Browse below to learn how to become a veterinary technician (vet tech) in Iowa (IA) including advice on top schools, certification and licensing requirements, salaries and employment data.
Requirements to become a Veterinary Technician in Iowa
If you wish to become a vet tech in Iowa it is a requirement that you have graduated from an accredited vet tech program.
Once you have graduated from an accredited program you will need to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) exams – which are administered by the American Association of Veterinary – if you wish to work as a vet tech in Iowa. As a final step, you will need to obtain your license before securing employment as a veterinary technician.
Listed below are some of the schools and colleges nearest to you offering vet tech and related programs.
Accredited Vet Tech Schools in Iowa
| School | Area | Degree Level |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines Area Community College | Ankeny, IA | Associate of Applied Science |
| Iowa Lakes Community College | Estherville, IA | Associate in Applied Science |
| Iowa Western Community College | Council Bluffs, IA | Associate of Applied Science |
| Kirkwood Community College | Cedar Rapids, IA | Associate of Applied Science |
| Muscatine Community College | Muscatine, IA | Associate in Applied Science |
| Northeast Iowa Community College | Calmar, IA | Associate of Applied Science |
There are currently 6 accredited vet tech programs in Iowa.
Programs are accredited by the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA).
Iowa 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 Iowa.
The Iowa Board of Veterinary Medicine can provide more specific information on all the necessary certification and licensing requirements. You can contact them directly using the contact details below:
Address: Wallace State Office Building, 502 E. 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone:
Email: david.schmitt@iowaagriculture.gov
Website: http://www.iowaagriculture.gov/animalIndustry/IowaVetBoard.asp
Vet Tech Salary in Iowa
| Average Vet Tech Salary | $34,730 |
| Hourly Wage | $16.70 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $54,470 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $24,730 |
| #'s Employed | 870 |
How much does a vet tech make in Iowa? According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2017) the average veterinary technician salary in Iowa is $34,730 – equal to the national average of $34,710.
This represents an hourly wage of $16.70.
There are currently 870 persons employed as veterinary technicians in Iowa.
Iowa Vet Tech Employment and Salaries by Metro Area
If a career as a veterinary technician in Iowa 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 Iowa.
| Metro Area | Average Salary | Top 10% | Bottom 10% | # Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA | $44,590 | $61,480 | $28,630 | 70 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $34,890 | $52,860 | $26,790 | 90 |
| Davenport, IA | $31,980 | $39,190 | $25,750 | 110 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $31,360 | $39,210 | $24,600 | 200 |
| Dubuque, IA | $30,450 | $39,170 | $25,210 | 40 |
| Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA | $34,230 | $39,840 | $27,450 | - |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $30,000 | $39,060 | $22,030 | 80 |
Vet Tech V’s Related Careers
The first table compares salary and employment data between veterinary technicians and veterinarians and veterinary assistants in Iowa.
| Salary | # Employed | |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Tech Iowa | $34,730 | 870 |
| Veterinarian Iowa | $84,240 | 1,160 |
| Vet Assistant Iowa | $26,460 | 910 |
The table below compares average veterinary technician salary and employment in Iowa with salary levels for related healthcare careers in the state.
| Salary | # Employed | |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Tech | $34,730 | 870 |
| Nursing Assistants | $28,300 | 20,740 |
| Medical Assistants | $34,030 | 4,920 |
| Dental Assistants | $39,900 | 2,960 |
| Ultrasound Tech | $65,080 | 840 |
| X Ray Tech | $58,830 | 300 |