Veterinary technology programs on the rise

With job prospects growing for veterinary technicians, it's not surprising to also see some growth in veterinary technology programs. The demand for veterinary technicians is expected to increase 36 percent by 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. To meet this growing demand, more schools are considering adding a veterinary technician program to their existing curriculum.

“In a very informal manner, I have received two calls in the past week about schools exploring the idea,” says Sandy Sponaugle, communications director for the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. “I think this is a very positive move because of the increasing demand for credentialed veterinary technicians,” says Sponagule. “In the near future, you won't be able to take the veterinary technician national exam (VTNE) unless you have graduated from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technician program.”

In addition to inquiries, Texas A&M University-Kingsville just received the green light to pursue an animal-wildlife veterinary technology program, and Anthem College in Kansas City, Mo., recently introduced its own veterinary technology program. And with only 16 four-year schools in the nation offering a bachelor's degree in veterinary technology and a growing need for veterinary technicians, you can expect more programs to pop up.