To ask:What is the Massachusetts State Dog?
Responder:Not surprisingly, the Boston Terrier - a cross between an English bulldog and an English terrier - became the official state dog in 1979.
Speaking of pets, Massachusetts has some of the strictest pet ownership regulations in the country. In an attempt to protect both the public and wildlife populations, theMassachusetts Department of Energy and Environmental Affairsreports that there are three categories of animals for potential pet owners: pets, wild animals that require a MassWildlife license, and wild animals that don't. The only animals that can be taken from the wild as pets are certain species of reptiles and amphibians, such as American bullfrogs, milk snakes, snapping turtles, and eastern red-backed salamanders.
Many other animals — including some sold at pet stores in neighboring states — cannot legally be kept as pets in MA.
With such extensive regulations, it makes sense that veterinary technicians in Massachusetts also work under the scrutiny of state law. actually theAmerican Veterinary Medical Association(AVMA) describes several regional restrictions on practicing this profession. In Bay State, veterinarians may only administer controlled substances (eg, anesthetics) under the direct supervision of a veterinarian.
In addition, Massachusetts (MA) veterinarians must be directly supervised when dressing wounds. teeth polishing; placement of catheters; and acquisition of diagnostic images. These animal health technicians can perform some tasks without supervision, such as: B. Emergency liaison; blood sample; and processing laboratory samples.
So more generally, what do veterinary technicians do? The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports that veterinarians have many responsibilities, including obtaining and recording medical histories; collection of samples and performance of laboratory procedures; provision of specialized nursing care; preparation of animals, instruments and equipment for surgical procedures; assistance with diagnostic, medical, and surgical procedures; Exposure and development of X-ray images (X-rays); Counseling and education for animal keepers; supervision and training of practice personnel; and carrying out dental prophylaxis.
Currently, there is an optional Massachusetts Veterinary Technician Certification available throughMassachusetts Association of Veterinary Technicians(MVTA).
Read on to discover MA veterinary medicine career prospects and learn more about accredited programs and professional certifications.
Map of Massachusetts Veterinary Technology Schools
| school website | main address | online program | accredited Avma |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holyoke Community College | 303 Homestead Ave, Holyoke, Massachusetts, 01040-1099 | NO | E |
| Massasoit Community College | 900 Randolph Street, Kanton, Massachusetts, 02021 | NO | E |
| Mount Wachusett Community College | 444 Green Street, Gardner, Massachusetts, 01440 | NO | E |
| North Shore Adult Education Center | 1 Ferncroft Road, Danvers, Massachusetts, 01923 | NO | E |
| University of Massachusetts-Amherst | 431A ISB Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003 | NO | E |
Job Outlook for Veterinary Technicians in Massachusetts
The future looks very bright for veterinary technicians in Massachusetts. ODepartment of Labor Statistics(BLS 2022) predicts that national job openings in this occupation will grow by 20% between 2021 and 2031, much faster than the average forecast for all occupations (5%). With 24,100 new VetTech jobs nationwide expected over the next decade, there should be ample opportunity for animal lovers looking to break into this career.
With this growth in new jobs, the field of veterinary technology is strong nationally and in Massachusetts. Accordinglycentral projections(2022), the projected growth rate for veterinarians in the state between 2020 and 2030 is 17.9%.
For those who have graduated from one of the accredited Vet Tech Schools in Massachusetts, there are job opportunities in a variety of environments including small clinics, veterinary clinics, universities, zoos, farms, biomedical research facilities and more. According to Indeed (October 2022), veterinarians have opportunities to find jobs in Massachusetts at places like the Veterinary Emergency Group, Harvard University, Callanan Veterinary Group, Petco, and South Arbor Animal Hospital.
OMassachusetts Association of Veterinary Technicians(MVTA) offers several services for people in this field, including Continuing Education (CE) opportunities, job postings, and professional networking.
Finally, there are several specialties for veterinary technicians that have been designated by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America (NAVTA). Some veterinarians may choose to pursue these specialized skills and qualifications to improve their job prospects and earning potential. Popular subfields include anesthesia and analgesia, animal behavior, clinical pathology, dermatology, critical care, internal medicine, surgery, zoo animals, nutrition, and more.
To learn more about these specialties and Veterinary Technical Specialist (VTS) training, visit the main page atVeterinary Technician.
Massachusetts Veterinary Tech Salaries - How Much Do Veterinary Techs Make?
In addition to good job prospects, Massachusetts has wages above the national average. According toLabor Statistics Office(May 2021), the 118,670 veterinarians nationwide earned an average annual salary of $38,250. By comparison, the 3,470 veterinarians working in Massachusetts earn $43,290 a year, about 13% more than the national average.
The following graph shows the earning potential for Massachusetts veterinarians at various gain percentiles compared to national numbers:
| USA | Massachusetts | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of veterinarians employed | 118.670 | 3.470 |
| average annual salary | 38.250 $ | 43.290 $ |
| 10th percentile | 28.370 $ | 35.460 $ |
| 25th percentile | 29.810 $ | 36.810 $ |
| 50th percentile (median) | 36.850 $ | 44.210 $ |
| 75th percentile | 45.750 $ | 47.760 $ |
| 90th percentile | 48.100 $ | 56.350 $ |
When considering earning potential, cost of living is a central piece of the puzzle. Vet Techs in MA performed much better than people in this industry nationally. It's important to note that the cost of living in Massachusetts is also significantly higher than many other regions. In fact, the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC2022) found MA to be the fifth most expensive state to live in, with particularly high housing costs compared to the rest of the country. Keep this in mind when evaluating salary data in this region.
CVTEA Accredited Veterinary Technology Programs in Massachusetts
For future veterinary technicians in Massachusetts, there are five programs accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTE), the nation's predominant accrediting body for veterinary technology programs. Completion of a CVTEA-accredited program is a prerequisite for admission to most US states.
also accBIND(2022) - a data organization and affiliate of the US Department of Labor - 26 percent of veterinary technicians surveyed nationwide held an associate's degree.
Here is a breakdown of the five CVTEA-accredited veterinary technology programs in Massachusetts:
Holyoke Community College has a two-year CVTEA accredited AAS program to teach the fundamentals of the field such as: B. handling animal patients, administering medications, collecting and processing laboratory samples, and carefully documenting records.
Holyoke expresses an abundance ofGoalsfor its graduates of the Veterinary Technician Program. In addition, they adhere to the code of ethics set forth by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America (NAVTA) and students of veterinary science take an oath to provide excellent care for animals, alleviate their suffering and more.
Holyoke courses include veterinary practice management; Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals; animal diseases; animal care; veterinary laboratory procedures; exotic pets; and veterinary radiology, among others. The program comprises 67 credits. During their studies, students complete two internships. Holyoke graduates had a first-time VTNE pass rate of 78.13% between 2018 and 2021.
- Location:Holyoke, MA
- Accreditation:AVMA-CVTEA; New England Higher Education Commission (NECHE)
- Estimated time to completion:24 fun
- Estimated enrollment fees:State Student ($24 per credit); New England Regional Compact Student ($36 per credit); Out-of-State and International Students ($230 per credit)
Massasoit Community College also offers a two-year AAS Veterinary Technology degree at its Canton campus. This program also requires attendance at an information session to apply. Prerequisites include intermediate-level algebra, college reading preparation; introductory letter; and biological principles.
Students are trained in vertebrate anatomy and physiology; veterinary microbiology; veterinary parasitology; veterinary methods; veterinary pharmacology; veterinary imaging; Medicine and Management of Large Animals; laboratory and exotic animals; anesthesia and veterinary surgery; veterinary management; veterinary pathology; and more. The program comprises 64 credits. Massasoit graduates had a first-time VTNE pass rate of 80.65% between 2018 and 2021.
- Location:Guangzhou, MA
- Accreditation:AVMA-CVTEA; New England Higher Education Commission (NECHE)
- Estimated time to completion:celebrating holidays
- Estimated enrollment fees:Domestic ($24 per credit); Out of State ($230 per credit)
Mount Wachusett Community College
Mount Wachusett Community College offers a two-year Associate's Degree in Veterinary Technology to prospective applicants seeking a highly selective program. Courses in this 73-credit program include veterinary clinical nursing skills; Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals; veterinary pharmacology; pet behavior; Pet Diseases and Nutrition; veterinary parasitology; Medicines for livestock; medicine and management of laboratory animals; veterinary clinical laboratory procedures; surgical nursing and dentistry; and veterinary radiology.
Students also complete two 120-hour internship rotations where they can practice emergency and specialty medicine, wildlife, animal husbandry, aquatic medicine, and even exotic species! This program has recently been accredited, so initial VTNE results are not yet available.
- Location:Gardner, MA
- Accreditation:AVMA-CVTEA; New England Higher Education Commission (NECHE)
- Estimated time to completion:celebrating holidays
- Estimated enrollment fees:Massachusetts Residents ($25 per credit); New England Area Student ($37.50 per credit); Non-Resident and International Students ($230 per credit)
North Shore Community College de Danvers
North Shore Community College of Danvers offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in veterinary technology with courses such as canine and feline behavior. medical terminology; veterinary parasitology; ethics and law for pet caretakers; mathematics for veterinary engineering; surgical nursing and anesthesia; theriogenology; and more. The program consists of 64 credits.
As the admission process is selective, all prospective students must attend an information event where they learn about the course and admission requirements, as well as application deadlines. After the informative event, a certificate of participation will be issued, which must be delivered with the registration.
In particular, the NSCC ensures that all animals used at the facility are handled, cared for, housed, cared for and transported in a humane and ethical manner through the facility's Animal Care and Use Committee, which is governed by the Animal Welfare Act. -Being Animal. North Shore has a 74.35% first-time pass rate among 2019-2022 graduates.
- Location:Danvers, MA
- Accreditation:AVMA-CVTEA; New England Higher Education Commission (NECHE)
- Estimated time to completion:24 fun
- Estimated enrollment fees:Massachusetts Residents ($25 per credit); New England Area Student ($37.50 per credit); Out of State ($257 per credit)
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
The University of Massachusetts - Amherst (Mount Ida campus) is offering a new four-year Bachelor of Science (BS) program in Veterinary Technology. This rigorous program provides students with two years of intensive classroom and laboratory instruction at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, followed by two years in the dedicated veterinary technology facility on the Mount Ida campus.
The course includes clinical nursing in large animals; veterinary microbiology; anesthesia and surgery in small animals; diagnostic imaging veterinary; veterinary management; cellular and molecular biology; and even parasitology. Graduates of UMass Amherst, Mount Ida Vet Tech had a 60.5% first-time VTNE pass rate between 2018 and 2021.
- Location:Newton, MA
- Accreditation:AVMA-CVTEA; New England Higher Education Commission (NECHE)
- Estimated time to completion:48 fun
- Estimated enrollment fees:State ($674.50 per credit); Out of State ($1,558.50 per credit)
Online Veterinary Technology Programs for Massachusetts Students
Participating in an on-campus program can be difficult for some students with time or distance constraints. Fortunately, there are currently severalCVTEA accredited online programsin veterinary technology. These programs often involve a rigorous combination of online courses and clinical supervision that can be completed close to where the student lives.
It is important to note that Massachusetts has relatively strict regulations regarding online education, and some programs acknowledge in "state approval" disclosures that they cannot offer their program to master's students. Prospective students are encouraged to check with program administrators that MA residents are eligible before applying.
Northern Virginia Community College
A CVTEA-accredited online part-time program is offered by Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), which requires two to three visits to the Loudoun, VA campus per semester. In addition, there are some off-campus training activities and mandatory field trips.
This program - ideal for veterinary assistants who work at least 20 hours a week and want to expand their skills - includes courses in general education and veterinary basics such as animal diseases; clinical pathology; and wildlife medicine. Between 2018 and 2021, an impressive 76.99% of program graduates passed the VTNE on the first attempt.
- Location:Sterling, Virginia
- Accreditation:AVMA-CVTEA; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Estimated time to completion:full-time (24 months); Part-time (36 months)
- Estimated enrollment fees:Virginia residents ($180.40 per credit); Out of State ($359.65 per credit)
For more information on web-based veterinary programs, visitOnline programs for veterinary techniciansbook page.
Massachusetts Veterinary Technology Certification
As of October 2022, no professional qualifications are required to work as a veterinary technician in MA. However, there are some benefits of being MA certified. Not only can it improve job prospects within MA, but it can also establish a veterinarian for licensure, registration or certification should he decide to move to another state.
Here are typical steps to becoming a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) in Massachusetts:
- High school graduate
- Enroll in a two- to four-year veterinary technology program accredited by the Veterinary Technician Education and Activities Committee (CVTEA) of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
- Pass the National Veterinary Technician Examination (VTNE)
- Applying for Massachusetts Veterinary Technicians Association (MVTA) Certification
To qualify for certification through the MVTA, candidates must complete an application, pass the VTNE with a minimum of 425 points, and submit an official transcript from a CVTEA-accredited veterinary technology program (other routes to membership exist if the non-vet tech enrolled in a CVTEA-accredited program) and pay a $65 application fee. Please note that there is some flexibility for applicants without CVTEA-accredited degrees and significant experience.
These certifications are valid for one year and are renewable upon completion of 12 continuing education units (CEUs). There is a $50 renewal fee and a $25 late fee after December 31st of the year. OMVTAprovides a list of approved continuing education (CE) resources, such as:
Vet Tech program accreditation
As mentioned earlier, those seeking a program in veterinary technology in Massachusetts are encouraged to pursue programs approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).Committee on Training and Activities of Veterinary Technicians. The CVTEA evaluates several factors in its program approval process, including: B. Institutional accreditation, curricula, admissions processes, evaluation of study outcomes, quality of physical facilities, and program finances.
For a detailed overview of the criteria, visit the CVTEA Accreditation Standards on their website.