Get started toward your new career today and learn how to become a veterinary technician (vet tech) in Georgia (GA).
Below you will find information on the top accredited vet tech schools and programs near you in Georgia, as well as information on certification and licensing requirements, and income and employment potential.
How to become a Veterinary Technician in Georgia
If you wish to become a vet tech in Georgia it is a requirement that you have graduated from an accredited vet tech school.
Once you have graduated from an accredited school you will need to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) certification exams if you wish to work as a vet tech in Georgia. As a final step, you will need to obtain your license before securing employment as a veterinary technician.
Best Vet Tech Schools in GA for 2023
| School | Area | Learn More |
|---|---|---|
| Ashworth College | Online | Program Page |
| Athens Technical College | Athens, GA | Program Page |
| Fort Valley State University | Fort Valley, GA | Program Page |
| Gwinnett Technical College | Lawrenceville, GA | Program Page |
| Ogeechee Technical College | Statesboro, GA | Program Page |
| Southern Regional Technical College | Thomasville, GA | Program Page |
There are currently 6 accredited vet tech programs in Georgia including one fully online option. All programs award an Associate of Applied Science degree.
Programs are accredited by the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA).
Georgia 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 Georgia.
The Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine can provide more specific information on all the necessary certification and licensing requirements. You can contact them directly using the contact details below:
Address: 237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, GA 31217
Phone: 478-207-2440
Email: PLB-Healthcare2@sos.ga.gov
Website: http://www.sos.state.ga.us/plb/veterinary
Vet Tech Salary Georgia
| Average Vet Tech Salary | $31,340 |
| Hourly Wage | $15.07 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $45,580 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $20,200 |
| #'s Employed | 2,940 |
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2017) the average veterinary technician salary in Georgia is $31,340 – 10% below the national average of $34,710.
This equals an hourly wage of $15.07.
There are currently 2,940 persons employed as veterinary technicians in Georgia.
Georgia Vet Tech Employment and Salaries by Metro Area
If a career as a veterinary technician in Georgia 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 Georgia.
| Metro Area | Average Salary | Top 10% | Bottom 10% | # Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany, GA | $29,150 | $52,750 | $17,230 | 80 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | $29,330 | $38,270 | $21,140 | 170 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $31,400 | $44,180 | $20,070 | 1,710 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA | $31,460 | $42,590 | $20,660 | 220 |
| Gainesville, GA | $30,820 | $40,060 | $19,380 | 60 |
| Macon, GA | $31,190 | $40,200 | $21,320 | 30 |
| Savannah, GA | $36,490 | $55,310 | $25,600 | 110 |
| Valdosta, GA | $28,870 | $47,250 | $20,780 | - |
| Warner Robins, GA | $31,560 | $40,680 | $22,550 | 40 |
Vet Tech V’s Related Careers
The first table compares salary and employment data between veterinary technicians and veterinarians and veterinary assistants in Georgia.
| Salary | # Employed | |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Tech | $31,340 | 2,940 |
| Veterinarian | $88,050 | 1,950 |
| Vet Assistant | $25,360 | 1,620 |
The table below compares the average veterinary technician salary and employment in Georgia with salary levels for related healthcare careers in the state.
| Salary | # Employed | |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Tech | $31,340 | 2,940 |
| Nursing Assistants | $24,840 | 36,270 |
| Medical Assistants | $32,060 | 21,320 |
| Dental Assistants | $36,980 | 9,900 |
| X Ray Tech | $64,060 | 1,040 |
| Ultrasound Tech | $63,150 | 1,770 |