How to become a Veterinary Technician in Alabama
If you wish to become a veterinary technician (vet tech) in Alabama (AL) it is a requirement that you have graduated from an accredited program.
Once you have graduated from an accredited program you will need to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) exams administered by the American Association of Veterinary. As a final step, you will need to obtain your license before securing employment as a veterinary technician in Alabama.
Below you will find information on all the top vet tech schools near you in Alabama, as well as information on certification and licensing requirements, and income and employment data.
Accredited Vet Tech Programs in Alabama
| School | Area | Degree Level | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal Alabama Community College | Bay Minette | Associate of Applied Science | |
| Jefferson State Community College | Birmingham | Associate of Applied Science |
There are currently 2 accredited veterinary technician programs in Alabama – one in Birmingham and one in Bay Minette.
Programs are accredited by the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA).
Alabama 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 Alabama.
The Alabama State 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: 8 Commerce St, Suite 910, Montgomery, AL 36130
Phone: 334-262-8068
Email: Tammy.Cargile@asbvme.alabama.gov
Website: http://www.asbvme.alabama.gov
Vet Tech Salary Alabama
| Average Vet Tech Salary | $30,940 |
| Hourly Wage | $14.88 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $43,980 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $21,850 |
| #'s Employed | 1,000 |
According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2017) the average veterinary technician salary in Alabama is $30,940 – 11% below the national average of $34,710.
This represents an hourly wage of $14.88.
There are currently 1,000 persons employed as veterinary technicians in Alabama.
Alabama Vet Tech Employment and Salaries by Metro Area
If a career as a veterinary technician in Alabama 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 Alabama.
| Metro Area | Average Salary | Hourly Wage | Top 10% | Bottom 10% | # Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn-Opelika, AL | $32,800 | $15.77 | $44,030 | $23,550 | 100 |
| Birmingham-Hoover, AL | $32,050 | $15.41 | $46,990 | $22,170 | 270 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | $27,840 | $13.38 | $37,070 | $20,440 | 50 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL | $25,250 | $12.14 | $30,250 | $21,040 | - |
| Decatur, AL | $32,550 | $15.65 | $45,960 | $24,920 | 40 |
| Dothan, AL | $35,080 | $16.87 | $47,670 | $26,860 | - |
| Huntsville, AL | $35,100 | $16.87 | $47,160 | $25,020 | - |
| Mobile, AL | $26,560 | $12.77 | $34,050 | $17,710 | 160 |
| Montgomery, AL | $35,990 | $17.30 | $47,240 | $27,720 | - |
Vet Tech V’s Related Careers
The first table compares salary and employment data between veterinary technicians and veterinarians and veterinary assistants in Alabama.
| Salary | # Employed | |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Tech | $30,940 | 1,000 |
| Veterinarian | $87,740 | 980 |
| Vet Assistant | $23,270 | 1,040 |
The table below compares the average veterinary technician salary and employment in Alabama with salary levels for related healthcare careers in the state.
| Salary | # Employed | |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Tech | $30,940 | 1,000 |
| Medical Assistant | $27,730 | 8,570 |
| Nursing Assistant | $23,050 | 23,280 |
| Dental Assistant | $33,490 | 3,270 |
| X Ray Tech | $59,150 | 510 |
| Ultrasound Tech | $55,750 | 1,130 |