Veterinary Technician Schools in Maine

To become successful veterinary technicians in Maine, interested individuals must be able to communicate with pet owners, develop treatment plans, and devise effective preventive measures. They must acquire in-depth training to do all these at a high level.

However, a prospective vet tech in the state must consider a few other things besides the educational considerations.

Thankfully, the resources that follow break down all of these more concisely. Candidates will also learn the career projections for the field in the next few years and how to maximize their potential returns.

How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Maine

The following considerations are vital to becoming a successful veterinary technician in Maine.

Education

Candidates must attend a veterinary technician program and earn an associate degree to develop the skills needed for certification and employment. Maine has several programs for this, including online, offline, and hybrid programs.

The American Veterinary Medical Association’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities accredits veterinary technician training programs in Maine. Candidates should look for accreditation when choosing a training program.

The VTNE

The VTNE—Veterinary Technician National Examination—is available to candidates who have completed an accredited program and is compulsory for anyone looking to start a veterinary technician career.

Specialization

Veterinary technicians in Idaho have the luxury of choosing a specialty area. For instance, they may choose a particular procedure, such as dermatology and radiography, or a specific patient category, including exotic, equine, and avian veterinary technology.

Explore careers with similar paths:

• How to become a vet assistant in Maine

Top Veterinary Technician Schools in Maine

Future vet techs in Maine may consider the following schools for their education.

Explore neighboring states for education and training:

• Vet technician schools in New Hampshire

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Veterinary technicians in Maine are expected to receive a license before they can start working professionally. A high school diploma, completing an accredited program, and passing the VTNE are all prerequisite steps to receiving a state license.

Those who have done that may officially forward their application to the state. For this, they must submit a form and an application fee of $35. They will also be expected to pass a criminal background check, which incurs a $21 fee.

After their application is favorably considered, they will receive their license mailed. They are expected to renew this license every year by paying a fee of $50.

Joining a professional network such as the National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America and the Maine Veterinary Medicine Association will allow professionals to improve their careers and acquire more skills on the job.

Salary & Career Outlook

In Maine, the annual salary for veterinary technicians can be as high as $52,526 and as low as $31,080. The reasons for the disparity vary and include factors like experience, credentials, and specific location within the state.

The figures also reflect the extreme ends of the highest-paid in the top 10% relative to the lowest-paid in the bottom 10%. The majority, however, are in the middle, taking home an annual average salary of $40,405.

Moving on to specific locations in the state for high income, Brewer is in the top spot, paying veterinary technicians an annual average salary of $50,795. Portland is next, with an annual average salary of $44,159. Those in Scarborough manage an annual average salary of $42,954.

According to the BLS, employment for veterinary technicians in Maine and across the state will continue to rise over the next ten years.