Tucson offers some of the top veterinary technician programs in Arizona for those looking to enter this rewarding career working alongside veterinarians and caring for animals. This guide provides an overview of accredited vet tech programs available in Tucson, admissions requirements, course offerings, career outlook and more to help you take the first steps toward an exciting future in veterinary medicine.
About Veterinary Technicians
Veterinary technicians provide critical support to veterinarians in animal hospitals, clinics, shelters and research facilities. As skilled paraprofessionals, their duties involve performing medical tests, treating injuries and illnesses in animals, monitoring patients, and assisting with surgeries under a veterinarian’s supervision.
Vet techs require specialized postsecondary training focused on the care of domestic, exotic and laboratory animals. They must be knowledgeable in areas such as animal anatomy, nutrition, patient restraint, lab procedures, imaging, medication calculations and front office operations. Excellent communication skills are also essential when interfacing with pet owners and discussing cases.
The job outlook for vet techs is extremely positive, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 16% growth in the profession over the next decade, much faster than average. Excellent opportunities exist for certified vet technicians to find employment in Tucson and surrounding areas working in clinics, emergency hospitals, shelters, labs and more. This is an occupation that pays off with the reward of helping our furry, feathered and scaled companions lead healthier lives!
Top Veterinary Technician Programs in Tucson, AZ
Here is a list of the best vet tech programs in Tucson based on accreditation, experience, variety of specializations offered and reputation amongst graduates entering the workforce.
Pima Community College – Animal Health Technician AAS
Pima Community College offers an intensive two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree to prepare students for a career as an animal health technician working alongside veterinarians. Key highlights of the program include:
- Accredited by American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
- Combination of classroom instruction and clinical experience
- Faculty with decades of professional veterinary experience
- On-campus veterinary simulation center to develop hands-on skills
- Externships at local veterinary clinics & hospitals
- Strong record of graduates passing Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) licensure test
The Animal Health Technician program is available at several Pima CC campuses across Tucson. Students have the chance to care for dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, reptiles and even potbellied pigs as part of their clinical training!
Pima’s vet tech students truly appreciate the caring, supportive faculty guiding them through an intense curriculum designed to prepare graduates for professional success following certification.
Carrington College – Veterinary Technology AAS
Carrington College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology spanning 88 weeks both on-campus in Tucson and online. The program combines general education with rigorous specialized instruction. Courses focus on:
- Veterinary pharmacology
- Clinical pathology
- Anesthetic, surgical and radiographic procedures
- Veterinary anatomy & physiology
Students develop hands-on skills during clinical rotations held on campus and at local veterinary clinics. Carrington’s Tucson campus includes a simulated veterinary hospital with kennels, surgical suites, dentistry, laboratory and radiology facilities for practical training with animal patients.
The program culminates in 250 hours of clinical experience during an externship. Carrington College has established relationships with dozens of veterinary facilities, shelters and zoos in Tucson that regularly host vet tech interns.
Following completion, students take the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) for state certification, with high first-time pass rates from Carrington graduates.
Pima Medical Institute – Veterinary Technician
Pima Medical Institute is a dedicated medical career college with a campus conveniently located in Tucson, AZ. Their veterinary technician associate degree program takes 21 months to complete combining classroom time with hands-on labs.
Key program details:
- Accredited by the AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA)
- Small classes for individualized attention
- On-site veterinary clinic for clinical experience
- Opportunity to develop skills handling dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, reptiles and birds
- Partnerships with local practices to arrange externships
- Certifications in veterinary assisting, animal CPR and office skills
Pima Medical Institute helps graduates prepare for careers in specialty fields like surgery, internal medicine, emergency medicine and intensive care in clinical settings or research. Their CVTEA accreditation demonstrates a proven ability to equip students with veterinary technology competencies vital for professional success.
Important Factors in Selecting a Veterinary Technician Program
Prospective vet tech students have several quality programs to choose from in the Tucson area. Here are key considerations as you weigh options:
Accreditation
Verify the program is accredited by American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA). These rigorous standards ensure students graduate with essential skills. Attending an accredited program will also make certification and licensing easier.
Variety of Specializations
Look for opportunities to develop experience with dogs, cats, exotic species, livestock, lab animals and wildlife to expand your capabilities working with different veterinarians. Diverse clinical settings focused on surgery, emergency medicine, intensive care, internal medicine and general practice are a plus.
Hands-on Training
Evaluate the types of labs, facilities and equipment accessible on-campus and off-site to perform common vet tech duties. Using models and simulations helps cement understanding. Complementary animal nursing skills certifications expand hands-on expertise.
Externships & Career Help
An externship practicing alongside credentialed vet techs and veterinarians is invaluable preparation for a smooth transition to working in animal health. Also assess career guidance helping graduates seek jobs or continue education.
Flexibility
If needing to balance other commitments while training, consider hybrid and online vet tech programs offering greater flexibility while still thoroughly covering critical skills.
Faculty Qualifications
The best indicator of quality instruction is an experienced teaching staff actively working or recently retired from veterinary clinical settings conveying practical knowledge.
Licensure Exam Pass Rates
Success on the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) is required for credentialing in Arizona. Programs publishing a solid first-time pass percentage indicate effective preparation for this vital exam.
By weighing these key factors, you can find the ideal fit providing a springboard toward an exciting vet tech career in Tucson!
Veterinary Technician Career Outlook in Tucson, AZ
The job outlook for veterinary technicians in Tucson and greater Arizona remains very positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of vet techs nationally is projected to grow 15% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than average across all occupations. This high growth is fueled by expansion of advanced specialty practices as pet owners increasingly seek quality care for companions. An aging baby boomer population also continues spending generously on involved medical services, pharmaceuticals and insurance for pets.
Major employers of credentialed vet techs in the Tucson metro include:
- Veterinary clinics & animal hospitals
- Emergency and specialty veterinary facilities
- Animal shelters & humane societies
- Pet stores
- Zoos & wildlife rehabilitation centers
- Veterinary supply & pharmaceutical companies
- Research laboratories
The average salary for veterinary technicians and technologists in Tucson is $37,550 per year according to the BLS, which is on par with counterparts nationally. Those working in clinical settings generally earn salaries 10-15% higher than vet techs based in research labs or government.
With Tucson providing plentiful employment choices for newly credentialed vet techs, graduates from local programs enjoy strong prospects finding positions aligned with personal interests working with animals.
Licensing and Certification for Veterinary Technicians
All states require vet techs to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) to practice. In Arizona, certification is overseen by the State Veterinary Medical Examining Board who issues registered veterinary technician (RVT) credentials following VTNE completion. Maintaining RVT status involves meeting continuing education requirements through approved courses.
Two predominant national organizations also offer voluntary certification vet techs may pursue to cement expertise:
National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA): Indicates mastery of various competencies via Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) programs in specialty areas like dentistry, nutrition and anesthesia administered by accredited academies.
American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB): Confers the title of Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) through credentialing focused on clinical nursing skills. CVT requires proof of ongoing continuing education.
Joining state and national vet tech associations provides excellent networking, career development and continuing education opportunities. Active membership indicates commitment to the profession and boosts job prospects.
Transferring Credits to Continue Your Veterinary Education
Several options exist for credentialed vet techs in Tucson seeking to advance into clinical or research roles via further education. Credits from an associate degree program may transfer toward pursuing:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Technology: Expands clinical, research, management and computer/technology capabilities
- Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science or Zoology: Broadens knowledge of animal genetics, reproduction, nutrition, physiology and housing for positions in farming, zoos, breeding facilities, shelters or wildlife parks
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine: Grants vet licensure for diagnosing conditions, performing surgery, prescribing medications and treating diseases across animal species
Vet tech training equips you with numerous possibilities to grow professionally helping animals enjoy longer, higher quality lives. Allow your passion to guide you toward a fulfilling career path improving animal health!