Veterinary Technician

Associate Degree Program

Veterinary Technicians play a vital role in animal healthcare by working under the supervision of licensed veterinarians to diagnose, treat and care for animals. If you are passionate about animal care and enjoy hands-on medical work, the Veterinary Technician program at Southeast Technical College prepares you for a rewarding career in a growing field.

In as little as two years, you can be ready to work in veterinary clinics, hospitals and specialized animal care settings across Sioux Falls, South Dakota and beyond.

Job Placement

Support Veterinarians Through Skilled Animal Care

As a Veterinary Technician, you assist veterinarians with medical procedures and provide compassionate care to animals and their owners. Many graduates work in private clinics performing diagnostic testing, assisting during exams and communicating with pet owners about treatment plans.

Your professional responsibilities may include:

• Administering medications, vaccines and treatments prescribed by a veterinarian
• Taking X-rays and performing laboratory tests
• Safely restraining animals during examinations
• Observing and documenting animal behavior
• Providing nursing care and first aid

These duties prepare you for the fast-paced and hands-on nature of veterinary medicine.

Train with Modern Facilities and Industry-Relevant Equipment

Veterinary Technician students at Southeast Tech train in the Ed Wood Trade and Industry Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, which features recently renovated lab and learning spaces. You gain hands-on experience working with both large and small animals while learning techniques used in modern veterinary practices.

Coursework emphasizes real world application so you graduate confident in your technical abilities and professional skills.

Develop Specialized Skills and Expand Career Options

Your training at Southeast Tech prepares you for more than traditional clinic roles. Some graduates use their Veterinary Technician education to assist biomedical researchers or support scientific teams in laboratory and agricultural settings.

Faculty focus on helping you strengthen key professional qualities including attention to detail, compassion and clear communication with both colleagues and animal owners.

Explore Where a Career as a Veterinary Technician Can Take You

Veterinary Technicians find employment in a wide range of settings including animal hospitals, veterinary clinics, research facilities, laboratories and agricultural production operations.

With hands-on training, collaborative instruction and industry-aligned coursework, Southeast Tech empowers you to turn your love for animals into a meaningful and in-demand career.

Compare Career Roles: Veterinary Technician vs. Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Technicians receive specialized education that allows them to assist in surgical procedures, take diagnostic X-rays and process laboratory and tissue samples. Their role focuses on medical and clinical support within veterinary practices.

Veterinary Assistants typically perform clerical and basic clinical tasks such as scheduling appointments, billing clients, maintaining health records, sanitizing exam rooms and feeding animals. The Veterinary Technician role offers greater responsibility, technical expertise and career advancement opportunities.