Detailed Information On Training To Become a Veterinary Technician in Massachusetts
The veterinary technician is a vital link in the modern field of veterinary medicine. With an ever-growing demand for world-class treatment for personal pets and industrial livestock or production animals alike, the need for veterinary professionals is greater than ever.
Fortunately, there are a number of effective ways to become a licensed Massachusetts vet tech.
Becoming a Massachusetts veterinary technician
In order to become a veterinary technician, the candidate must fulfill those requirements that demonstrate that he or she can carry out 
the duties of a veterinary technician in a professional and effective manner.
Upon doing so, the Massachusetts Veterinary Technician Association (MVTA) will certify the candidate as a qualified veterinary technician.
The pre-requisites for this certification include the following steps:
- The candidate must attend and pass a two or four-year veterinary technician study course at a school that has been accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
- The Candidate must then past the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). This test is administered by the AVMA and tests the candidate’s practical and academic skills to ensure that he or she is qualified to be a veterinary technician. The passing score for the VTNE is 425.
Alternate Paths to Becoming a Veterinary Technician
Massachusetts allows several alternate paths to becoming a veterinary technician, but in all cases, the individual must have taken and passed the VTNE in order to be considered for certification.
Most of the methods listed below have strict record keeping and reporting requirements, so any individual considering using them should check with the MVTA to ensure that they qualify. By completing any one of the following methods, a candidate who has successfully passed the VTNE may become a certified veterinary technician.
- An associate degree in animal or biological sciences, coupled with at least three years of full-time employment as a veterinary technician.
- The individual must have a degree in an un-accredited veterinary technology program, with at least one year of full-time experience as a vet tech.
- The candidate must have been employed for at least five years as a full-time veterinary technician, and also have at least 18 semester hours of college credit in biological or animal sciences.
- The candidate must have been employed as a full time veterinary technician for at least eight years.
Renewing the Veterinary Technician’s License
Massachusetts requires that the veterinary technician renew his or her license in order to remain eligible to work as a vet tech. In addition to the payment of the renewal fees to the MVTA, this requires a minimum of 12 continuing education units, which must be in classes or activities that have been approved by the MTVA.
This continuing education is intended to ensure that the veterinary technician remains up to date with the most modern changes in the veterinary field.
Duties of the Veterinary Technician in Massachusetts
As a state with a variety of industries, Massachusetts veterinary technicians may find themselves working with domestic and exotic pets, as well as livestock and other production animals.
The vet tech’s duties may include:
- Taking samples of blood or other materials, and preparing them for testing or transport, as well as reporting the results to the supervising veterinarian.
- Preparing animals for treatment or surgery, and assisting the veterinarian in that process.
- The vet tech will often be required to monitor animals after the primary course of treatment, to ensure that they are recovering properly, while keeping the veterinarian informed of their progress.
- The vet tech may be required to monitor and ensure the proper and healthy care for livestock or production animals, including making certain that their conditions are in conformity with state and federal regulations.
- The veterinary technician will often have to work with the owners of the injured or ill animals, taking down information for the veterinarian while often calming distraught or worried individuals. The requires that the vet tech work in a professional, yet calming manner.
Employment Options for Veterinary Technicians in Massachusetts
The profession of being a veterinary technician is one that shows continued and robust growth in the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that the field will continue to have growth that is well above average for the foreseeable future.
Furthermore, the BLS shows that the state of Massachusetts is among the top paying states for professionals working in this field, making it an even more attractive career path, especially larger cities like Boston, This, coupled with the long-term benefits of the professions, make the vet tech career ideal for new professionals or older individuals who are currently supporting a family.
Future Options for Veterinary Technicians
In addition to their basic employment, veterinary technicians may specialize in a variety of other fields, ranging from surgical assistance to clinical and internal medicine veterinary technicians.
This allows the vet tech to increase his or her earning potential while remaining active in the veterinary field, and in some cases, the practical experience as a vet tech may help obtain a certificate in these specialties.
Becoming a veterinary technician is a path for a long-term, secure, and socially valued career. The vet tech is not simply a worker, in fact, but an individual who plays a role in assisting in maintaining the health and comfort of America’s treasured companion animals.