How to Become a Veterinary Technician in New York

Veterinary Technician Job Description

When people try to describe the role of a veterinary technician it is frequently compared to the role of a nurse.

Actually, their job is to assist the veterinarian in surgery, administer medications or anesthesia, take x-rays, perform dental and laboratory procedures, keep records, restrain animals from small to large, and participate in client education and practice management, the same that a nurse does in a hospital or a clinic, with the only difference in patients.

Accredited New York Veterinary Technology Programs

Having in mind the fact that vet techs must be licensed in New York to practice in the state, we suggest that you select only those accredited programs.

This means that the program has to earn the accreditation by the main accrediting body and that is the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA), which operates through the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA).

To become licensed, students must attend a CVTEA-accredited program or one approved by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) or the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA).

The educational opportunities for future vet tech students are numerous being that the state of New York has eleven schools offering CVTEA-accredited vet tech programs.

There are seven programs offered through the State University of New York (SUNY) system:

• Alfred State College of Technology
• Canton State University of New York
• Delhi State University of New York
• Genesee Community College
• Suffolk County Community College
• Ulster County Community College
• Westchester Community College

Alfred State College of Technology in Alfred, NY boasts a two-year program for people who want to reach an associate of applied science (AAS) degree in veterinary technology.

Some of the courses in this program are animal science; anatomy and physiology of animals; animal healthcare; farm animal management; radiography; principles of microbiology; anesthesia and surgical nursing; and more.

Canton State University at New York also offers an associate degree in applied science (AAS) for vet techs after which you can apply for the licensure or transfer into a four-year bachelor of science in veterinary technology or bachelor of technology in veterinary services management programs.

Delhi State University of New York is another SUNY system university that offers a two-year program.

If you are among those who are eager to earn an associate of applied science (AAS) degree in veterinary technology at this fully accredited college you should know that you will learn the theory and principles behind veterinary science, and gain hands-on experience with animals.

The classes are provided by veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians with great experience in the field.

After the completion of the AAS, students can transfer into Delhi’s BS in veterinary technology program.

Genesee Community College features an AAS degree in veterinary technology that can be completed in two years’ time.

As a part of the curriculum, you will have to pass three externships and several labs for hands-on training.

After attending courses such as small animal pathology and nursing; large animal pathology and nursing; veterinary radiology and dentistry; etc, you can either get the license to work as a vet tech or move on to a four-year program available at other SUNY institutions.

Suffolk County Community College is also offering students an associate degree in applied science (AAS) in veterinary technology at the Brentwood, NY campus.

Graduates will be eligible to sit for the VTNE and New York State Education Department licensure procedures once they complete their training.

The whole program lasts two years and students are required to complete two 120-hour clinical internships to meet the 240-hour requirement.

Ulster County Community College offers an AAS degree through the program that consists of 64 credits.

Besides having courses such as veterinary clinical calculations; chemistry for the health sciences; veterinary medical terminology; and many more, students attend a six-day Farm Camp at SUNY Delhi as well as a two-day Research Animal Technology Camp at the same location.

Last, but not least is Westchester Community College whose program requires two years of full-time study and practice.

This is a 69-credit program during which students must complete two senior lab experiences and two veterinary technology internships.

Medaille College features an associate of applied science (AAS) degree at their Rochester campus and AS/BS degrees at their Buffalo campus.

The great thing is that its AAS degree has recently gained accreditation for the online program.

It consists of 72 credits and takes 2.5 years to complete on-campus, and two years to complete online.

Requirements to Become a Licensed Veterinary Technician in New York

Step 1: Graduate from a program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or a program registered by the New York State Education Department.

Step 2: Pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) offered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).

Step 3: Apply for New York State licensure or a limited permit that must be obtained if you want to practice as a veterinary technician in New York.

Aspiring veterinary professionals must complete the application, submit $177, and send their test scores.

Job Prospects and Veterinary Technicians’ Average Annual Salary in New York

Just like all over the USA, a bright future expects people interested in attending vet tech schools in New York (NY).

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2019), New York is one of the top-employing states for vet techs in the country and at the same time, the top-paying on.

There are 4,810 vet techs currently working and the number of open positions is expected to increase in the years to come.

Upon graduation and licensure, veterinary technicians and technologists can expect to earn an average salary of $35,560 annually.

Regional Salary in New York

Veterinary Technicians by State