The first step to becoming a vet tech in Richmond, VA is to earn a high school diploma or GED.
Next, enroll in a vet tech program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Community colleges or vocational schools often offer these programs.
During your studies, you will learn about animal care, pharmacology, and lab procedures.
After completing the program, gain hands-on experience through internships or volunteer work at local animal clinics or shelters.
This helps you build practical skills and connections in the field.
Once you have finished your education and gained experience, take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
Passing this exam is crucial to becoming a certified vet tech in Virginia.
To work as a vet tech in Richmond, apply for positions at veterinary clinics, hospitals, or research facilities.
Is this a job that you have always dreamed of?
Check out the vet tech schools in Richmond, VA listed below to get started.
Blue Ridge Community College
About the School
Blue Ridge Community College is a community college in Weyers Cave, Virginia.
Founded in 1967, they are a part of the Virginia Community College System, serving the cities of Harrisonburg, Staunton, and Waynesboro, and the counties of Highland, Augusta, and Rockingham.
Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), they offer an array of programs and courses.
From associate degrees in Arts and Sciences to specialized certificates in fields like healthcare, technology, and business, they cater to a broad spectrum of student interests.
They are home to several departments, such as Health Sciences, STEM, Business, and Liberal Arts, each dedicated to fostering academic growth and professional development.
They provide comprehensive learning experiences, supported by a dedicated faculty committed to student success.
Courses Offered
The Veterinary Technology Program provides a solid foundation in veterinary technology.
It teaches the necessary information, skills, and techniques to help students pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam and be capable veterinary healthcare professionals.
It offers two enrollment options:
- An On-Campus Program, which is a full-time program that can be completed in two years
- A Distance Education Program, which is a part-time program that can be completed in three years
The Required Courses for the On-Campus Program include the following:
First Summer
- Veterinary Medical Terminology and Calculations
First Fall
- Introduction to Animal Science
- Introduction to Veterinary Technology
- Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals
First Spring
- Laboratory Techniques I
- Clinical Practices I
- Animal Pharmacology
Second Summer
- Coordinated Practice in Veterinary Technology
Second Fall
- Applied Veterinary Surgical Nursing
- Laboratory Techniques II
- Advanced Clinical Practices III
- Companion Animal Behavior
Second Spring
- Animal Diseases and Microbiology
- Introduction to Laboratory, Zoo and Wildlife Medicine
- Topics In: Introduction to Laboratory, Zoo and Wildlife Medicine Lab
- Advanced Clinical Practices IV
- Veterinary Hospital Management
The full program requires 72 total credit hours.
Graduates are eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam.
Address: 1 College Lane, Weyers Cave, Virginia, 24486-0080
Northern Virginia Community College
About the School
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) is a public community college founded in 1965.
As the largest educational institution in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the third-largest multi-campus community college in the country, they have six campuses and four centers and serve as a pillar of higher education in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), they maintain an exceptional standard of education across a wide range of programs.
They offer over 160 academic degrees and certificates and cater to diverse student interests and career paths, including Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, Health Sciences, Business, and Liberal Arts.
They are committed to accessibility, affordability, and excellence in education and want to empower students with the knowledge and skills essential for success in a global society.
Courses Offered
The Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology Program teaches the latest techniques and skills needed to pursue a career as a veterinary technician and other related positions in the animal healthcare field.
It is designed to provide students with a comprehensive knowledge base through hands-on training.
The curriculum covers five semesters and features the following core courses:
1st Semester
- Introduction to Veterinary Technology
- Animal Breeds and Behavior
- Clinical Practices I
- Animal Diseases I
2nd Semester
- Clinical Pathology I
- Anesthesia of Domestic Animals
- Animal Dentistry
- Animal Pharmacology
- Introduction to Laboratory, Zoo, and Wildlife Medicine
3rd Semester
- Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication
- Humanities/Fine Arts Elective
- Social/Behavioral Sciences Elective
4th Semester
- Clinical Practices II
- Clinical Pathology II
- Animal Diseases II
- Advanced Clinical Practices III
5th Semester
- Clinical Pathology III
- Animal Hospital Management and Client Relations
- Coordinated Internship: A Preceptorship in Veterinary Technology
The program requires 68 total credits.
Career opportunities for graduates include vet clinics, animal hospitals, research labs, and other animal care settings.
Address: 21200 Campus Drive, Sterling, Virginia, 20164-8699
Tidewater Community College
About the School
Tidewater Community College is a public higher education institution in southeastern Virginia.
Founded in 1968, they provide accessible education and community enrichment that meet the diverse needs of their student body and the region they serve.
From associate degrees in arts, sciences, and applied sciences to certificates and workforce development initiatives, they foster an environment that promotes both academic excellence and practical skill acquisition.
Their mission is to provide high-quality, affordable education and foster student success.
They value diversity, equity, and integrity, and strive to create an environment where all students can thrive.
They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Courses Offered
The Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology Program prepares students for a career as a licensed veterinary technician.
It covers a wide range of topics, including advanced nursing care, laboratory diagnostics, anesthesiology, radiography, surgical nursing, dentistry, and client communication.
It is designed for those who are currently employed as veterinary assistants and work at least 20 hours a week.
Classes are held twice a week and include 3 to 4 all-day laboratory sessions per semester.
Accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the program takes six semesters to complete and features the following courses:
Semester 1
- Principle of Public Speaking
- Veterinary Office Assisting
- Animal Breeds and Behavior
Semester 2
- Introduction to Veterinary Technology
- Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals
Semester 3
- Laboratory Techniques I
- Animal Pharmacology
Semester 4
- Clinical Practices I
- Anesthesia of Domestic Animals
- Animal Diseases I
Semester 5
- Clinical Practices II
- Animal Diseases II
- Laboratory Techniques II
Semester 6
- Introduction to Laboratory, Zoo, and Wildlife Medicine
- Advanced Clinical Practices III
- Coordinated Internship in Veterinary Technology
The full program requires a minimum of 63 credits.
Upon successful completion, graduates may take the Veterinary Technical National Exam to obtain their credentials.
Address: 121 College Place, Norfolk, Virginia, 23510
Veterinary Technician Schools by City in Virginia
