Veterinary Nursing is an Associate Degree program offered by Johnson College in Scranton, PA. The program takes 2 academic years plus a summer term to complete, with a total tuition of $40,400.
Program Overview
The two-year Veterinary Nursing Associates Degree program prepares students to join an animal-care team as entry-level technicians. Veterinary Nurses/Technicians collect samples, perform lab tests, take radiographs, prepare the surgical suite, assist in surgery, monitor anesthesia, provide general nursing care to patients, and assume other clinical duties. Second-year students complete clinical rotations in the Animal Care Center, a pet wellness center on the campus of Johnson College. The program prepares students to become Certified Veterinary Technicians (CVT) upon passing the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
Watch the video below to learn why Veterinary Nursing might be right for you.
Immunizations & Scrubs
In addition to tuition and fees, students are responsible for the costs of immunizations. Veterinary Nursing students will be required to purchase two sets of Johnson College scrubs to be worn during VET-275/277. The student will also be required to wear these scrubs during the entire 5-week internship (VET-299). The uniform company will come onto campus to fit the students and place orders.
Programmatic Accreditation
The Johnson College Veterinary Nursing program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Student Handbook
Veterinary Nursing students are responsible for reading and abiding by all policies and procedures in the Veterinary Nursing Program Student Handbook
Important Note for Prospective Students:
If you are considering a degree program that leads to a professional license or certification in a state other than Pennsylvania, it is highly recommended that you first seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency in your home state BEFORE enrolling in an academic program or course at Johnson College.
Johnson College will not be held liable if you have not contacted your appropriate state agency prior to enrollment.
Program Notification & Reporting:
- Annual job placement percentage: 89% (2024 data)
- Annual (on-time) graduation rate percentage: 27% (2025 data)
- Number of first-time candidates that have taken the VTNE within one year of graduation (January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025): 8
- Three-Year VTNE Pass Percentage (January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2025): 70.97%
School Information
Campus
Career Opportunities
Graduates work in many areas of veterinary medicine such as small and large animal clinics, research facilities, academia, zoos, laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Our Veterinary Nursing program graduates enter the region’s workforce at locations including Bloomsburg Veterinary Hospital in Bloomsburg, PA; Northeast Veterinary Referral Hospital in Plains, PA; and Eastern Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Center in Allentown, PA.
Employment Opportunities
Veterinary Technician
Animal Rehabilitation
Veterinary Practice Manager
Academia
Research
Laboratory/Research
Veterinary Pharmaceutical Rep
Veterinary Technician Specialist
Admissions Requirements
Special Program Enrollment Requirements – Rabies / Tetanus Inoculations:
The Center for Disease Control considers individuals working with animals (including veterinarians and their staff) to be in the high-risk category. The CDC’s recommendation for these individuals is to obtain a primary course of rabies vaccinations followed by serologic testing or booster vaccination every two years.
Vaccinations against tetanus and rabies are required for all Veterinary Nursing students. Proof of rabies and tetanus inoculation is required prior to participating in any laboratory or clinical activities involving animals.
Special Admissions Requirements
A minimal high school grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 along with a minimal Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) score of 900 (math and verbal) total or; a minimal American College Test (ACT) of 18 is recommended for admission. If SAT/ACT test were never taken, an online exam will be provided by the Recruitment Advisor. A score of 21 or above is recommended for English and 18 or above for Math.
• 1 year of Algebra with a “C+” or higher • 2 year of English with a “C+” or higher • 2 years of Biology or a Life Science with a “C+” or higher • Recommended: 1 year of Chemistry with a “C+” or higher Applicants must take 2 years of Biology and/or Life Sciences, and attain a grade of “C+” or higher.
Student must submit the following required documents before their application file will be reviewed:
- High School Transcripts
- SAT/ACT/online test scores
- A completed Veterinary Nursing questionnaire
It is recommended that students also complete observation hours. Although they are not required, they are a great opportunity for prospective students to learn more about the profession and will add to their application file.
Application Process
- 1Submit ApplicationComplete the online application form with your personal information and educational background.Apply Now
- 2Submit TranscriptsProvide official high school transcripts or GED certificate. Some programs may require additional documentation.
- 3Financial AidComplete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal financial aid. Meet with a financial aid advisor to review your options.Complete FAFSA Application
- 4EnrollmentOnce accepted, complete enrollment paperwork, register for classes, and attend orientation.
Curriculum
Program total: 71 credits.
Tuition
Johnson College publishes tuition as an annual rate rather than a per-program price: $19,700 per academic year full time (12–20 credits per term, 24–40 per year), $625 per credit part time, and $250 per credit for summer and intersession. Books for the fall and spring semesters are covered by tuition.
The figure shown for this program is computed from that rate over its 2 academic years plus 4 summer credits at $250 per credit — it is not a price the college publishes per program.
Accreditation
Johnson College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); its status is Accreditation Granted.
The Veterinary Nursing Program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).