agricultural department offers an affordable associate’s degree in veterinary technology. The program prepares students to perform veterinary procedures under the supervision of a veterinarian in either a clinic or a hospital setting. The two-year program requires a minimum of 80 credits and includes clinical internships. The curriculum includes courses in small and large animal care, as well as in the care of exotic animals.
Tuition: $6,206
18. Miami Dade College
Miami, Florida
Veterinary Technology Associate in Science
website
At Miami Dade College, students can earn a partially online vet tech associate’s degree for an affordable price. This flexible, two-year program, as noted above, offers some courses online. The 73-credit curriculum includes 400 hours of real on-the-job experience. Graduates will be able to perform a wide array of medical tests and procedures in a number of clinical settings with small, large, and exotic animals.
Tuition: $4,947
17. Middlesex Community College
Meriden, Connecticut
Veterinary Technology Associate in Science
Middlesex Community College offers a highly affordable associate’s degree in veterinary technology. The 2-year, full-time, cohort-based program requires 68 credits of study. The program has strong community partnerships with Pieper Memorial Veterinary Hospital and Yale University, as well as with area farms. These partnerships provide hands-on training with small and large animals, laboratories, and radiology. The selective admission program also includes a supervised internship.
Tuition: $4,872
16. Jefferson College
Hillsboro, Missouri
Veterinary Technology Associate in Applied Science
The veterinary technology program at Jefferson College is one of only 4 vet tech programs in the state. This affordable associate’s degree combines general education courses with extensive coursework in science and animal health theory, designed to prepare graduates for successful careers. The campus houses a large animal facility so that students can earn hands-on experience. Acceptance is limited for this 74-credit program.
Tuition: $7,366
15. Bellingham Technical College
Bellingham, Washington
Veterinary Technician Associate in Applied Science
Bellingham Technical College offers an affordable vet tech associate’s degree. This program requires 145 credits, which includes clinical work experience. BTU’s vet tech degree is long standing and has a good reputation throughout the community. Students will be able to take advantage of extensive hands-on experience, both on campus and off campus through various field trips.
Tuition: $6,787
14. Colorado Mountain College
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Veterinary Technology Associate in Applied Science
The vet tech associate’s degree program is an exciting option for those looking at vet tech programs that will help them become veterinary technicians. This affordable program is set on a 220 acre facility filled with animals. The campus also houses outdoor pens, work areas, and a science lab. The school’s 2,600 square foot animal hospital is designed by veterinarians to approximate a working veterinary hospital. This highly competitive program boasts of a 100% pass rate on graduates’ licensure exams.
Tuition: $5,975
13. Mt. San Antonio College
Walnut, California
Registered Veterinary Technology Associate of Science
Mt. San Antonio College’s degree program is an affordable option for earning an AS in veterinary technology. This 52 credit program can be completed in less than two years, and offers both day and evening classes. Almost every course provides hands-on experience, designed to give students a combination of practical and technical skills. The campus houses a 26,000 square foot agricultural building with an animal hospital, as well as a 150 acre working farm, allowing for students to learn in a variety of real life situations.
Tuition: $4,387
12. Hinds Community College
Raymond, Mississippi
Veterinary Technology Associate in Applied Science
Hinds Community College offers an affordable AAS degree in veterinary technology as part of the school’s Agriculture Department. This two-year, 68-credit program accepts new students each fall. The program prepares students for careers in small, large, and mixed animal practice in the areas of research, education, animal rehab or rescue centers, and zoological parks. Graduates are eligible for licensure as certified veterinary technicians.
Tuition: $3,775
11. Owensboro Community and Technical College
Owensboro, Kentucky
Veterinary Technology Associate in Applied Science 
website
Owensboro Community and Technical College offers an AAS veterinary technology that can be completed in just 16 months. This affordable, 70-credit program includes clinical practicums, giving the students hands-on experience. The curriculum includes anatomy and physiology, microbiology, clinical techniques, pharmacology, anesthesiology, surgical nursing, and radiology. Graduates are eligible to take all exams needed for licensure.
Tuition: $7,148
10. Genesee Community College
Batavia, New York
Veterinary Technology Associate in Applied Science
At Genesee Community College, students can earn their AAS in veterinary technology while taking advantage of the program’s small class size and selective curriculum. This affordable program is made up of 70 credits and takes two years to complete. During the course of study, students will participate in 3 externships with hands-on training alongside licensed veterinarians and vet techs. Graduates will be prepared for work in private practices, as well as in zoos, shelters, wildlife facilities, or research labs.
Tuition: $5,991
9. Gateway Technical College
Kenosha, Wisconsin
Veterinary Technician Associate Degree
Gateway Technical College offers a solid and affordable associate’s program in veterinary technology that can be completed in two years. The 66-credit program offers three entry points per year, and includes 4 clinical placements. Students will benefit from expert instructors, as well as from the opportunity to work on campus with animals from local shelters. Graduates will be ready to provide many kinds of medical care to animals, as well as to pass all necessary exams.
Tuition: $7,257
8. Central Carolina Community College
Sanford, North Carolina
Veterinary Medical Technology Associate in Applied Science
Central Carolina Community College’s AAS program in veterinary technology is a two-year, 71-credit program. Classes are offered every weekday, and students can take advantage of the state-of-the-art facilities and the live animals on site. The departmental instructors are leaders in the veterinary community. Students will graduate ready for employment in veterinary clinics; diagnostic, research, or pharmaceutical labs; zoos; or academic institutions.
Tuition: $6,429
7. Eastern Wyoming College
Torrington, Wyoming
Veterinary Technology Associate of Applied Science
At Eastern Wyoming College, students can take advantage of the exciting and affordable vet tech AAS program. The department has an active veterinary technology club, and students can participate in dog washes, vaccination clinics, and touring wildlife centers. The program takes 4-5 semesters to complete and includes many hands-on opportunities, including access to the wide variety of animals on campus.
Tuition: $5,845
6. Crowder College
Neosho, Missouri
Veterinary Technology Associate in Applied Science
Crowder College offers an exciting and affordable AAS program in veterinary technology. Accepting only 18 students per year, the 78-credit-hour program includes 320 hours of internships. On campus, students will take advantage of several barns with corrals, over 300 acres of farmland, an outdoor dog kennel, and an indoor small animal kennel. Additionally, the Agricultural Science Center lab offers hands-on experience with surgery, x-ray, and field technology. Graduates of the program have a 100% employment placement rate.
Tuition: $5,111
5. Athens Technical College
Athens, Georgia
Veterinary Technology Associate of Applied Science
The veterinary technology AAS program at Athens Technical College is an affordable option that takes two years to complete. This 80-credit program provides instruction in essential concepts and skills defined by the AVMA education committee. Students will graduate prepared to be entry-level veterinary technicians in clinical positions in an area of veterinary medicine.
Tuition: $5,782
4. Eastern Florida State College
Cocoa, Florida
Veterinary Nursing Associate in Science
Eastern Florida State College offers an affordable veterinary nursing AS program, previously known as veterinary technology. This limited-access program takes two years to complete, and includes hands-on clinical practice. The 73-credit curriculum combines relevant general education courses and veterinary technician training courses. The sequential courses will prepare students for all necessary exams and certifications so that they can immediately enter the field.
Tuition: $3,512
3. Foothill College
Los Altos Hills, California
Veterinary Technology Associate in Science
Foothill College offers a competitive, affordable vet tech degree online, or partially online. It is one of only 7 accredited programs in the state of California. The two-year program begins each July, and accepts only 35 students. The curriculum prepares students for the unique set of skills necessary, and includes extensive hands-on training. All of the professors are either current or retired VTs or veterinarians, and many of the courses are conveniently offered online, making this a good option for someone who wants to earn a partially online vet tech associate’s degree.
Tuition: $6,662
2. Ogeechee Technical College
Statesboro, Georgia
Veterinary Technology Associate of Applied Science
The vet tech associate’s degree program at Ogeechee Technical is a very affordable option. The 80-credit program is a sequence of courses designed to prepare students for careers in the Veterinary Technology field. The curriculum is delivered in accordance with the AVMA’s guidelines for education. Students will graduate with the skills needed to support companion, equine and food animal practice, biomedical research, and other veterinary medical activities.
Tuition: $1,328
1. Carver Career and Technical Education Center
Charleston, West Virginia
Veterinary Technology Associate of Applied Science
CCTEC offers our top Vet Tech associate’s degree. This affordable program can be completed in under two years when studying full time. The Vet Tech degree program is joined with Bridge Valley Community and Technical College, so students can take advantage of all that both schools have to offer. While completing the required 62 credits, students will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed, as well as clinical experience in local veterinary hospitals. Graduates will be eligible to sit for all of the required exams to earn licensure.
Tuition: $4,198
Related Resources:
- Top 10 Dual Enrollment Programs Online
- Top 10 Highest Paying Associates Degrees
- 20 Best Online Colleges for Associate’s Degree
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- 16 States with Free College Tuition
- Top 20 Affordable Online Associate Degree Programs
