How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Kentucky

Along with treating pets and providing much-needed care, veterinary technicians in Kentucky also play an educator role, teaching pet owners essential techniques to take care of their pets and develop stronger bonds with them.

To start their careers, veterinary technicians in the state must receive a rigorous form of education. They also have to fulfill a handful of requirements designed to ensure a high standard of training and proficiency.

Below, we look at all of these requirements, ensuring that aspiring veterinary technicians in Kentucky who consume this resource have every crucial piece of information they need to start their career straightforwardly.

Steps to Become a Veterinary Technician in Kentucky

Below are the critical steps involved in becoming a veterinary technician in Kentucky.

Complete Veterinary Technician Education

It would be impossible for an aspiring veterinary technician in Kentucky to carry out their duties without knowing what they are or how to go about them in the first place. Usually, the best way to acquire veterinary technician education in Kentucky is to apply for a training program.

While there are several training programs for veterinary technicians in the state, a crucial thing to consider when choosing from the field is to always go with a program that the American Veterinary Medical Association accredits.

Importance of Accreditation

Enrolling in an accredited program is essential because these programs operate at a high educational standard and provide a straightforward path to getting certified by the state board. The American Veterinary Medical Association’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) is the committee responsible for accrediting veterinary technology programs in Kentucky.

Pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination

The Veterinary Technician National Examination is a standardized exam designed to test a candidate’s skills in various areas of veterinary technology. Candidates must pass this exam to qualify for state certification.

Obtain State Certification

Lastly, after completing the above steps, the next important step in becoming a veterinary technician in Kentucky is to apply for certification from the state board. More on this below.

Consider exploring careers with similar paths:

How to Become a Veterinary Assistant in Kentucky

State Licensure & Certification Requirements

The state board responsible for veterinary technician registration in Kentucky is the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners. The board requires proof of graduation from an accredited program and a copy of VTNE results before candidates can be registered.

Applicants must also send a notarized letter from a supervising veterinarian and a $25 application fee.

Top Veterinary Technician Schools in Kentucky

Three training programs in Kentucky boast accreditation from the AVMA - CVTEA. These include Morehead State University, Murray State University, and Owensboro Community and Technical College.

Consider exploring veterinary technician schools in neighboring states:

Veterinary Technician Schools in Indiana

Salary and Career Outlook

The annual average salary for veterinary technicians in Kentucky is $29,926. This figure can get as high as $40,362 or as low as $22,189, depending on where technicians fall regarding factors such as experience and location.

The highest-paying cities for veterinary technicians in Kentucky include Hebron ($37,216), Florence ($35,989), and Owensboro ($32,696).