Online Degrees in Animal Care: Program Overviews

Animal care covers a broad array of career options, including veterinary assistant or technician, pet sitter, animal trainer, kennel assistant or groomer. Online degrees in animal care are rarely offered; however, veterinary technicians degree programs are available in a combined online and hands-on format. Education in other areas of animal care are usually offered on-campus as a certificate or diploma program.

Overview of an Online Veterinary Technician Associate's Degree Program

Online veterinarian technician associate's degree programs teach students to assist in veterinary surgeries, dentistry, nursing, radiology, laboratory and anesthesia. Prerequisites typically include coursework or exams in science and math. along with transcripts with a minimum grade point average (GPA) in high school or any previous college classes. Graduates are awarded an Associate of Applied Science (AAS).

Program Information and Requirements

These animal care degree programs are offered in a hybrid format with an internship or practicum requirement. Four semesters of courses take approximately two years to complete. Some programs require an internship at in the final semesters, while others introduce practical experience immediately and continue throughout the program. The programs are designed to meet state licensing requirements and educational standards set by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Students must have access to an Internet connection, and some schools require Windows-based personal computer. An e-mail account is also needed for communication with peers and faculty.

List of Common Online Courses

Veterinary technician coursework includes topics such as pharmacology, pathology, surgical procedures, animal care and microbiology. Some of the common courses are outlined below.

Veterinary Technology Course

This class provides an overview of veterinary medicine and the roles of technicians and other animal health care professionals. Typical topics covered include patient history, physical examination, restraint, animal handling, supplies, equipment, facilities and infection control.

Animal Surgical Procedures Course

This class covers the methods, principles and practices used in common animal surgical procedures. Students learn to maintain a sterile operating environment and identify and use surgical instruments.

Pharmacology for Animals Course

Students study the drugs used in veterinary medicine along with dosages, administration, actions, interactions and adverse reactions. This class has a lab requirement and also covers testing methodology and prescription topics.

Career Information for Graduates

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for veterinary technologists and technicians was $29,280 in May of 2009. The BLS also reported that employment in the field was expected to grow by 36% from 2008-2018 (www.bls.gov).

Continuing Education Information

Some veterinary technology associate's degree programs offer seamless articulation to a bachelor's degree program, with the final two years completed entirely online. In addition, animal care workers can pursue a master's degree in laboratory animal science.