There are many reasons to consider a career as a veterinary technician in Texas. Along with being a vital part of a veterinary team, a veterinary technician in Texas can also help with some minor clinical procedures to help care for and save the lives of animals.
Below, we look at the requirements to become a veterinary technician in Texas. First, we provide an overview of the steps involved in the process before moving on to the possible licensing and certification requirements and the state’s top veterinary technician program.
Finally, we look at the potential salary and career projection for veterinary technicians in Texas.
Steps to Become a Veterinary Technician in Texas
The following are the steps involved in becoming a veterinary assistant in Texas.
Step 1 - High School Graduation
Most journeys to become a veterinary technician in Texas begin with a high school diploma or GED. This is because training programs tend to request such credentials before admission is given.
Step 2 - Enroll in a Veterinary Technician Program
Veterinary technicians in Texas must graduate from a training program before securing employment. Most training programs offer two- to four-year programs with topics in radiology, surgical assistance, and veterinary nursing care.
Step 3 - Pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination
After graduating from a veterinary technician program, all aspiring veterinary technicians must pass a national exam known as the Veterinary Technician National Examination.
This exam tests the candidates’ knowledge of pharmacy and pharmacology, diagnostic imaging, and dentistry.
Step 4 - Apply for a License
Lastly, once they complete and pass their VTNE, aspiring veterinary technicians in Texas must apply for licensure through the Texas Board of Veterinary Examiners.
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State Licensure and Certification Requirements
Texas is one of the states that does not require veterinary technicians to acquire a license before they can start practicing. However, most people become certified anyway because it offers several advantages.
To apply for their licenses, candidates must apply to the Texas Board of Veterinary Examiners and send official transcripts from their training program. They must then pass a state-specific licensure examination before a license is issued.
Additionally, this license must be renewed annually through 10 hours of continuing education.
Top Veterinary Technician Schools in Texas
The following are some notable training programs for aspiring veterinary technicians in Texas.
Austin Community College
Austin Community College is one of the top destinations for well-rounded veterinary technology training in Texas. The American Veterinary Medical Association accredits the program, so graduates automatically qualify for the Veterinary Technician National Examinations and state certification.
The program takes around 24 months to complete and includes topics in radiology, animal assisting, surgical assistance, and more. The school has had a first-time VTNE pass rate of 88.5%.
Collin College
Located in Wylie, Texas, Collin College is another veritable destination for aspiring veterinary technicians in Texas. Also an accredited school, this program includes 60 credits and topics in parasitology, medical terminology, and veterinary pharmacology, among others.
Veterinary technicians who graduate from the school’s two-year program will leave with an associate of applied science degree in veterinary technology.
Dallas College
Dallas College, formerly Cedar Valley College, offers aspiring veterinary technicians two options for their associate of applied science in veterinary technology degree. The first option is a traditional on-campus option, while the second is a distance-learning option for web-based students.
Students must be employed at least 10 hours per week at an approved veterinary facility to qualify.
Dallas College is located in Lancaster and is accredited on an institutional level by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Lone Star College
Students can also earn an associate of applied science degree in veterinary technology at Lone Star College through a program consisting of 60 credits. Those who wish to go for a certificate may apply for the 30-credit veterinary assistant program. The school has had a first-time VTNE pass rate of 70%.
Notable Mentions
Accredited programs for aspiring veterinary technicians in Texas include McLennan Community College, Pima Medical Institute, Texas A&M University, Palo Alto College, Tyler Junior College, Vet Tech Institute of Houston, Weatherford College, and Blinn College.
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Salary and Career Outlook
Veterinary technicians in Texas earn an annual average salary of $31,203. This figure is derived from data provided by 2900 veterinary technicians in the state.
Those who fall into the top earning bracket of vet technicians in Texas take home an annual average salary that can get as high as $45,448, while those who fall into the lower brackets take home an average yearly salary of $21,423.
The highest paying city to be a veterinary technician in Texas is Arlington, with an annual average salary of $35,206, followed by Austin, with an average yearly salary of $34,336, and Dallas, with an average annual wage of $34,144.
Veterinary technicians in Houston and San Antonio earn annual average salaries of $31,318 and $31,063, respectively.
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