Becoming a Veterinary Technician in Maryland
The number of new veterinary technician jobs available in Maryland is growing at a rate of about 23 percent every year. This means that there are plenty of opportunities for those interested in starting a career in animal services in the state. To be a vet tech in Maryland requires licensing, but working as a vet assistant or an animal caretaker does not. [Leer en español]
Veterinary Technician Salaries
At $37,390 per year, the average annual salary for a vet tech in Maryland exceeds the national average. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, top earners in the field are making over $47,690 per year. Veterinary assistant and animal caretaker positions require less training and are not licensed, so the salaries are lower at $36,170 on average.
License Requirements for Veterinary Technicians
Only vet techs need to be licensed in Maryland; vet assistants and animal caretakers do not. The Maryland State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners sets the requirements for licensing, which includes the completion of a two-year veterinary technology program that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). There are exceptions to this, but most candidates for licensing must meet this requirement. Applicants must also submit a passing score on the Veterinary Technician National Examination and pass Maryland’s jurisprudence exam, which is a test of state laws. A licensed veterinary technician must renew their license every two years.
Penn Foster College – Veterinary Technician Program
Full accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Clinical externships through a private practice near your home or Penn Foster College’s partner VCA Animal Hospitals. Gain hands-on experience alongside licensed veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians. Call 1-800-851-1819 today.
AVMA-Accredited Veterinary Technician Education
There is just one program in Maryland that has been accredited by the AVMA at Essex Campus of the Community College in Baltimore. Other options for Maryland residents include American Veterinary Medical Association programs in other states or accredited online programs offered by out-of-state schools such as Blue Ridge Community College, Weyers Cave, Virginia.
Veterinary Technician National Exam
The Veterinary Technician National Exam is administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards and consists of 170 multiple-choice questions. The cost for the exam is $300, which can be paid online or by check or money order. Candidates must wait at least 48 hours after applying for a license before registering for the exam.
Once you have completed the exam, you must submit the scores to the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners for your license to be issued.
Employers for Veterinary Technicians in Maryland
2,250 vet techs are working in the state, along with 1,620 animal caretakers and vet assistants, with new positions opening up all the time. Some of the employers include veterinary offices, emergency animal hospitals, animal shelters, and research laboratories:
- Glade Valley Animal Hospital, Frederick
- Mountain View Animal Emergency, Hagerstown
- Bush Veterinary Neurology Service, Rockville
- Chesapeake Veterinary Surgical Specialists, Towson
- Baltimore Humane Society, Baltimore
- University of Maryland Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, College Park
Professional Organizations for Vet Techs
Maryland vet techs recommended by a member veterinarian can join the Maryland Veterinary Medical Association. This statewide group gives members access to important resources regarding jobs, continuing education, and legal issues. Vet techs may also become members of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America for access to national and vet tech-specific resources.
Veterinary Technician Schools in Maryland
Baltimore-Towson, MD Area
The Community College of Baltimore County
7201 Rossville Blvd., Baltimore, Maryland 21237
Veterinary Technology – Associate Program
The Community College of Baltimore County’s Associate-level Veterinary Technology program is taught at their campus in Baltimore in Baltimore County, Maryland. Most of the school’s 22,887 students are in 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Tuition fees for in-district students are generally around $3,712 and are $6,650 and $9,718 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Learning materials may cost around $1,430, although this will vary with the program.
Garrett County, Maryland nonmetropolitan area Area
Garrett College
687 Mosser Road, McHenry, Maryland 21541
Veterinary Assistant – Certificate Program, Veterinary Assistant – Associate Program
Garrett College offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. Classes are taken at their campus in McHenry in Garrett County. This public college has in the order of 713 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. Fees for tuition for in-district students are roughly about $3,584 and are $7,000 and $8,120 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Study materials can cost roughly $1,400, depending on the program chosen.
* Tuition fees and accreditation status are correct at the time of writing, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (http://nces.ed.gov/). Confirm with the college before applying.
Other Options
See options in the neighboring states of Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia.
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