Ashworth College Veterinary Technician Program Overview
Ashworth College offers an online veterinary technician associate degree program designed for students seeking entry-level roles in animal healthcare. The curriculum covers animal anatomy, pharmacology, clinical procedures, and practice management. The program is structured for flexible, self-paced learning, allowing students to study remotely while balancing work or family commitments. The institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), a status confirmed by the U.S. Department of Education database of accredited postsecondary institutions U.S. Department of Education College Navigator.
The veterinary technician program at Ashworth College includes coursework in animal nursing, laboratory procedures, radiology, and surgical assisting. Students complete a practicum or externship component to gain hands-on experience in a veterinary setting. The program is delivered entirely online, with no campus attendance required. Ashworth College is a division of Education Affiliates, a for-profit education company operating multiple campuses and online programs across the United States Forbes Advisor Ashworth College Overview.
Costs, Financial Aid, and Enrollment Details
The total tuition cost for the Ashworth College veterinary technician program varies based on credit hours and enrollment pace. As of the most recent publicly available data, the per-credit tuition rate for associate degree programs at Ashworth College is in the range of $200 to $300 per credit. The program typically requires around 90 credit hours for completion, though the exact total depends on transfer credits and course selection. Students should consult the Ashworth College website or financial aid office for the current per-credit rate and total estimated program cost Ashworth College Veterinary Technician Program Page.
Financial aid options include federal Pell Grants, federal student loans, and institutional payment plans. Eligibility for federal aid is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Ashworth College participates in Title IV federal student aid programs, which are regulated by the U.S. Department of Education. The college also offers a tuition discount for military service members and their dependents, in compliance with the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). Students should verify current tuition rates and aid availability directly with the college Federal Student Aid FAFSA.
Accreditation, Licensing, and Career Outcomes for Vet Techs
Ashworth College is regionally accredited by SACSCOC, which is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The veterinary technician program itself may not hold specialized accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA). Graduates should verify the specific accreditation status of the program with the AVMA CVTEA directory before enrollment, as this affects eligibility for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) in certain states AVMA CVTEA Accredited Programs Directory.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for veterinary technologists and technicians to grow faster than the average for all occupations, driven by increased pet ownership and expanded veterinary services. The median annual wage for veterinary technologists and technicians was reported by the BLS in its latest Occupational Outlook Handbook. State licensing or certification requirements for veterinary technicians vary, and many states require passage of the VTNE and completion of an approved educational program. Ashworth College graduates should confirm their program's eligibility for state licensure in their intended state of practice