Browse below to learn how to become a veterinary technician (vet tech) in Missouri (MO) including advice on top schools, certification and licensing requirements, salaries and employment data.
Steps to become a Veterinary Technician in Missouri
If you wish to become a vet tech in Missouri it is a requirement that you have graduated from an accredited vet technician program.
Once you have graduated from an accredited program you will need to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) exams – which are administered by the American Association of Veterinary – if you wish to work as a vet tech in Missouri. As a final step you will need to obtain your license before securing employment as a veterinary technician.
Accredited Vet Tech Schools in Missouri
| School | Area | Degree Level |
|---|---|---|
| Crowder College | Neosho, MO | Associate of Applied Science |
| Jefferson College | Hillsboro, MO | Associate of Applied Science |
| Maple Woods Community College | Kansas City, MO | Associate of Applied Science |
| Midwest Institute | Fenton, MO | Associate of Occupational Science |
| The Vet Tech Institute at Hickey College | St. Louis, MO | Specialized Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology |
There are currently 5 accredited vet tech schools in Missouri.
Schools and programs are accredited by the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA).
Missouri Vet Tech License
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 Missouri.
The Missouri Veterinary Medical Board can provide more specific information on all the necessary certification and licensing requirements. You can contact them directly using the contact details below:
Email: vets@pr.mo.gov
Website: http://pr.mo.gov/
Vet Tech Salary Missouri
| Average Vet Tech Salary in MO | $34,840 |
| Hourly Wage | $16.75 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $49,610 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $22,570 |
| #'s Employed | 1,700 |
According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2017) the average veterinary technician salary in Missouri is $34,840 – just above the national average of $34,710.
This equals an hourly wage of $16.75.
There are currently 1,700 persons employed as veterinary technicians in Missouri.
Missouri Vet Tech by Metro Area
If a career as a veterinary technician in Missouri 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 Missouri.
| Metro Area | Average Salary | Top 10% | Bottom 10% | # Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia, MO | $31,640 | $45,490 | $19,310 | 170 |
| Jefferson City, MO | $29,530 | $39,830 | $21,350 | 30 |
| Springfield, MO | $28,110 | $35,230 | $21,150 | 120 |
| St. Joseph, MO | $34,260 | $52,260 | $19,380 | 40 |
| St. Louis, MO | $35,050 | $48,330 | $24,490 | 1,060 |
Missouri Vet Tech Career Comparisons
Is vet tech a good career in Missouri? How does vet tech fair as a career by comparison to other career options in Missouri? For answers to these questions see the tables below for career comparisons.
Veterinary Professions
The first table compares salary and employment data between veterinary technicians and veterinarians and veterinary assistants in Missouri.
| Vet Careers in MO | Salary | # Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Tech | $34,840 | 1,700 |
| Veterinarian | $96,250 | 1,560 |
| Vet Assistant | $24,680 | 2,070 |
Other Healthcare Professions
The table below compares average veterinary technician salary and employment in Missouri with salary levels for related healthcare careers in the state.
| Related Careers in MO | Salary | # Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Tech | $34,840 | 1,700 |
| Nursing Assistants | $25,360 | 40,190 |
| Medical Assistants | $31,370 | 9,780 |
| Dental Assistants | $36,900 | 5,530 |
| X Ray Tech | $62,300 | 590 |
| Ultrasound Tech | $71,730 | 1,330 |