Browse below to learn how to become a veterinary technician (vet tech) in New Jersey (NJ) including advice on top schools and programs, certification and licensing requirements, salaries and employment data.
Browse Contents
- How to become a Veterinary Technician in New Jersey
- Vet Tech Programs in New Jersey
- New Jersey Vet Tech Certification
- How much do Vet Techs make in New Jersey?
- Employment Outlook for Vet Techs in NJ
- How does Vet Tech compare to similar careers in NJ?
How do I become a Vet Tech in NJ?
Prerequisites to become a veterinary technician differ by state. If you wish to become a vet tech in New Jersey there are essentially 3 prerequisites.
- It is a requirement that you have graduated from an accredited program.
- Having successfully graduated from an accredited program you will then be required to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) exams – which are administered by the American Association of Veterinary. The VTNE exams are compulsory if you wish to work as a vet tech in New Jersey.
- As a final step, you will need to obtain certification from the New Jersey Veterinary Technician Association (NJVTA) before securing employment as a veterinary technician.
What is the best school for Veterinary Technician in NJ?
The top vet tech schools in New Jersey are those offering programs accredited by the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA).
There are currently 2 such accredited vet tech programs in New Jersey.
| School | Area | Degree Level |
|---|---|---|
| Bergen Community College | Paramus, NJ | Associate of Applied Science |
| Camden County College | Blackwood, NJ | Associate in Animal Technology |
Where can I get a Vet Tech Certification in NJ?
Once you have successfully graduated from an accredited program and passed all necessary national examinations you will need to apply for your vet tech certification in NJ.
The New Jersey 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: P.O. Box 4297, Brick, NJ 08723
Email: info@njvta.com
Website: www.njvta.com
Vet Tech Salary New Jersey
| Average Vet Tech Salary NJ | $36,720 |
| Hourly Wage | $17.65 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $52,480 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $21,400 |
| #'s Employed | 2,880 |
According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2017) the average veterinary technician salary in New Jersey is $36,720 – 6% above the national average of $34,710.
This represents an hourly wage of $17.65.
There are currently 2,880 persons employed as veterinary technicians in New Jersey.
Employment and Salaries by Metro Area
If a career as a veterinary technician in New Jersey 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 the salary and employment levels of veterinary technicians in the main towns and cities in New Jersey.
| Metro Area | Average Salary | Hourly Wage | # Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dover-Durham, NH | $32,500 | $15.62 | 110 |
| Nashua, NH | $35,340 | $16.99 | 110 |
| Portsmouth, NH | $34,490 | $16.58 | 170 |
| Manchester, NH | $38,810 | $18.66 | 140 |
Vet Tech V’s Related Careers in NJ
The first table compares salary and employment data between veterinary technicians and veterinarians and veterinary assistants in New Jersey.
| Salary | # Employed | |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Tech | $36,720 | 2,880 |
| Veterinarian | $124,870 | 1,830 |
| Vet Assistant | $29,740 | 1,570 |
The table below compares average veterinary technician salary and employment in New Jersey with salary levels for related healthcare careers in the state.
| Salary | # Employed | |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Tech | $36,720 | 2,880 |
| Medical Assistants | $35,770 | 18,930 |
| Nursing Assistants | $29,400 | 56,660 |
| Dental Assistants | $42,440 | 10,770 |
| X Ray Tech | $80,330 | 1,040 |
| Ultrasound Tech | $75,290 | 2,640 |