Browse below to learn how to become a veterinary technician (vet tech) in Rhode Island (RI) including advice on top schools, certification and licensing requirements, salaries and employment data.
Steps to become a Veterinary Technician in Rhode Island
If you wish to become a vet tech in Rhode Island it is a requirement that you have graduated from an accredited veterinary 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 Rhode Island. As a final step you will need to obtain your license before securing employment as a veterinary technician.
Accredited Vet Tech Schools in Rhode Island
| School | Area | Degree Level |
|---|---|---|
| New England Institute of Technology | East Greenwich, RI | Associate in Science |
There is currently only 1 accredited veterinary technician school in Rhode Island.
Vet tech schools are accredited by the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA).
Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island.
The Rhode Island Veterinary Technician Association 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 689, Charlestown, RI 02813
Phone: 401-323-8938
Email: cat.hollycvt@gmail.com
Vet Tech Salary in Rhode Island
| Average Vet Tech Salary, RI | $35,440 |
|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | $17.04 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $46,880 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $26,520 |
| #'s Employed | (8) - |
According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2017) the average veterinary technician salary in Rhode Island is $35,440 – 2% above the national average of $34,710.
This represents an hourly wage of $17.04.
Vet Tech Careers by Metro Area in Rhode Island
If a career as a veterinary technician in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island.
| Metro Area | Average Salary | Top 10% | Bottom 10% | # Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence, RI | $36,190 | $47,600 | $26,580 | 520 |
Vet Tech Related Careers Comparison in Rhode Island
The first table compares salary and employment data between veterinary technicians and veterinarians and veterinary assistants in Rhode Island.
| Salary | # Employed | |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Tech | $35,440 | - |
| Veterinarian | $118,650 | - |
| Vet Assistant | - |
The table below compares average veterinary technician salary and employment in Rhode Island with salary levels for related healthcare careers in the state.
| Salary | # Employed | |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Tech | $35,440 | - |
| Medical Assistants | $35,110 | 2,410 |
| Nursing Assistants | $30,540 | 9,950 |
| Dental Assistants | $41,490 | 860 |
| X Ray Tech | $75,130 | 170 |
| Ultrasound Tech | $79,870 | 240 |