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About Veterinary Nursing

The mission of the Veterinary Nursing Program at Purdue University is to serve the veterinary profession and the public by providing practice ready veterinary technician/technologist (nursing) graduates of the highest caliber and ability.

The program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and is a science-based program offering a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Nursing (BSVN) degree and an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree.

Veterinary Nurse vs. Veterinary Technician

While the program is a veterinary nursing program, legally graduates are called veterinary technicians. The terms are used interchangeably on the website.

Learn a Variety of Skills

As an integral part of the veterinary team, veterinary technicians (AAS) and technologists (BSVN) perform a wide range of veterinary skills:

  • Radiology
  • Nursing care, including pre and post-surgical care
  • Anesthesia
  • Client education

Broad Employment Opportunities

In addition to working in a private veterinary practice, there are many other employment opportunities with a Veterinary Nursing degree:

  • Humane Societies and animal control facilities
  • Industry
  • Biomedical Research
  • Veterinary Supply Sales

Earn Your Professional Credentials

Technicians are required to be credentialed in the majority of states. Most states require graduation from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program to be eligible to take the national credentialing exam and to become credentialed Veterinary Technicians.

The Purdue Veterinary Nursing program has been accreted by the American Veterinary Medical Association since 1976.

Start Your Journey

Whether you plan to earn your degree on campus or online, you can choose the program thats right for you with our flexible options.

Choose your degree program

Contact the Veterinary Nursing Office