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Georgia Vet Tech School

By Susan Maphis, allied health world contributing writer
Published: January 4th, 2010

Education for Veterinary Technicians in Georgia

There are approximately 758 licensed Veterinary Technicians practicing within the state of Georgia (2010) making an average salary yearly of $37,000. This is about $3000 more than the national average salary for Veterinary Technicians. In the Athens-Clark County area, which has the highest concentration of Veterinary Technicians in the state, about 180 licensed technicians practice. This is the fourth highest metropolitan area with the greatest concentration of Veterinary Technicians in the United States. Positions for Veterinary Technicians are expected to rise in Georgia through the year 2016, as they are expected to do so all across the United States.

To be licensed as a Veterinary Technician in the state, one must have graduated from one of the AVMA-accredited online or campus based Georgia vet tech schools prior to taking the VTNE. This requires at the minimum, an Associate's degree in Veterinary Technology.  The state also enforces Continuing Education requirements for licensed Veterinary Technicians. Licenses are up for renewal every other year. Veterinary Technicians need to complete 10 hours of Continuing Education credits during the two-year period prior to renewal, and must submit proof of completion of these courses with their license renewal form. Approved Continuing Education programs include:

• National, State and International veterinary association meetings
• Meetings sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture and Georgia Department of Agriculture
• Board Certified Specialties programs recognized by the AVMA
• Any class/program sponsored by a Veterinary School
• Any class/program sponsored by the AAVSB or RACE (Registry of Approved Continuing Education)
• Programs by constituent organizations of the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association (GVMA)
• Programs sponsored by the AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association)
• Programs sponsored by the United States or Southern Animal Health Association
• Programs or courses approved by other state boards of veterinary medicine

Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Veterinary Techs in Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus and Savannah, Georgia can prepare themselves for careers at some of the best animal hospitals and facilities in the country.