Steps to become a Vet Technician in Kentucky
If you wish to become a veterinary technician (vet tech) in Kentucky (KY) it is a requirement that you have graduated from an accredited veterinary technician program there.
Once you have graduated from an accredited vet tech program you will need to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) exams administered by the American Association of Veterinary. As a final step, you will need to obtain your license before securing employment as a veterinary technician.
Browse below to learn more about the top accredited vet tech schools and related programs near you in Kentucky.
Accredited Vet Tech Programs in Kentucky
| School | Area | Degree Level |
|---|---|---|
| ??Morehead State University | Morehead, KY | Associate of Applied Science |
| Murray State University | Murray, KY | Bachelor in Science |
| Owensboro Community and Technical College | Owensboro, KY | Associate in Applied Science |
There are currently 3 accredited veterinary technician programs in Kentucky.
Programs are accredited by the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA).
Kentucky Vet Tech Licensing Requirements
Once you have successfully graduated from an accredited program and passed all necessary certification examinations you will need to apply for your veterinary technician license in Kentucky.
The Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners can provide more specific information on all the necessary certification and licensing requirements. You can contact them directly using the contact details below:
Address: PO Box 1360, Frankfort, KY 40602
Phone: 502-564-3296 ext. 230
Email: lucie.duvall@ky.gov
Website: http://bve.ky.gov/
Vet Tech Salary Kentucky
| Average Vet Tech Salary | $31,880 |
| Hourly Wage | $15.33 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $48,940 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $18,510 |
| #'s Employed | 1,380 |
According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2017) the average veterinary technician salary in Kentucky is $31,880 – 8% below the national average of $34,710.
This represents an hourly wage of $15.33.
There are currently 1,380 persons employed as veterinary technicians in Kentucky.
Kentucky Vet Tech Employment and Salaries by Metro Area
If a career as a veterinary technician in Kentucky strongly appeals to you then it is a great time to pursue your dreams. The demand for vet techs has been steadily on the increase over the last ten years and is projected to grow by 14.7% over the coming years with an additional 14,330 jobs predicted to be created in the sector between 2016 and 2024.
The table below details salary and employment levels of veterinary technicians in the main towns and cities in Kentucky.
| Metro Area | Average Salary | Top 10% | Bottom 10% | # Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | $40,370 | $55,870 | $29,970 | 490 |
| Louisville, KY | $26,790 | $38,730 | $16,960 | 470 |
Vet Tech V’s Related Careers
The first table compares salary and employment data between veterinary technicians and veterinarians and veterinary assistants in Kentucky.
| Salary | # Employed | |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Tech | $31,880 | 1,380 |
| Veterinarian | $92,010 | 940 |
| Vet Assistant | $23,970 | 1,330 |
The table below compares average veterinary technician salary and employment in Kentucky with salary levels for related healthcare careers in the state.
| Salary | # Employed | |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Tech | $31,880 | 1,380 |
| Nursing Assistants | $25,920 | 23,880 |
| Medical Assistants | $31,050 | 8,640 |
| Dental Assistants | $34,900 | 4,320 |
| X Ray Tech | $66,990 | 380 |
| Ultrasound Tech | $64,990 | 720 |