How to Become a Vet Tech in Tennessee
If you wish to become a veterinary technician (vet tech) in Tennessee (TN) 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) exams if you wish to work as a vet tech in Tennessee. You will then need to obtain your license before securing employment as a veterinary technician.
Below you will find information on the top accredited schools near you in Tennessee offering vet tech programs.
Top Vet Tech Programs in Tennessee
| School | Area | Degree Level |
|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga State Community College | Chattanooga, TN | Associate of Applied Science |
| Columbia State Community College | Columbia, TN | Associate of Applied Science |
| Lincoln Memorial University | Harrogate, TN | Associate of Science |
| University of Tennessee at Martin | Martin, TN | Bachelor of Science |
| Volunteer State Community College | Gallatin, TN | Associate of Applied Science |
There are currently 5 accredited veterinary technician programs in Tennessee.
Programs are accredited by the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA).
Tennessee 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 Tennessee.
The Tennessee Board of Veterinary Medical 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: 665 Mainstream Drive, Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 800-778-4123 x5325090
Email: Lisa.Lampley@tn.gov
Website: http://tn.gov/health
Vet Tech Salary in Tennessee
| Average Vet Tech Salary | $33,130 |
|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | $15.93 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $47,250 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $20,600 |
| #'s Employed | 1,680 |
According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2017) the average veterinary technician salary in Tennessee is $33,130 – 5% below the national average of $34,710.
This equals an hourly wage of $15.93.
There are currently 1,680 persons employed as veterinary technicians in Tennessee.
Tennessee Vet Tech Careers by Metro Area
If a career as a veterinary technician in Tennessee 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 Tennessee.
| Metro Area | Average Salary | Top 10% | Bottom 10% | # Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga, TN | $31,730 | $40,060 | $26,110 | 60 |
| Clarksville, TN | $27,260 | $38,790 | $17,230 | 70 |
| Johnson City, TN | $29,830 | $44,990 | $19,820 | 80 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN | $27,560 | $37,300 | $20,240 | 110 |
| Knoxville, TN | $38,680 | $51,910 | $23,800 | 110 |
| Memphis, TN | $34,430 | $50,290 | $23,880 | 120 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $36,950 | $49,520 | $24,320 | 840 |
Vet Tech Related Careers Tennessee
Is vet tech a good career in Tennessee? How does vet tech fair as a career by comparison to other career options in Tennessee? 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 Tennessee.
| Vet Careers, TN | Salary | # Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Tech | $33,130 | 1,680 |
| Veterinarian | $88,130 | 1,560 |
| Vet Assistant | $24,410 | 2,620 |
Related Health Professions
The table below compares the average veterinary technician salary and employment in Tennessee with salary levels for related healthcare careers in the state.
| Related Careers, TN | Salary | # Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Tech | $33,130 | 1,680 |
| Medical Assistants | $31,490 | 13,640 |
| Nursing Assistants | $25,090 | 29,600 |
| Dental Assistants | $36,090 | 5,800 |
| X Ray Tech | $58,710 | 1,440 |
| Ultrasound Tech | $62,660 | 1,630 |