Veterinary Technician Schools in Arizona

In Arizona, veterinary technicians perform several critical duties in a veterinary practice, such as helping with specific clinical procedures and alleviating the burden of treating patients from being entirely on the veterinarians.

In turn, they are rewarded with an impressive salary, constant demand, and, most importantly, an opportunity to grow and improve themselves through continuing education.

To get started as a veterinary technician in Arizona, interested individuals must follow specific steps to make the journey much more straightforward. We discuss in detail all of these steps below, along with certification requirements, top programs in the state, and possible salary, among others.

How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Arizona

The steps to becoming a veterinary technician in Arizona are as follows:

Educational requirements

In Arizona, the educational requirements to become a veterinary technician include the basic education requirements at the high school level and the actual veterinary technician training at the post-secondary level. For the basic academic needs, candidates are expected to have graduated from high school with a focus on subjects such as anatomy, biology, and chemistry. Those who have yet to graduate from high school may provide their GED results as a replacement.

Veterinary technician training

For the actual veterinary technician training, aspiring vet techs in Arizona are expected to attend a training program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities. This makes licensure and career growth a lot easier.

The Veterinary Technician National examination

The Veterinary Technician National Association is a nationwide exam for all veterinary technicians. This examination is mandated in most states and is offered by the American Association of Veterinary State Board (AAVSB).

Consider exploring careers with similar paths:

• How to Become a Veterinary Assistant in Arizona

Top Veterinary Technician Schools in Arizona

Five accredited veterinary technician programs in Arizona can be completed on campus. One other accredited program in the state is predominantly online. We take a look at these below.

State Licensure and Certification Requirements

Arizona’s state body responsible for licensure and certification is the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association. All aspiring veterinary technicians must apply for a a certificate through the board by providing proof of graduation from an accredited program and sending their VTNE scores.

Applicants must also submit their resume, give proof of their US citizenship, and provide three character references. The board also organizes a state exam that costs $150 to apply and is offered thrice a year.

Finally, after receiving their certification from the board, candidates must also renew it every 2 years by completing 10 hours of continuing education.

Learn about licensing and certification in neighboring states:

• Learn about Vet Tech certification in California

Salary and Career Outlook

Veterinary technicians in Arizona earn an annual average salary of $34,379. This value can be significantly influenced by location, among other factors. Currently, the highest-paying cities for vet tech in Arizona include:

• Prescott — $39,524 annual average salary,
• Mesa — $36,059 average yearly salary,
• Scottsdale — $35,807 average yearly salary,
• Peoria — $35,309 average yearly salary,
• Flagstaff — $35,171 average yearly salary.

Veterinary technicians in Phoenix and Tucson earn an annual average salary of $34,717 and $32,266, respectively.