Veterinarian Schools in Maine

The State Board of Veterinary Medicine in Maine sets the state’s requirements and considerations for veterinarians. Currently, the state defines a veterinarian as somebody who has received a doctorate in veterinary medicine.

State residents pursuing a career in this field must undergo a few other steps, such as background checks and testing. We break down these major considerations below in the following sections.

Candidates who consume the resources on this page will be well-prepared for their upcoming journey and able to tackle challenges that may arise with the utmost confidence. We also explore a few other helpful information, including top training programs with relevant accreditation and possible yearly income for professionals in this field.

How to Become a Veterinarian in Maine

Veterinarians in Maine typically start their careers by following the outline below.

Earning a Bachelor’s Degree

Veterinarians in Maine are expected to earn a bachelor’s degree before earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Strong high school GPAs and SAT and ACT scores will make admission into an undergraduate program easier.

During their undergraduate years, candidates may start working towards admission into veterinary school by participating in extracurricular activities. Those that require leadership and problem-solving are particularly valuable.

Volunteering in an animal shelter and taking business courses are also helpful.

DVM & NAVLE

When they complete a veterinary program, candidates earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Admission into vet school is very competitive, as there are only 30 accredited programs in the country.

During vet school, candidates are expected to learn about animal anatomy, physiology, and diseases, among other subjects. They will then be able to practice what they have learned through clinical rotations before graduating.

They are also expected to pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE).

Career Opportunities & Specialty Training

While acquiring experience in a work environment under supervision, candidates may consider choosing a specialty area in the field. They may choose small or large animal veterinary medicine, among other options.

Explore other careers with similar paths:

• How to become a veterinary technician in Maine

Top Veterinary Schools in Maine

Aspiring veterinarians in Maine may acquire training from any of the following accredited institutions.

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Veterinarian schools in Massachusetts

Licensure & Certification Requirements

In Maine, anyone who has completed the steps above qualifies to receive a state license. The Maine Board of Veterinary Medicine sets licensing requirements for this state.

Currently, candidates need to pay a $96 fee to be licensed, including the licensing fee and the fee for criminal record checking. A veterinary license in the state is valid for a year, after which it must be renewed with proof of 24 hours of continuing education in the last two years.

The state offers temporary licenses but does not have reciprocity agreements. Candidates are also expected to show proof of their educational transcripts but are not expected to provide professional references.

Salary & Career Outlook

Maine offers a competitive salary for veterinarians that aligns with the national average. This figure of $134,312 is the most common in the profession and is relevant for those among the median earners.

Sometimes, at the start of their careers, veterinarians in the state may not earn up to this amount. They may instead start from the bottom earning categories, where they would make an annual average salary of $86,556.

However, with time, they must make it to the median category and also reach this and find themselves in the top 10% earning category. Here, the annual average salary to look forward to is currently $208,417.

Time and experience are crucial, but they are not the only factors that can help professionals increase their yearly earnings. Location, business strategy, and credentials are also important considerations.

Kittery ($151,918), Bath ($142,302), and Lewiston ($140,794) are the cities where vets make the most money in Maine. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the increase in demand for veterinarians will be sustained over the next 10 years as it continues to rise at a 10% rate.