How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Maine

You can easily get a job as a vet tech in Maine if you feel this is your calling.

Just read our guide in order to learn more about the licensing requirements in this state.

Veterinary Technician Job Description and Duties in Maine

Vet techs in Maine work under the supervision of a veterinarian.

You will have to tend to the animals that need treatment at the clinic you work.

Some of your daily assignments will include:

• Administering medications
• Taking x-rays,
• Processing tissue samples,
• Assisting in surgery and emergency care
• Performing lab tests
• Teeth cleaning,
• Electrocardiography,
• Cleaning and bandaging wounds
• Maintaining detailed and accurate records of meds, supplies, patients

In Maine, you may not be able to give medicine or do any surgical procedures.

Education and Training Required for Veterinary Technicians in Maine

In Maine, you will only need to train if you don’t have experience in the field.

Those who have no experience should consider pursuing a vet tech license first.

Before you can receive your new license you have to get a Veterinary Technology Associate’s Degree of Applied Science.

This degree is available once you join a training program nearby you.

These programs typically have a duration of around 2 years, but some can last up to 3 years.

The program you choose needs to be accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

You can also choose a degree in Animal Science with a specialization in vet tech.

You will also have to join hours of practice, by joining an internship or an externship.

Check out the following schools for more info on the available programs.

The requirements to join the vet tech training program are:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Complete these classes before starting the degree program: biology, English composition, math, basic computer science, psychology, humanities, and public speaking
• 2 letters of recommendation with at least one from a veterinarian
• Health insurance
• Buying a medical malpractice policy
• 360 hours of previous practical experience

You can also apply for a scholarship or even work-study to pay your tuition.

Classes will include the following topics:

• Introduction to veterinary technology
• Anatomy and physiology
• Emergency care and first aid
• Pathology
• Anesthesiology
• Radiology
• Immunology
• Pharmacology
• Parasitology
• Toxicology
• Nutrition

As s future vet tech, you also need to finish 20 hours of practice in an accredited facility.

The last semester will typically be a preceptorship.

Becoming a Licensed Veterinary Technician in Maine

Vet technicians in Maine are licensed by the Maine State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

To get this license, you need to send:

• An application form
• Official school transcripts
• To pay these fees
  • $300 for the exam
  • $100 for the license
• Score at least 70% on the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE)

The VTNE is comprised of 170 questions.

You will have a time frame of 3 hours to answer these questions.

If you passed the exam, you will get your license 3 to 4 weeks later.

To do so, you have to take some extra education classes and pay a renewal fee of $50.

The Maine Veterinary Technician Association (AVTA) is a helpful resource for vet techs in Maine.

You might also get help with your studies and job placement options.

Employment and Salaries for Veterinary Technicians in Maine

Once you get your vet tech license, maybe you want to know more about the salary you will earn.

Vet techs can work in:

• Private clinical practices
• Zoos
• Veterinary teaching hospitals
• Rescue centers
• Wildlife or exotic animal rehabilitation centers
• Humane societies,
• Research facilities,
• Feedlots,
• Pharmaceutical companies

The largest employers for vet techs in Maine are:

• Maine Veterinary Referral Center
• Maine Coast Veterinary Hospital
• Eastern Maine Emergency Veterinary
• Calais Veterinary Clinic
• Southern Maine Veterinary Care
• Down Maine Veterinary Clinic
• Turner Veterinary Services
• Central Maine Veterinary Hospital
• Portland Veterinary Specialists

Here are the average salaries in Maine’s largest cities as well.

Additional Information for Veterinary Technicians in Maine

You can also check out the following sites in order to keep up to date with any industry changes:

• Maine veterinary technicians association
• Maine Veterinary Medical Association
• National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
• Veterinary Career Network
• Vet Tech Life, an online journal for veterinary technicians
• Vetcetera