Veterinary and Animal Health Technologies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
This program is designed for students seeking specialized training in the technical and scientific aspects of animal health care, focusing on the practical application of veterinary technologies in clinical and laboratory settings. It prepares learners for hands-on roles in animal health systems, emphasizing diagnostic support, medical equipment operation, and animal welfare protocols.
- Animal Health Diagnostics: Techniques and tools used to identify diseases and health conditions in animals through laboratory testing, imaging, and clinical evaluation.
- Veterinary Laboratory Technologies: Procedures and instrumentation involved in sample analysis, pathology testing, and microbiological assessment in animal health laboratories.
- Medical Equipment Operation and Maintenance: Training in the use, calibration, and upkeep of specialized equipment such as ultrasound machines, endoscopes, and surgical tools in veterinary environments.
- Animal Handling and Restraint Techniques: Practical methods for safely managing animals during examinations, treatments, and procedures to ensure both animal and technician safety.
- Medical Recordkeeping and Data Management: Systems for organizing and maintaining accurate, compliant patient records, including digital health platforms and regulatory documentation.
- Pharmacology and Medication Administration: Understanding of veterinary drugs, dosage calculations, routes of administration, and safe handling practices in animal care settings.
- Preventive Health and Zoonotic Disease Control: Strategies for disease prevention, vaccination protocols, and measures to mitigate risks of animal-to-human disease transmission.
Veterinary and Animal Health Technologies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Veterinary and Animal Health Technologies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Veterinary and Animal Health Technologies degrees, including Veterinary Technologists and Technicians and Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 245,510 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians 29-2056 | $45,980 | $32,120 - $60,880 | 131,320 | $22.11 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers 31-9096 | $37,320 | $29,160 - $48,150 | 114,190 | $17.94 |
Veterinary and Animal Health Technologies Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $29,600 in Louisiana to $51,335 in Washington—a 73% difference. The highest-paying states include Washington, New York, and California. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 245,510 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Veterinary and Animal Health Technologies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 3 institutions offering Veterinary and Animal Health Technologies programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Veterinary and Animal Health Technologies is found at Valley College, Cleveland (21 graduates), Blue Ridge Community and Technical College (3 graduates), and Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 25 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valley College |
Associate's
|
21 | Cleveland, Ohio | Private | valley.edu |
| Blue Ridge Community and Technical College |
Associate's
|
3 | Martinsburg, West Virginia | Public | blueridgectc.edu |
| Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Harrogate, Tennessee | Private | lmunet.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Veterinary and Animal Health Technologies programs
How much can I earn with a Veterinary and Animal Health Technologies degree?
Salaries for Veterinary and Animal Health Technologies graduates vary by role and location. Veterinary Technologists and Technicians earn a median of $45,980 annually, while Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers earn around $37,320. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Washington average $51,335 compared to $29,600 in Louisiana. Approximately 245,510 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Veterinary and Animal Health Technologies programs?
Currently 3 accredited institutions offer Veterinary and Animal Health Technologies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Valley College, Cleveland (21 graduates), Blue Ridge Community and Technical College (3 graduates), and Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) (1 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Veterinary and Animal Health Technologies degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Veterinary Technologists and Technicians, Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers, . Related occupations employ approximately 245,510 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Related Agriculture Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Agriculture field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Agricultural and Veterinary Science
Any instructional program in agricultural, animal, plant, or veterinary science and related fields not listed above.
Agricultural Business and Management
A general program that focuses on modern business and economic principles involved in the organization, operation, and management of agricultural enterprises.
Agribusiness Operations
A program that prepares individuals to manage agricultural businesses and agriculturally related operations within diversified corporations. Includes instruction in agriculture, agricultural specialization, business...
Agricultural Economics
A program that focuses on the application of economics to the analysis of resource allocation, productivity, investment, and trends in the agricultural sector,...
Farm and Ranch Management
A program that prepares individuals to manage farms, ranches, and similar enterprises. Includes instruction in applicable agricultural specialization, business management, accounting, taxation, capitalization,...
Agricultural Supplies Retailing and Wholesaling
A program that prepares individuals to sell agricultural products and supplies, provide support services to agricultural enterprises, and purchase and market agricultural products....