What Is It Known For?
Vet Tech Institute is a for-profit college with campuses in Houston, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, and Tinley Park near Chicago. The Houston campus began in 1958 as Zorn Business College and later became part of Bradford Schools in 1979. After years of growth, it launched the Vet Tech Institute of Houston in 2007, modeled after the established programs in other cities, and officially adopted its current name in 2009.
Students can complete their veterinary technology program in just 18 months through hands-on training with more than 40 animals on-site. The curriculum focuses on practical skills that prepare graduates to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam and begin their careers quickly. With over 8,000 graduates to date and around 200 students enrolled each year, the institute continues to maintain strong employment outcomes across all campuses.
Degrees & Certifications
Vet Tech Institute offers an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology degree program across multiple campuses. Students can complete the associate degree in 18 months. The curriculum covers areas including:
- Animal Behavior
- Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology
- Veterinary Nursing
- Animal Husbandry
- Veterinary Nutrition
- Veterinary Medical Terminology
- Diagnostic Laboratory Procedures
- And Much More!
Class Schedules
The institute features on-site kennels with over 40 animals for hands-on training. Students complete an 8-week externship at the end of the program to practice their skills in real settings. Vet Tech Institute also partners with large animal facilities so students can gain experience working with horses and cows. The program does not offer online or evening classes.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities accredits all veterinary technology programs at Vet Tech Institute campuses.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate is 73%.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
The school’s tuition and fees schedule shows that each of the first four semesters costs $6,980, while the externship costs $700 for 8 weeks. The full program costs around $28,620. Students can use the school’s net price calculator to see what their actual costs might be.
Programs & Courses
Healthcare
- Veterinary Technician
Campus Locations
Pittsburgh 125 Seventh Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Reviews
Based on Google reviews, the Vet Tech Institute (VTI) in Pittsburgh is overwhelmingly praised for its knowledgeable, supportive instructors and highly effective hands-on learning. However, the program’s fast pace and an atmosphere of student drama pose significant challenges for new or non-traditional students.
Overall Score: 4.5/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional and Knowledgeable Instructors: The most consistent positive feedback highlights the teachers, who are described as “incredibly knowledgeable, patient,” “amazing,” and truly caring about helping students succeed.
Effective Hands-On Learning and Skills: Students feel the program provides them with “real-world skills” and the “confidence” needed for the job. The emphasis on hands-on experience is consistently cited as the key to learning and studies.
Intensive and Effective Curriculum: The program is recognized as intensive and fast-paced, which students accept as effective for gaining a lot of knowledge in a short time (16 months).
Supportive Community and Lifelong Friendships: Many students mention gaining “lifelong friendships” and feeling a sense of community, with teachers often becoming supportive figures who are “always willing to help.”
Strong Career Preparation: Graduates feel well-prepared for medical work and their externships, which often lead to job placement.
Common Criticisms
Negative Student Culture and Drama: A significant and recent criticism concerns the student body, with multiple new students reporting an “awful experience” due to “unfriendly” and dramatic peers who “spread rumors and pass around gossip,” making it difficult for those who don’t fit in.
Fast Pace Requires Intense Discipline: While the pace is appreciated by some, the curriculum is described as “grueling,” “intensive,” and “not for everyone,” requiring students to develop strong study schedules and stay organized to succeed.
Inattentive Staff (Initial Stages): Some newer students report that staff can be “forgetful” and forget that the student “exist majority of the time,” indicating a possible gap in early student support and outreach.
Momentum
The momentum is high and sustained for the quality of instruction, with a surge of extremely positive reviews (many within the last two weeks) celebrating the instructors and the program’s ability to turn lives around. However, the handful of recent, detailed complaints about the toxic student social environment and lack of support for struggling new students is a distinct, emerging negative trend that the school needs to address to maintain its excellent overall rating. The owner’s public responses to these concerns show an awareness of the issue.