Before you read any of this, you need to understand that every online vet tech school is different. The answers you find here are general guidelines that are mostly accurate according to the research I’ve done on different programs. However, none of this is set in stone as the absolute final word on what your online vet tech program is going to be like! Make sure to research the particulars for each school you are interested in.

Click here for a list of AVMA-accredited vet tech distance learning programs.

Q. How do I become a veterinary technician online? Do I have to be working a vet’s office?

Online vet tech programs use a combination of web-based classes, didactic testing, and clinical mentorships to prepare you for a career as a veterinary technician. Web-based courses can be done from the comfort of your own home and are comparable to the typical lecture classes you’d be taking at any other school. These web classes require you to pass tests on the material as well, which must be given by an approved examination proctor (more on this below). Once the web-based portion of your classes are completed, you move on to a clinical mentorship, which requires you to work hands-on under the supervision of a vet or credentialed vet tech.

Q. How long does it take to become a veterinary technician online?

The whole point of distance learning is to provide flexibility to students who cannot commit full-time schooling. Although online vet tech programs do have deadlines, you are working at your own pace for the most part. If you’d like to complete the degree requirements at full-time student speed, it should take you no more than 2 years. Most online vet tech students CAN’T commit to that type of time schedule. If you are taking 3-4 credit hours online per semester, it would take you 5 years to complete the degree at that pace. For your own personal calculations, most online vet tech programs require about 70-75 credit hours.

Q. How much studying will my online veterinary technician degree require?

Obviously, everybody learns differently. Keep in mind that veterinary technician coursework can be difficult. A strong emphasis on science and math means you should spend at least 3 hours studying for every 1 credit hour you take. So if a certain course is 1 credit hour, you should spend 3 hours each week studying the material. If you fall behind this is going to catch up with you quickly, so make sure to stay on top of your studies.

Continue to Become A Vet Tech Online Pt. II