Vet Tech Schools and Programs in Alabama
Veterinary technicians are responsible for performing medical tests in order to diagnose illnesses and injuries in various types of animals. These professionals in the animal medical field work under the supervision of licensed veterinarians in animal hospitals and private clinics. Qualified vet techs may also use their skills in a laboratory setting and with animal rescue missions.
Alabama Veterinary Technician Schools
A variety of specialty schools in Alabama can equip students for the required licensing exam as well as prepare them with skills related to animal handling, hospital and laboratory procedures, and surgical preparation. The vet tech schools in Alabama listed below are just a few of the statewide options available for those interested in a veterinary career.
- Jefferson State Community College: The Veterinary Technology Program at Jefferson Sate is designed as a distance learning program. Classes are taught online and clinical practice takes place at veterinary hospitals in the area.
- Faulkner State Community College: Faulkner State offers more than 100 areas of study. Vet tech students participate in real-world experiences with site visits to locations such as local zoos and the State Diagnostic Laboratory.
- Local Community Colleges: For individuals who are interested in a career related to animal care, taking general courses at a local community college is a good start to a lifelong pursuit of learning. It may be possible for earned credits to be transferred to an accredited vet tech school in Alabama; more information can be obtained through a school's admissions office.
What to Expect from Alabama Vet Tech Programs
Veterinary technicians must have a love for animals and be committed to providing the best medical attention to all creatures under their care. Training at accredited institutions in Alabama will include courses in:
- Microbiology and Parasitology
- Anatomy and Physiology of Mammals
- Vet Tech Emergency and First Aid
- Animal Nutrition
Additional learning will take place during vet tech clinics, which will allow students to practice clinical tasks at a pre-approved medical site.
Alabama Veterinary Technician License Requirements
In order to obtain a license as a veterinary technician in Alabama, applicants must first complete all required classes at an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited institution and secure the appropriate diploma. An application for licensure can then be obtained from the Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, which includes a form to be signed by the dean of the institution.
Applicants will then take an AVMA approved National Licensing Examination; after successfully passing the exam and meeting all other requirements for licensure, the applicant will be granted a state license as a vet tech.
Resources for Vet Tech Schools in Alabama
Metro Areas Rated for Popularity for:
Vet Techs
Listed below are metro areas ranked by the popularity of jobs for Vet Techs relative to the population of the city. Salary data was obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
2019 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2018-28 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov
Metro Area | Jobs | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Hoover | 230 | $36,430 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley | 110 | $25,370 |
| Huntsville | 190 | $27,900 |
| Mobile | 60 | $29,700 |
| Auburn-Opelika | 180 | $35,330 |
| Decatur | 30 | $28,300 |
| Montgomery | N/A | $37,430 |
Sources:
- Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, Application for Examination and/or Licensing www.asbvme.alabama.gov/pdfs/Application_LVT_License_Website_2013.pdf
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2016, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-technologists-and-technicians.htm, accessed August 19, 2016
- Veterinary Technology Programs Accredited by the AVMA CVTEA, American Veterinary Medical Foundation www.avma.org/ProfessionalDevelopment/Education/Accreditation/Programs/Pages/vettech-programs-all-programs-list.aspx
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