How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Minnesota

The field of veterinary technology is an exciting one. These professionals work with animals in a capacity that is almost like a veterinarian’s but with slightly fewer responsibilities.

As a candidate looking to pursue a career as a veterinary technician in Minnesota, you must know the educational and licensure requirements on your journey. It will also help if you are familiar with the top institutions offering accredited veterinary technician programs for candidates and the potential salary to expect throughout a career.

Thankfully, all of these things and more are what we explore in the guide below.

Steps to Become a Veterinary Technician in Minnesota

Below are the steps required to become a veterinary technician in Minnesota.

Step 1: Graduate from an Accredited Training Program

One of the most important steps to becoming a veterinary technician in Minnesota is to graduate from a training program. It is always important that candidates consider only training programs that are accredited by the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) (a branch of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Those who complete this step can meet the state licensure and requirements needed to complete the next steps.

Most veterinary technician training programs can be completed in 2 years and lead to an associate degree. Students learn topics such as anesthesia and clinical toxicology, among others.

Step 2: Pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination

Passing the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) is compulsory for all veterinary technicians in Minnesota. The examination is available to those who have graduated from a training program and costs $330.

Offered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB), it takes place for 3 months every year. Candidates are tested in key field areas such as emergency medicine and laboratory procedures.

Step 3: Apply for Licensure

All veterinary technicians in Minnesota must be licensed by the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA). In the next section, we discuss the conditions necessary to be licensed by the association.

Step 4: Secure Employment

Lastly, after completing the above steps, candidates may secure employment and work as full-fledged veterinary technicians. Some notable employers include Emergency Veterinary Service in Prairie, Animal Wellness Center in Maple Grove, and the University of Minnesota West Metro Equine Ambulatory Practice in Minneapolis.

Explore other careers with similar paths:

• Learn to become a veterinarian in Minnesota

Licensure and Certification Requirements

As mentioned above, all veterinary technicians in Minnesota must be licensed by the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association. To be licensed, candidates must submit proof that they have graduated from an accredited program and passed the Veterinary Technician National Examination.

They must also send in an official application.

Veterinary technicians in the state who want additional professional opportunities, networking, and continuing education resources may consider joining the Minnesota Association of Veterinary Technicians (MAVT) and the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).

Top Veterinary Technician Schools in Minnesota

Aspiring veterinary technicians in Minnesota may start their careers by attending the following training programs.

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Veterinary Technician Schools in Wisconsin

Salary & Career Outlook

A survey of professionals revealed the annual average salary of veterinary technicians in Minnesota to be around $41,810 for those who fall among the average earners; $51,359 for those who fall among the top 10% of earners; and $34,036 for those who fall among the bottom 10% earners.

As with most veterinary health fields, location plays a huge role in determining how much a veterinary technician in the state will take home at the end of every year. As it happens, Apple Valley is the highest-paying city for veterinary technicians in Minnesota, with an annual average salary of $47,324.

This is followed by Hermantown, with an annual average salary of $44,217; Plymouth, with an annual average salary of $43,093; Burnsville, with an annual average salary of $41,628; and Saint Paul, with an annual average salary of $41,456.