How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Tennessee

The field of veterinary technology is highly critical to the functioning of any veterinary practice. The area is also held to a very high standard. All aspiring individuals wishing to pursue a career in it must fulfill specific educational requirements before starting.

The same is true for Tennessee as it is for other states.

To that end, we look below at the steps involved in becoming a veterinary technician in Tennessee. We also examine possible certification and licensing requirements, along with the top programs in the state, before providing an overview of the potential salary that an aspiring veterinary technician in Tennessee can look forward to during their career.

Steps to Become a Veterinary Technician in Tennessee

The following is a straightforward pathway to becoming a veterinary technician in Tennessee.

Complete an accredited training program.

One of the most critical steps in becoming a veterinary technician in most states is to complete a training program that the AVMA accredits. In Tennessee, accreditation is essential because it leads to professional licensure. Luckily, the state has many training programs that fulfill this requirement. We take a look at some of them below.

Pass the veterinary technician national examination.

The veterinary technician national examination tests aspiring veterinary technicians in 11 areas of proficiency, including pharmacology and laboratory procedures. Candidates must secure a passing score of 425 to practice professionally in Tennessee.

Become licensed and secure employment.

After passing the VTNE, the next step in becoming a veterinary technician in Tennessee is to obtain a license from the state board and send employment applications. We discuss more on the licensure and certification requirements below.

State Licensure & Certification Requirements

In Tennessee, licensure is a must for veterinary technicians and is carried out by the Tennessee Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. The board asks for the following requirements before a license can be given.

• Candidates must pass the VTNE and send in their results.
• Candidates must send in a notarized application.
• Candidate must send in the application fee.
• Candidates must send in two passport-style photographs and proof of their United States or Canadian citizenship.
• Candidates must send in the official transcripts from an accredited program.
• Candidates must pass a criminal background check.

Top Veterinary Technician Schools in Tennessee

The following are some notable veterinary technician training programs in Tennessee for interested individuals in the state to consider.

Notable Mentions

Other notable destinations for high-quality veterinary technician training in Tennessee include Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, the University of Tennessee-Martin in Martin, and Vol State Community College in Gallatin.

Candidates looking for an online accredited option may consider the training programs at Colby Community College and Purdue University.

Choose nearby states for the same career:

• Veterinary Technician Schools in Alabama

Salary and Career Outlook

The annual average salary for veterinary technicians in Tennessee is $29,971. Technicians in the top 10% of salary earners take home around $41,096, while those in the bottom 10% take home around $21,858.

The following are the highest-paying cities for veterinary technicians in Tennessee:

• Nashville — $35,477 annual average salary,
• Franklin — $33,578 yearly average wage,
• Memphis — $31,982 average annual wage,
• Piperton — $30,769 average yearly salary,
• Murfreesboro — $30,733 average annual wage.

Consider exploring nearby states with comparable salaries:

• Veterinary Technician salary and job outlook in North Carolina