Vet Tech Programs in Oklahoma: Complete 2027 Guide to Becoming an RVT

Explore vet tech programs in Oklahoma, including accredited schools, program options, admission requirements, certification steps, and career opportunities to help you become a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT).

Reviewed by: vettechprograms.org
Last updated: October 2026

What You Need to Know First

Oklahoma has three AVMA CVTEA-accredited vet tech programs: Murray State College in Tishomingo, Oklahoma State University–Oklahoma City, and Tulsa Community College. Murray State also offers an AVMA-accredited distance-education option. To become a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) in Oklahoma, candidates must meet the state’s education requirements, pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), and pass the Oklahoma State Veterinary Technician Examination.

This guide walks you through all three in-state programs, Oklahoma’s two-exam certification process, renewal and continuing education requirements, and current salary data.

Oklahoma Vet Tech Career at a Glance

Factor	Details
State Credential	Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)
Licensing Board	Oklahoma State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners
Required National Exam	Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) — $375 application fee
Required State Exam	Oklahoma State Veterinary Technician Examination
Application + National Exam Fee	$430 listed in Oklahoma’s official fee schedule
State Examination Fee	$60
Annual Renewal Fee	$45
CE Requirement	10 hours per year
Required CE Topic	2 hours covering controlled dangerous substance laws or the Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act and applicable rules
CE/Renewal Cycle	Annual; CE period runs July 1–June 30, with renewal due by June 30
Accredited Programs	3 (Murray State College, OSU–Oklahoma City, Tulsa Community College)
Oklahoma Median Salary	$39,100 per year, BLS May 2025 data

Sources: Oklahoma State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, Oklahoma official fee schedule, AAVSB, AVMA CVTEA, and Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Quick Decision Guide

Your Situation	Best Path in Oklahoma
South-central Oklahoma resident	Murray State College (Tishomingo)
Oklahoma City metro resident	OSU–Oklahoma City
Tulsa metro resident	Tulsa Community College
Need online flexibility	Murray State College’s distance-education option
Rural/far from all three campuses	Murray State’s distance program, or an out-of-state online program with local clinical placement
Want a bachelor’s degree	Consider related bachelor’s programs or an out-of-state/online bachelor’s option

AVMA-Accredited Vet Tech Programs in Oklahoma

Oklahoma has three AVMA CVTEA-accredited vet tech programs: Murray State College, Oklahoma State University–Oklahoma City, and Tulsa Community College. All three offer associate-level veterinary technology credentials. Murray State also offers an AVMA-accredited distance-education option.

1. Murray State College

Location: Tishomingo, Oklahoma
Degree Offered: Associate of Applied Science (AAS), Veterinary Nursing Program
Notable: Murray State offers an AVMA-accredited distance-education version of its veterinary nursing program. Students complete online coursework along with required hands-on clinical training through an approved veterinary clinic.

2. Oklahoma State University – Oklahoma City

Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Degree Offered: Associate of Applied Science (AAS), Veterinary Technology Program
Note: This is the OSU–Oklahoma City campus specifically, not Oklahoma State University’s main Stillwater campus. If you’re searching for “OSU vet tech,” confirm that you’re looking at the Oklahoma City program.

3. Tulsa Community College

Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Degree Offered: Associate of Applied Science (AAS), Veterinary Technology Program

Comparing Oklahoma’s Three Programs

Factor	Murray State College	OSU–Oklahoma City	Tulsa Community College
Location	Tishomingo	Oklahoma City	Tulsa
Format	In-person or distance	In-person	In-person
Best For	Rural/flexible-schedule students	OKC metro residents	Tulsa metro residents

How to Become an RVT in Oklahoma: Step-by-Step Process

Oklahoma requires candidates to complete a state-specific veterinary technician examination in addition to the national VTNE. Verify current details directly with the Oklahoma State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners before applying, since fees, procedures, and examination requirements can change.

Step 1: Graduate from an AVMA CVTEA-Accredited Program

Complete an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program that meets Oklahoma’s requirements. This may be an Oklahoma program or an eligible accredited program from another state.

Step 2: Register For and Pass the VTNE

Register through the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). The VTNE is a three-hour examination with 170 multiple-choice questions. Of those questions, 150 are scored and 20 are unscored pilot questions. The current VTNE application fee is $375.

The VTNE is administered during scheduled examination windows. Check the current AAVSB schedule before applying.

Step 3: Register For and Pass the Oklahoma State Veterinary Technician Examination

Oklahoma requires an additional state-specific veterinary technician examination administered by the Oklahoma State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. The examination covers Oklahoma-specific veterinary practice requirements.

Check the Board’s current examination instructions for the latest examination procedures and passing requirements.

Step 4: Submit Your Oklahoma Application

Submit your application materials to the Oklahoma State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, including:

Official transcripts from your accredited veterinary technology program
VTNE score sent directly from AAVSB
Completed application materials
Required state examination information
Applicable application and examination fees

Oklahoma’s official fee schedule lists $430 for the application plus national examination fee, while the state veterinary technician examination has a separate listed fee of $60.

Step 5: Receive Your RVT License

Once the Board confirms your education, application materials, examination results, and other required credentials, you can receive your Oklahoma Registered Veterinary Technician credential.

Step 6: Maintain Your License Through Annual Renewal

Oklahoma RVT licenses are renewed annually. The current Board requirements include:

$45 annual renewal fee
10 continuing education hours per year
CE earned during the July 1–June 30 period
2 of the 10 hours must cover applicable controlled dangerous substance laws or review of the Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act and rules
RACE-approved online CE has no maximum hour cap for RVTs
Renewal forms are mailed each April
The online renewal system opens April 15
Renewal is due by June 30
CE certificates generally do not need to be submitted with renewal, but they should be retained for audit purposes

Missing the June 30 renewal deadline can affect your ability to maintain an active credential, so plan to complete renewal during the April–June renewal period.

Oklahoma Vet Tech Salary: What We Found and How Confident We Are

We use the most recent available BLS wage data rather than relying on older salary estimates.

What’s solidly verified

The national median salary for veterinary technologists and technicians is $47,380 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2025 data. The lowest 10% earned less than $35,710, while the highest 10% earned more than $63,180.

What we found for Oklahoma specifically

BLS May 2025 wage data shows a median annual wage of approximately $39,100 for veterinary technologists and technicians in Oklahoma. The same data reports approximately 1,060 workers in the occupation statewide.

Oklahoma’s median is below the national median of $47,380, but actual earnings vary by experience, employer, location, specialty, and work setting.

What this likely means practically

Oklahoma vet tech pay is below the national median for the occupation. Students should compare the expected starting salary in their area with local housing, transportation, and other living costs before choosing a program.

For the most current wage information, check BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data for Oklahoma under SOC code 29-2056, Veterinary Technologists and Technicians.

Financial Aid for Oklahoma Vet Tech Students

Contact each program’s financial aid office directly for current award amounts, eligibility requirements, and deadlines.

Federal Aid:

Pell Grants for eligible students
Federal Direct Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized)
Federal Work-Study opportunities

Oklahoma-Specific Programs:

Oklahoma’s Promise (OHLAP) for eligible students meeting income and academic criteria
Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant program
Institutional scholarships through Murray State College, OSU–OKC, and Tulsa Community College

Professional Scholarships:

AVMA Foundation scholarships
NAVTA educational grants

Why Accreditation Matters in Oklahoma

Oklahoma requires candidates for veterinary technician certification to provide proof of graduation from a veterinary technology program accredited by the AVMA and approved by the Board. This makes accreditation one of the most important things to verify before enrolling.

The three Oklahoma programs covered on this page are Murray State College, Oklahoma State University–Oklahoma City, and Tulsa Community College. If you’re considering an out-of-state or online program instead, verify its current AVMA CVTEA accreditation and confirm that the program meets Oklahoma’s requirements before enrolling.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Enrolling in Oklahoma

1. Are you prepared for two exams, not one?

Oklahoma requires both the national VTNE and an additional state-specific veterinary technician examination. Budget both the preparation time and the applicable examination fees.

2. Does Murray State’s distance option fit your situation better than an in-person program?

If you’re not near Tishomingo, Oklahoma City, or Tulsa, Murray State’s distance-education pathway may provide more flexibility. However, distance students still need to complete required hands-on clinical training.

3. Do you need a bachelor’s degree for your career goals?

The three accredited veterinary technology programs covered here award associate-level credentials. If your long-term goals include advanced education, research, teaching, or another bachelor’s-level career path, research appropriate bachelor’s programs before enrolling.

Is a Vet Tech Career Right for You in Oklahoma?

Vet tech work is meaningful but demanding. Before enrolling, honestly assess whether the career suits you.

Strong fit if you:

Stay calm during animal emergencies and stressful situations
Handle medical procedures, blood, and injured animals without distress
Communicate effectively with anxious pet owners
Have the stamina for long shifts requiring standing and lifting
Can emotionally handle euthanasia and difficult cases

Worth reconsidering if you:

Cannot tolerate blood, medical procedures, or animal distress
Prefer administrative or office-only environments
Do not feel comfortable with the physical demands of animal restraint, standing, lifting, and clinical work
Need a predictable Monday-Friday 9-to-5 schedule

Volunteer or shadow at an Oklahoma veterinary clinic before committing to a program. Real exposure can help you understand the work before making a significant education investment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oklahoma Vet Tech Programs

What credential do Oklahoma vet techs hold?

Oklahoma uses the Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) credential for veterinary technicians.

Does Oklahoma require a separate exam beyond the VTNE?

Yes. In addition to the national VTNE, Oklahoma requires candidates to pass the Oklahoma State Veterinary Technician Examination, a state-specific examination administered by the Oklahoma State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

How many accredited vet tech programs does Oklahoma have?

Oklahoma currently has three AVMA CVTEA-accredited veterinary technology programs: Murray State College in Tishomingo, Oklahoma State University–Oklahoma City, and Tulsa Community College. Murray State also offers an accredited distance-education option.

How much does it cost to get licensed in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma’s official fee schedule lists $430 for the application plus national examination fee. The state veterinary technician examination has a separate listed fee of $60, and annual renewal is $45. The VTNE application fee itself is currently $375 through AAVSB.

Because fees can change, verify the current amount with the Oklahoma State Board and AAVSB before applying.

What are Oklahoma’s CE requirements for renewal?

Oklahoma RVTs must complete 10 continuing education hours per year, earned during the July 1–June 30 CE period. Two of those hours must cover applicable controlled dangerous substance laws or review of the Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act and rules. RACE-approved online CE has no maximum hour cap for RVTs.

How much do vet techs make in Oklahoma?

BLS May 2025 wage data puts the Oklahoma median annual wage for veterinary technologists and technicians at approximately $39,100, compared with a national median of $47,380. Oklahoma employment in the occupation was approximately 1,060 workers.

Actual pay varies by location, experience, employer, specialty, and work setting.

Can I complete an Oklahoma vet tech program online?

Partially. Murray State College offers an AVMA-accredited distance-education veterinary nursing program. Students can complete eligible coursework online but still need to complete required hands-on clinical training through an approved veterinary setting.

Vet Tech Programs in Neighboring States

Related Vet Tech Resources

Sources

Source	Used For
Oklahoma State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners — Continuing Education	RVT CE hours, cycle, CDS law requirement
Oklahoma State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners — Applications	Renewal timing and process
Oklahoma Board of Occupational Licenses Fee Document	Application and renewal fees
AVMA CVTEA Accredited Programs	Current accredited program list
AAVSB VTNE Information	VTNE exam requirements
AAVSB — Applying to Take the VTNE	Current VTNE application fee
AAVSB — Scheduling and Taking the VTNE	VTNE format, testing options, and exam structure
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook	National salary and job outlook data
Oklahoma State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners	Oklahoma regulatory agency and RVT credential

Licensing requirements, examination procedures, fees, program availability, and accreditation status can change. Verify current details with the Oklahoma State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, AAVSB, and the individual college before applying. This content is educational and not legal, career, or licensing advice.