Veterinary Nursing

Make an impact in the lives of animals by becoming a veterinary nurse! In just a few short years you could be working with animals in a clinic, hospital, zoo, or shelter! Our flexible degree programs allow you to learn at your own pace.

ranked number 1 vet tech program by best colleges in 2022
ranked number 3 in newsweek's list of top online colleges in 2022
20% employment growth from 2021-2031 from the bureau of labor statistics for vet techs

On-Campus Program

Earn Your Bachelor's Degree at Purdue University's Main Campus

This program is best suited for students who can:

  • Attend classes on the West Lafayette Campus
  • Be a full-time undergraduate student
  • Meet competitive admission criteria

Graduates of the On-Campus Program earn a Bachelor of Science degree.

EXPLORE ON CAMPUS PROGRAM

Distance Learning Program

Earn Your Entire Associate Degree Remotely

This program is best suited for students who:

  • Are organized, motivated, and disciplined
  • Prefer to take classes part-time
  • Desire to maintain their current residence and employment

Graduates of the Distance Learning Program earn an associate degree in Applied Science.

EXPLORE DL PROGRAM

Did You Know?

Become a credentialed professional

Veterinary nurses are credentialed professionals similar to human nurses. Veterinary nurses are also anesthetists, surgery technicians, radiology technicians, medical laboratory technicians, and dental hygienists.

Accredited since 1976

Purdue's veterinary nursing program has been AVMA accredited since 1976 and is one of only four AVMA accredited veterinary nursing programs in the country affiliated with a College of Veterinary Medicine.

Work with a variety of animals

Veterinary nursing students work with a variety of animals including small animals, large animals, laboratory animals, and exotics.

Excellent test scores

Purdue's veterinary nursing students have a 90-95% first-time pass rate on the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE).

View VTNE Scores

Careers

Career opportunities include:

  • Veterinary Clinics
  • Veterinary Teaching Hospitals
  • Academic Institutions
  • Research Laboratories
  • Animal Shelters
  • Veterinary Sales and Marketing
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Public Health
  • Government
  • Zoos
  • Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers
  • Practice Management

No matter what stage of life you are in, there's always something you can do to prepare for a career in veterinary nursing.

Get Ready!

Accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association

  • On-Campus Program since 1976
  • Distance Learning Program since 2002