Becoming a Veterinary Technician in Maine
Veterinary technicians, or vet techs, must be licensed by the Maine Board of Veterinary Medicine to work in the state. Once requirements are met, vet techs have the opportunity to have a career in a rewarding field caring for animals. Maine animal lovers can also work as veterinary assistants or animal caretakers, careers that do not require licensing or specific training. [Leer en español]
Salaries for Veterinary Technicians Working
The field of animal careers, including veterinary technology, is growing in Maine. New positions open up every year for vet techs to earn an average of $37,180, which is higher than the national average salary. Top earners in veterinary technology can make up to $46,340 per year. Although vet assistants and animal caretakers don’t have to be licensed, they still earn a good living with an average annual salary of $37,410.
Veterinary Technician Licensing Requirements
To work as a vet tech in Maine, as in many other states, you have to be licensed. Vet techs in Maine can apply for licensing by submitting an application, a $71 fee, and supporting documents to the Maine Board of Veterinary Medicine. A complete application must include transcripts proving the successful completion of a vet tech program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and proof of a passing score on the Veterinary Technology National Examination. A licensed veterinary technician must also complete at least 12 hours of continuing education each year to stay licensed.
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 veterinary program in the state accredited by the AVMA. The program is at the Bangor campus of the University of Maine at Augusta. Just across the state line with Maine, New Hampshire has two AVMA-accredited programs at Great Bay Community College in Portsmouth, NH, and the University of New Hampshire in Durham. Maine residents can also complete an accredited online program from institutions like Penn Foster College or Blue Ridge Community College.
Veterinary Technician National Exam
The Veterinary Technician National Exam is administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards and tests vet techs’ knowledge in several areas, including veterinary pharmacology, veterinary nursing procedures, radiology, surgical assistance, and laboratory testing. The exam consists of a multiple-choice written portion and a practical component. Those who pass receive a certificate to present with their application for veterinary technician licensing in Maine.
In addition to the VTNE, some states also require vet techs to pass a state-specific exam that tests knowledge of laws and regulations relevant to the practice of veterinary technology. The Maine Board does not require this additional test for licensure.
Veterinary Technician Employers in Maine
The 720 vet techs and 530 veterinary assistants and animal caretakers working in Maine are employed by veterinarians, animal hospitals, research laboratories, shelters, and other institutions. A variety of employment opportunities are available for those interested in vet tech careers, including jobs at the following locations:
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor
- Animal Emergency Clinic of Mid-Maine, Lewiston
- Lucerne Veterinary Hospital, Holden
- Coastal Humane Society, Brunswick
- VCA Animal Medical Center
Professional Organizations for Vet Techs
Vet techs working in Maine can join the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. This national professional organization provides members with networking opportunities, continuing education, group discounts, and information on job openings. The Maine Veterinary Medical Association, which is an organization for veterinarians, offers vet techs the chance to earn a scholarship through its Education Foundation.
Veterinary Technician Schools in Maine
Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area Area
University of Maine at Augusta
46 University Dr, Augusta, Maine 04330-9410
Veterinary Technology – Associate Program, Veterinary Technology – Bachelor Program
The University of Maine at Augusta offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and a Bachelor program. Classes are taken at their campus in the town of Augusta. Most of the school’s 4,664 students are in 4-year programs. The University of Maine at Augusta has institutional accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, and the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is about $7,448 and for students from other states around $16,688 for each academic year. Study materials can cost roughly $1,200, 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 New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New York.
[sp-listings]