Veterinary Technology at Northern Virginia Community College

Annandale, VA · Public · Associate Degree · Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians

one of the larger campuses at 31,737 students in Annandale, VA.

Program Analysis

At $42,966 per year, Veterinary Technology graduates from Northern Virginia Community College significantly outpace the $32,474 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 44.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Veterinary Technology programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Veterinary Technology's career paths, with 29% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 12% gap from the optimistic case.

At #22 of 169 nationally, this is a top-5% Veterinary Technology program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $49,695 are relatively flat compared to the $42,966 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.

Veterinary Technology has a registered apprenticeship option through Veterinary/Lab Animal Tech (Alternate Title: Animal Care Specialist) with a median wage of $37,320/yr — worth exploring for students who prefer structured on-the-job training.

57 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
53
Low End
57
Score
57
High End
Earnings $42,966/yr (32% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (71% shielded)
Job Market Large (63,900 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$509K
3.7% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
44.6x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
3 of 3
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$11,406
Out-of-state: $23,572
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,695
16% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Veterinary Technology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620 +17.3% 52%
Veterinary technologists and technicians $45,980 +9.1% 84%
Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers $37,320 +8.7% 78%
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
$105,620
+17.3% growth 52% AI-proof
Veterinary technologists and technicians
$45,980
+9.1% growth 84% AI-proof
Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers
$37,320
+8.7% growth 78% AI-proof

Veterinary Technology Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Veterinary Technology careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering agriculture & natural resources.

Read the full Veterinary Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Veterinary Technology Overview

Veterinary Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Northern Virginia Community College

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 57/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Veterinary Technology at Northern Virginia Community College?
A score of 57/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Veterinary Technology field.
Is Northern Virginia Community College one of the best schools for Veterinary Technology?
The #22 ranking out of 169 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Is there demand for Veterinary Technology workers?
At 63,900 annual openings, Veterinary Technology has a large employment base. Northern Virginia Community College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →