Becoming a Veterinary Technician in Mississippi
The number of jobs in the expanding field of animal care is growing in Mississippi every year. Working as a veterinary technician, veterinary assistant or animal caretaker means having a rewarding career. While vet assistants and caretakers don’t need to be licensed or certified, vet techs working in the state must first get certified before finding a job. [Leer en español]
Salaries for Mississippi Veterinary Technicians
The average national salary for a vet tech is $36,850 and the average for a Mississippi vet tech is a little lower at $27,830. On the other hand, top earners in the state can make up to $36,900 per year, and the cost of living in Mississippi is more than ten percent less than the national average, which means these salaries go much further. With less training and no certification required, vet assistants and animal caregivers earn a little less than vet techs.
Veterinary Technician Requirements
To become a Mississippi vet tech, you have to be certified through the Mississippi Board of Veterinary Medicine. Certification requires completing an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)-an accredited program of veterinary technology. Applicants must also pass the Veterinary Technology National Examination (VTNE), pay an application fee of $100 and submit three reference letters attesting to good character.
Veterinary Technician National Examination
The VTNE is the only way to become certified as a Mississippi vet tech. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed in 3 hours. Passing scores vary from year to year but usually range between 450 and 500.
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
To be a certified vet tech in Mississippi requires the completion of an AVMA-accredited program. These are two-year programs that provide all the skills needed to do the job of vet tech and to be prepared to pass the VTNE. There are only two accredited programs in Mississippi. One is at Hinds Community College in Raymond and the other is at Mississippi State University in Starkville.
Veterinary Technician Employers
There are 670 vet techs currently working in Mississippi, along with 720 vet assistants and animal caretakers. There are many different types of workplaces for these positions. Employers include veterinarians, animal hospitals, kennels, research facilities, and rescue centers:
- Banfield Pet Hospital, Jackson
- Animal Medical Center, Hattiesburg
- Humane Society of South Mississippi, Gulfport
- U.S. Army Veterinary Services, Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi
Professional Organizations for Mississippi Veterinary Technicians
Vet techs in Mississippi can join the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) for professional resources and benefits. NAVTA members get access to nationwide job listings, opportunities for continuing education, networking events, and even group discounts on travel and hotels.
Veterinary Technician Schools in Mississippi
Jackson, MS Area
Hinds Community College
608 Hinds Boulevard, Raymond, Mississippi 39154
Veterinary Technology – Associate Program
Hinds Community College’s Associate program in Veterinary Technology is based at their campus in the town of Raymond, Mississippi. Most of the school’s 11,839 students are in 2-year programs. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Commission on Colleges accredited the college. Tuition fees for in-state students are generally around $2,600 and for out-of-state students approximately $5,200 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $1,600, although this will depend on the program.
Memphis, TN-MS-AR Area
Northwest Mississippi Community College
4975 Hwy 51 N, Senatobia, Mississippi 38668-1714
Veterinary Technology – Associate Program
The Associate’s degree program at Northwest Mississippi Community College is taught at their campus in the town of Senatobia, MS. Most of the school’s 7,559 students are on 2-year programs. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Commission on Colleges accredited the college. The cost of tuition for in-state students is around $2,550 and for out-of-state students likely to be about $4,950 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,000, although this varies from program to program.
Northeast Mississippi nonmetropolitan area Area
Mississippi State University
Lee Boulevard, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762
Veterinary Medical Technology – Bachelor Program
The Bachelor’s degree program at Mississippi State University can be taken at their campus in the town of Mississippi State. This is a full, 4-year public college with 20,138 students, of which 82% are undergraduates. The university is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The college’s retention rate for full-time students is over 80%. Tuition fees for in-state students are generally around $7,502 and for out-of-state students approximately $20,142 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $1,200, although this will depend on the program.
* 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
Mississippi residents have further educational options in the neighboring states of Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Alabama.