Whats a common requirement of all avma-cvtea accredited veterinary technician programs

Pets are important members of many families. That's why at San Juan College, we are proud to provide an online veterinary technology program. Our expert faculty will assist you in developing skills to be a proficient and friendly veterinary technician. Our graduates pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) at rates 15-20% above the national average.

San Juan College also has a veterinary assistant program that you can finish in as little as 1 year. Finally, we offer a veterinary practice management certificate that gives you the skills to successfully manage a clinic or animal hospital.

Why Study Veterinary Technology?

Veterinary technicians are essential members of a veterinary team. By studying to be a vet tech, you will learn techniques for assisting veterinarians in diagnostic imaging, surgical assisting, pharmacology, and clinical procedures. By providing quality care for your animal patients, you will strengthen the bond between animals and their human families.

Why Study Veterinary Technology at San Juan College?

High VTNE Pass Rate

To become a credentialed veterinary technician, you must pass the VTNE. San Juan College's quality instruction and responsive faculty will prepare you for this exam. Graduates are eligible for the VTNE in any state. Our graduates have had an 86.8% pass rate for 2018-2021. 

Flexible & Rigorous

Our remote vet tech program allows you to complete classes in a way that best fits your schedule and from anywhere in the world. But you will still receive a top-notch education.

Our expert faculty and staff will teach you high-level clinical skills and are always ready to connect with you. At your Off-Campus Clinical Instruction site, a licensed veterinarian will mentor you and give you hands-on experience.

In fact, San Juan College's veterinary technician program is only one of ten fully accredited online vet tech programs in the nation. Our graduates' success is proof that you will get the education that leads to a rewarding career. 

Tuition Benefits

We are proud to offer benefits to our active military and veterans and their dependent children and spouses. We offer in-state tuition rates for our classes in accordance with SB 136 (2009). We encourage you to contact the San Juan College Veteran Center to determine your benefit eligibility. 

Whats a common requirement of all avma-cvtea accredited veterinary technician programs

Full AVMA-CVTEA Accreditation

San Juan College's Veterinary Technology Associate Degree program has full accreditation with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) through their Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA).

July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2022Number of first-time candidate that have taken the VTNE 157 studentsThree-year VTNE pass percentage88.5% pass rate

Degree and Certificate Options

Veterinary Technology Associate Degree

Earn your Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in veterinary technology to assist veterinarians in improving the lives of animal patients. Full-time students can complete this program in 2 years. You should consult with an academic advisor for any course adjustments.

Veterinary Assistant Certificate

Gain the skills required to care for animals under the supervision of a veterinarian or veterinarian technician in as little as three semesters! This certificate is fully transferable to the Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology so you can continue to build on your skills.

Whats a common requirement of all avma-cvtea accredited veterinary technician programs

Veterinary Practice Management Certificate

Move up! Hospital management can be in your career path. Stay in the field that you love but from a management perspective. Learn how to successfully manage a veterinary clinic or hospital. Our certificate program graduates are prepared to become Certified Veterinary Practice Managers (CVPM) through the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA).

What Does it Take to Complete Your Veterinarian Technology Associate Degree?

Whats a common requirement of all avma-cvtea accredited veterinary technician programs

You may complete 1 to 4 courses per semester. You should expect 5 to 7 hours per week for each course—studying, completing written assignments, examinations, and practicing clinical assignments. If you are a full-time student, you can finish the degree program in 2 years. All courses are offered every semester, and you may begin the program at the start of any semester.

Clinical Requirements

If you are receiving the A.A.S. degree in veterinary technology, you will receive hands-on experience at a clinic in your area. At your Off-Campus Clinical Instruction (OCCI) site, a licensed veterinarian will oversee your clinical hours.

  • You will be responsible for finding a facility that is willing to serve as an OCCI site.
  • You will also need to have an approved companion animal (most commonly dogs and cats) for your OCCI site.
  • San Juan College offers a 3-day Fast Track Lab in Waco, Texas, as part of the tier 4 portion of the program.
  • If you cannot attend the Fast Track Labs, you will also be required to secure a food and farm animal (large animal) at an OCCI site as part of the tier 4 portion of the program.

Careers & Outcomes

Veterinary technicians and assistants can work in a variety of animal healthcare settings, including private veterinary practices, animal hospitals, equine or large animal facilities, zoo and wildlife facilities, and laboratory animal medicine.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs in this field is predicted to grow 15% from 2020 to 2030.

If you earn a certificate in veterinary practice management, you will be equipped to manage an animal clinic or hospital.

Next Steps

Request  more information, apply to San Juan College, and set up an appointment with an advisor to become a qualified vet tech through the San Juan College Veterinary Technology Program.

Request Information


Find out more about our Veterinary Technician degree and certificate programs.

Request Information

Apply to San Juan College


Get started on your Vet Tech degree or certificate program by submitting your application to San Juan College.

Apply to SJC

Schedule Advising Appointment


After attending the San Juan College online orientation, schedule a telephone advisement appointment with a program advisor

Schedule Appointment

Whats a common requirement of all avma-cvtea accredited veterinary technician programs

Stephen Wancea | Veterinary Technology

Employer: Relief Zoological Veterinary

Job Title: Zoological Veterinary Technician

Why did you choose to go to San Juan College?

"It was recommended by a teacher at a local community college. The program was known within the veterinary schooling community with a great reputation. In conjunction with the reputation, the online and flexible schedule made it an easy decision for me."

What did you do or are you doing to prepare for your career? 

"Before I obtained my degree in Veterinary Technology, I actually worked in a veterinary clinic. I made sure I could handle the daily workload, responsibilities, and obstacles the job presented. Following graduation, I was accepted to a zoological veterinary technician internship at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose, TX. Once the internship was completed, I began applying to zoological institutions."

What advice would you give to future graduates?

"I was not planning on being 35 and having to go back to college, but life determined otherwise. My advice is that interruptions or distractions in life are normal and common. Focus on the end goal, the degree and/or job, not the age at which you obtain it. Many individuals obtain degrees later in life than they had planned."

What was your fondest memory at San Juan College?

"My fondest memory was the Fast Track lab in Waco, TX, for my large animal class. I met, talked, and got to know several professors and classmates. Also, there is nothing like Mexican food for lunch after a morning of working with cattle!"

Who is responsible for accreditation of vet tech programs in the United States?

The Council on Education (COE) accredits DVM or equivalent educational programs and the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) accredits veterinary technology programs.

What does AVMA stand for?

We are AVMA | American Veterinary Medical Association.

How many accredited vet tech schools are in the US?

All 49 AVMA Accredited Veterinary Colleges | Tufts Pre-Veterinary Society.

Is Penn Foster AVMA Cvtea accredited?

Penn Foster's Vet Tech Associate Degree Program has full accreditation with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) through their Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA).