Learn how to help animals remain healthy and happy. Strive to strengthen the human-animal bond.
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100%
Employed
100% of our recent graduates got a job in the industry.
93%
Student Satisfaction
93% of our recent graduates report they are satisfied with their Madison College education.
92%
Job Placement
92% job placement within six months of graduation.

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Veterinary Technician
Program Number: 100911
Your Degree:
Associate Degree
Area of Study:
Science, Math and Natural Resources
Delivery Method:
Some Online/Some In Person
Estimated Time to Complete:
64 Credits | Finish degree in 2 years
financial aid icon Financial Aid Available
transfer icon Program Transfers
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What You'll Pay
Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your tuition costs.
Estimated Program Cost
$11,714.87
Financial Aid
Applying for financial aid and scholarships help you pay for your education.
  • Program Overview

    ​​Get the skills and learn procedures to improve the health and well-being of veterinary patients.

    Madison College offers two paths to becoming a Veterinary Technician. Students working as veterinary assistants can learn semi-remotely as "Satellite" students.

    Satellite students are employed as veterinary assistants working an average of 20 hours per week in a veterinary clinic. Hands-on skills are completed during select face-to-face labs, while theory is completed 100% online. For more details contact the Program Director or the School of Health Sciences.

    Madison College's Veterinary Technician Program has been accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) since 1974. Visit the AVMA's website to learn more about essential veterinary technician skills students learn in our program.

    Common Veterinary Technician Duties

    • Collect samples and perform diagnostic laboratory tests
    • Administer and monitor anesthesia
    • Apply and maintain bandages
    • Place intravenous catheters​
    • Client education and communication
    • Perform dental procedures and oral radiographs
    • Radiography, EKG and other diagnostic tests
    • Perform physical examinations, gather medical histories, draw blood and take vital signs
    • Provide emergency first aid
    • Prepare and assist with surgery
    • Animal pharmaceutical training
    • Animal nursing care

    After graduation, pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam to become a certified veterinary technician.

    Program Requirements

    You must demonstrate the ability to meet the essential functions of the Veterinary Technician program.

    Transfer Credit

    The Veterinary Technician program only accepts transfer credit for the 091 courses from other AVMA accredited programs/schools. Course syllabi and AVMA Essential Skills covered in those courses need to be provided to the Veterinary Technician Program Director for evaluation and consideration of transferability.

    Following successful completion of this associates degree, students may complete a Bachelors of Animal Science at either UW River Falls or UW Platteville in two additional years.

    Program Details

    12 credits of core program courses available each semester.

    Veterinary Technician classes are offered at the Madison College Truax campus.

    Careers

    Earning your Associate Degree in Applied Science program at Madison Area Technical College prepares you for valuable work as a Veterinary Technician or Laboratory Animal Technician.

    Veterinary Technologists and Technicians are some of the fastest growing occupations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 21% job growth from 2022 to 2032.

    Technicians are usually employed by:

    • Small/companion services
    • Large animal/equine facilities
    • Mixed animal or exotic animal practices
    • Humane societies
    • Research environments

    With additional education and/or work experience, graduates may find employment as:

    • Hospital Managers
    • Facility Managers
    • Pet Food Company Representative
    • Drug Company Representative

    Learn about other veterinary technician opportunities.

    Resources

    Accreditation

    Madison College's veterinary technician program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities.
     

  • Curriculum and Experience

    Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2025-2026 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.

    Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:

    • Progress toward your specific requirements
    • Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements

    If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.

    Pre-Program Courses
    10-806-105
    4 credits
    First Semester
    10-091-107
    2 credits
    10-091-140
    3 credits
    10-091-170
    2 credits
    10-091-171
    3 credits
    Second Semester
    10-091-108
    2 credits
    10-091-109
    2 credits
    10-091-123
    2 credits
    10-091-172
    3 credits
    10-801-195
    3 credits
    Third Semester
    10-091-127
    3 credits
    10-091-128
    2 credits
    10-091-153
    3 credits
    10-801-196
    3 credits
    Fourth Semester
    10-091-110
    2 credits
    10-091-152
    3 credits
    10-809-197
    3 credits
    10-809-199
    3 credits
  • Admission

    To Apply

    Students need to complete the petition process to get into core-program classes for this program. Before submitting an application, it’s important to review the Petition Process webpage which also includes estimated wait times for each program.

    • View the admission requirements for application deadlines, materials, and requirements
       
    • There is currently 0-1 year between acceptance into pre-program and the start of core classes. The estimated time to enter the core program is subject to change based on the variable number of students ready to petition each semester.
       
    • During the course of the program, you must demonstrate the ability to perform these essential functions safely, reliably and efficiently within the scope of practice. If you need accommodations to help you perform these functions, contact our Disability Resource Services office.
       
    • Learn more about the Madison College experience and get help with the admissions process

    After Acceptance

    Once you have been accepted in a pre-program status, your next step is to complete the Petition Requirements. See the Petition information in the next section.    

    Additional Notes

    Students are required to meet the current admission and petition requirements. Requirements are subject to change based on updates to accreditation requirements or Madison College program assessment data.

    Questions?

    Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.

    apply for admission

    Get Started!

    Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Veterinary Technician career.

    It's Free to Apply

  • Petition

    After Admission (Petition Requirements)

    Run a Degree Progress Report to confirm which pre-program requirements are satisfied/not satisfied and specific ways to satisfy requirements.

    Complete the Petition Requirements for Veterinary Technician. Courses must be completed with a grade of C or better. A grade of C- will not be accepted.

    Mandatory workshop in BlackBoard

    Prerequisites:

    • Algebra (testing, college coursework or bachelor’s degree in a related biological science) 
    • Chemistry (high school or college coursework)
    • English and Reading (testing, college coursework or bachelor’s degree)

    Course Requirement: 

    • Principles of Animal Biology 

    Petitioning

    This program petitions for entry into the following term:

    • Fall - Petition window opens on April 1

    Review the Petition Process for details on how and when to petition.

    After Petitioning

    If awarded a seat, you will receive instructions regarding the below required items. If you do not complete the required items, it may result in losing your seat and starting the application process from the beginning. 

    A background check is not required for entry into the Veterinary Technician program. However, convictions of crimes or pending charges may be grounds for denial of license if the circumstances of the conviction or charge are related to professional practice. Contact the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection for more information at 608-224-4353 or email at datcpVEB@wi.gov

    • Complete the Veterinary Sciences Job Shadow Form
    • Consult your physician:
    • Attend a mandatory Advising and Registration session. Students awarded a seat in the core program will receive additional information on these sessions.
    • Enroll in core program courses. Students who are awarded a seat are expected to start the core program courses for the awarded term. Students who choose not to begin the core program courses or are not able to begin core program courses may be discontinued from pre-program status.

    Questions?

    Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.

  • Transfer Opportunities

    UW System Schools

    The terms of the B.S in Human Services Leadership agreement are limited to students who complete selective A.A.S degrees and are admitted to the Human Services Leadership at UW-Oshkosh. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
    10 UW-Platteville transfer students will be guaranteed seats in the Madison College Vet Tech freshmen class. Outlines transfer credit.
    Outlines two-way transfer pathway between programs.

    Wisconsin Private Schools

    This program-to-program articulation agreement between Carroll University and Madison College allows students to transfer to Carroll University after completing the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S). Veterinary Technician, are guaranteed admission to Carroll University and into the Bachelor of Science in Animal Behavior program. This agreement is to include Veterinary Technician students that have graduated as of Fall 2021 and after.
    Students with an AA, AS or AAS are Advanced Core. Advanced Core requires students to have earned at least 60 credits. Students transferring prior to completion or with less than 60 credits are standard core and credits are evaluated course by course.
    Student who earn an Associate Degree from Madison College can transfer a minimum of 60 credits and a maximum of 72 credits to Lakeland College to be applied to the requirements of the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Sciences degree.
    Completion of an A.A.S. Degree at Madison College after 2015, and meeting admission requirements for the Rader School of Business (RSOB) at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) can earn a B.B.A degree in Technical Sales at MSOE.

    Out-of-State Schools

    Students who complete any associate degree at Madison Area Technical College will have no additional general education core curriculum requirements to meet but must satisfy the Kirkpatrick Signature Series requirement.
    Per the agreement, students must complete the associates of arts, associates of science or associates of applied science with an overall GPA of a 2.0 prior to transferring.
    Students graduating with an associate degree from MATC with a 2.0 GPA or higher are guaranteed admissions into CSU-Global and can transfer up to 64 semester credits from MATC to be applied toward earning a Bachelor’s Degree at CSU-Global.
    Franklin University will guarantee acceptance of Madison College graduates with an AA, AS, or AAS. Madison College graduates will have junior standing at Franklin University and may transfer up to 94 additional credits toward their baccalaureate degree.
    This agreement provides students who have earned an Associate in Applied Science in Veterinary Technician (AAS-VT) the opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology (BSVT) at MU.
  • Career Outcomes

    Madison College Veterinary Technician Program prepares graduates for entry level veterinary technician positions.  Our mission is to provide accessible, high-quality, learning experiences in the field of Veterinary Medicine to improve animal and human health. 

    • Participate in facility management utilizing traditional and electronic media and appropriate Veterinary Medical Terminology and abbreviations.
    • Communicate in a professional manner in all formats, written, oral, nonverbal and electronic.
    • Read and follow protocols and procedures accurately and within time constraints.
    • Work as a team member demonstrating initiative, and applying time and stress management techniques.
    • Identify and manage stressful and emotional work situations.
    • Follow and uphold applicable laws and the veterinary technology profession’s ethical code to provide high quality care to patients.
    • Safely and effectively administer prescribed drugs to patients, and accurately dispense and explain drugs to clients.
    • Demonstrate and perform patient assessment techniques, husbandry, nutrition, therapeutic and dentistry techniques in a variety of animal species (including laboratory animal species, companion animals and food animals).
    • Safely and effectively manage patients in all phases of anesthetic procedures, as well as safely and effectively select, utilize and maintain anesthetic delivery and monitoring instruments and equipment.
    • Demonstrate and integrate all aspects of patient management for common surgical procedures in a variety of animal species.
    • Properly package, handle and store specimens for laboratory analysis, properly carry out analysis of laboratory specimens. (Blood, urine, feces, tissues, skin scrapes, discharge, body fluids)
    • Safely and effectively produce diagnostic images.

    Veterinary Technician National Exam Scores

    January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2024

    1. The three-year pass rate (based on a September 1 to September 1 reporting year) on the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE):  75.2% pass rate for first time test takers (National average is 6.8%).
    2. The number of first-time candidates that have taken the VTNE, for the corresponding time frame as the reported VTNE pass rate: 117 first time test takers.

     

    • Graduate Summary

      Graduate Report Summary Overview

      202220232024
      Number of Program Graduates295642
      Number of Surveys Sent295642
      Number of Surveys Returned144021
      Percent of Surveys Returned
      Available for Employment143816
      Percent Available for Employment100.0%95.0%76.2%
      Not in Labor Market
      Percent Not in Labor Market0.0%5.0%9.5%
      Available for Employment

      202220232024
      Graduates Employed143715
      Percent of Graduates Employed100.0%97.4%93.8%
      Employed in Related Occupation123515
      Percent Employed in Related Occupation85.7%94.6%100.0%
      Employed in Unrelated Occupation220
      Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation14.3%5.4%0.0%
      Employed - No Response000
      Percent Employed - No Response0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Seeking Employment011
      Percent Seeking Employment0.0%2.6%6.3%
      Reaction To Training at Madison College

      202220232024
      Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4)3.23.53.2
      Number of Satisfaction Responses144018
      Very Satisfied (4)4185
      Percent Very Satisfied28.6%45.0%27.8%
      Satisfied (3)92212
      Percent Satisfied64.3%55.0%66.7%
      Unsatisfied (2)101
      Percent Unsatisfied7.1%0.0%5.6%
      Very Unsatisfied (1)
      Percent Very Unsatisfied0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Primary Reason for Attending Madison College

      202220232024
      Number of Primary Reason Responses144018
      Preparation for Getting a Job
      Percent Preparation for Getting a Job
      Career Change
      Percent Career Change
      Improvement of Existing Skills
      Percent Improvement of Existing Skills
      Preparation for Further Education
      Percent Preparation for Further Education
      Personal Interest
      Percent Personal Interest
      Other
      Percent Other0.0%0.0%0.0%
      When Employment was Obtained

      202220232024
      Number of When Employment Obtained Responses143715
      Before Enrollment4155
      Percent Before Enrollment28.6%40.5%33.3%
      While Attending the College5137
      Percent While Attending the College35.7%35.1%46.7%
      After Training at the College593
      Percent After Training at the College35.7%24.3%20.0%
      Location of Employment (related and unrelated)

      202220232024
      Number of Employment Location Responses143718
      In College District102512
      Percent In College District71.4%67.6%66.7%
      In Wisconsin, Not in District383
      Percent of In Wisconsin21.4%21.6%16.7%
      Outside of Wisconsin110
      Percent Outside Wisconsin7.1%2.7%0.0%
      Employer Location Unknown033
      Percent Location Unknown0.0%8.1%16.7%
      Salary Trend
      Salary Trend202220232024
      Full Time Employment (Related Job)Full Time Salary Count93112
      Average Monthly Wage$3,140$3,382$3,737
      Average Hourly Wage$18.26$19.66$21.73
      Average Work Hours per Week39.640.540.4
      Part Time Employment (Related Job)Part Time Salary Count113
      Average Hourly Wage$19.00$17.00$20.50
      Average Work Hours per Week29.030.021.3
    • Graduate Employers

      Graduate Employers for academic year: 2024
      Employer(s)Job TitleCity*State**Positions
      Baraboo Valley Veterinary ClinicCertified Veterinary TechnicianBaraboo
      Brodhead Veterinary Medical CenterVeterinary TechnicianBrodhead
      Companion Animal HospitalCertified Veterinary Technician
      Country Hills Animal HealthCertified Veterinary TechnicianEden
      Dept of Veterans AffairsCertified Veterinary Technician
      Healthy Pet Veterinary ClinicVeterinary Technician
      Johnson Creek Veterinary CareCertified Veterinary TechnicianJohnson Creek
      Kronenwetter Veterinary CareCertified Veterinary TechnicianMosinee
      Lodi Veterinary HospitalCertified Veterinary TechnicianLodi
      Progressive Veterinary SvicesCertified Veterinary TechnicianWisconsin Rapids
      Truesdell Animal Care HospitalCertified Veterinary Technician
      UW - Madison School of Veterinary MedicineVeterinary Technician
      UW Madison's Veterinary Teaching HospitalVeterinary Nurse
      Village Animal ClinicVeterinary TechnicianOregon
      Wisconsin Community Veterinary CenterSpecial Surgery Dental Assistant

      * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.

      ** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.

      *** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu

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Contact the School of Health Sciences

Madison Truax Campus
Health Building, 300

1705 Hoffman Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53704

healthsciences@madisoncollege.edu
608.616.1250

Hours

  • Monday – Thursday: 8 am - 4 pm
  • Friday: 8 am - 12 pm (Help by phone or email)