Veterinary Technology Information

A Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) is a graduate of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program who has passed both the national Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) and applicable state licensing exams.

LVTs possess a broad range of technical and clinical knowledge and can work in many areas of the veterinary profession. LVTs may continue their education by earning a bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology or by becoming specialized in a particular area of the field through a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential.

Licensed Veterinary Technicians perform clinical and technical duties, including:

• Performing physical examinations

• Conducting diagnostic tests, including:

  • Blood work

  • Radiographs

  • Urinalysis

  • Cytology

  • Fecal floats

• Performing and monitoring anesthesia (induction, maintenance, and recovery)

• Filling prescriptions

• Assisting in surgical procedures

• Administering medical treatments, including:

  • Intravenous fluids

  • Medications

  • Nutritional support

• Performing dental procedures

• Assisting in emergencies and medical codes

• Supporting client communication

• Advocating for patient care

Note: LVTs cannot diagnose, prognose, prescribe medications, or perform surgery.

As of January 2025, the average hourly pay for a veterinary technician in Texas is approximately $20 per hour.

• Average starting salary: $35,000–$45,000

• Salary increases with experience and additional education or certifications

• Pay varies by field, with research facilities and specialty hospitals typically offering higher compensation

Veterinary technicians may work in a variety of settings, including:

• Private practice

• Specialty practices

• Zoos and exotic animal facilities

• Wildlife preserves

• Research institutions

• Military

• Pharmaceutical sales

• Academia

• Reproduction and breeding programs

• Clinical pathology and laboratory settings

And more.

Blinn College offers both traditional and hybrid pathways to earning an Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology.

• Two-year Traditional Program or three-year Hybrid Program

• 60 credit hours total

• Accredited by the AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA)

• Graduates are eligible to sit for national and state licensure examinations

Traditional Track

• Two-year program

• Lectures held in person

• Laboratories held in person, three to five days per week

• Intended for traditional college students

Hybrid Track

• Three-year program

• Lectures are synchronous and online

• Laboratories held in person once or twice per month

• Intended for experienced veterinary assistants

• Students must work at least 30 hours per week (required)

• Primary campus location: Texas A&M Teaching Hospital

• Students are required to purchase a Texas A&M parking permit

Laboratory experiences also utilize the following locations:

• Bryan Animal Center

• Texas A&M Comparative Medicine Program

• Texas A&M Veterinary Medicine Park

• Texas A&M Small and Large Animal Departments

• Winnie Carter Wildlife Center

• Additional locations as needed, including field trips

Reliable transportation is required.

Students must complete all prerequisite coursework with a grade of C or better:

Prerequisites

• BIOL 1406

• ENGL 1301

• MATH 1314 or MATH 1324

Recommended Co-Requisites

• BIOL 2420

• SPCH 1318

• PHIL 2306

Students must also complete 80 hours of supervised clinical experience.

Competitive applications typically include:

• Strong GPA

• Veterinary experience

• Work experience

• Professional certificates

• Strong letters of recommendation

• Extracurricular activities

The application includes a written essay.

• Applications open January 16

• Applicants interview with the Program Director and Clinical Coordinator

• Each fall cohort includes:

  • 16 students in the Traditional Program

  • 8 students in the Hybrid Program

Can I transfer prerequisite or co-requisite courses?
Yes. Official transcripts must be sent directly to Blinn College for evaluation and approval.

Can veterinary technology courses be transferred?
Only courses that do not include hands-on essential skills (such as Medical Terminology, Pharmaceutical Calculations, and Anatomy).

Can I test out of courses?
No.

Do hours worked as a Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA) count toward the experience requirement?
Yes, provided the hours are signed off by a DVM or LVT.

How challenging is the interview?

• Approximately 15 minutes

• Business casual attire

• Questions focus on the applicant

When will applicants be notified of acceptance?
Typically within one month after the application deadline.

Students are required to have the following vaccinations:

• Hepatitis B

• Tetanus

• Meningococcal (if under age 22)

• Rabies*

*The rabies vaccine may be obtained through a personal healthcare provider or through Blinn College.

How do students register?
Students accepted into the program are registered by the program for all VTHT courses. Students are responsible for registering for any co-requisite courses.

What is the schedule like?
Schedules vary by semester but typically require attendance three to five days per week.

Blinn College
Division of Natural and Physical Sciences
Veterinary Technology Program

Program Leadership

• Dean: Dr. Elmer Godeny

• Program Director: Jessica Garza, LVT

Contact Information

• Email: VetTech@blinn.edu

• Phone: 979-209-7202