Online Veterinary Degree Programs

Online veterinary degree programs are ideal for animal lovers who wish to work as a veterinarian, veterinary technician, or veterinary assistant.

Veterinary medicine is defined as a branch of science which deals with the application of surgical, medical, dental, diagnostic and therapeutic principles to pets, as well as domestic animals, wildlife and livestock. To work in veterinary careers as a veterinary technician, or veterinary assistant, you must have at least an associate degree. With a four-year degree or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) you would perform more sophisticated diagnosis and treatment of animals. A pre-veterinary medicine degree is intended for students who plan to join a four year college or veterinary school to earn their DVM at accredited veterinarian schools. Typical veterinary careers are available in animal clinics, pet shops, veterinary hospitals, zoos, and animal grooming.

Locate Veterinary Technician and Veterinary Assistant Programs in your area

Search for Online Veterinary Degree Programs

Selected Campus and Online Programs

Argosy University

• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Veterinary Technology

• Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology
• Bachelor Degree in Veterinary Technology

Globe University

• Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology
• Bachelor Degree in Veterinary Technology

Penn Foster Career School

• Associate Degree in Veterinary Technician

• Veterinary Assistant

• Veterinary Assistant

All accredited veterinary medicine schools require students to have both theoretical and hands-on practical experience with small and large animals in a veterinary teaching hospital or clinic in their training and in most cases an internship may also be required. Typical veterinary courses may include:

• Animal anatomy and physiology
• Animal biology
• Animal nutrition
• Veterinary microbiology
• Parasitology
• Veterinary reproduction
• Veterinary pharmacology
• Veterinary office management
• Zoology
• Systemic physiology

Veterinary Careers

Veterinary technicians must be skilled and knowledgeable in order to perform work that can be both physically and emotionally demanding. Veterinary assistant responsibilities include dealing with pet owners, injured, ill, or unwanted animals. Most graduates of veterinary science degree programs and animal care work with companion pets for example dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, rabbits, ferrets, etc. Others work with larger non-domestic animals like reptiles, horses, pigs, goats, cattle, and sheep.

• Vaccinations
• Preparing tissue samples
• Blood samples
• X-rays
• Urinalysis
• Dental work
• Obtaining medical histories from pet owners
• Assisting the veterinarian with medical and diagnostic equipment

Trends in Veterinary Science

Figures by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) reports that there are 74 million dogs, 88 million cats, and 142 million freshwater fish owned in the United States. Americans also spend almost $10 billion a year on veterinary care according to the APPMA. The National Pet Owner's Survey reports that about 63% of American households have at least one pet. Veterinary technologists professional tasks include performing routine laboratory and clinical procedures under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian or DVM. These figures have an impact on both campus and online Online veterinary degree programs.

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth

Employment for veterinarians include zoological medicine, private clinical practice, aquatic animal medicine, specialization with a certificate from the board, teaching and research, public health, military, animal shelter medicine, wildlife management, and aerospace medicine. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that veterinary technologists and technician careers will grow by 41% by 2016, including those who have an online veterinary degree. Veterinary technologists earn around $13.00 an hour with the top 10% earning about $18.00. The BLS also reports that veterinary technician and technologists earn about $29,000 year. Online veterinary degree programs and biology degree programs.