How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Maryland

Are you excited about joining the vet tech industry in Maryland?

If so, read this article in order to get more tips and info regarding this job.

Veterinary Technician Job Description and Duties in Maryland

Vet techs in Maryland complete various animal-related tasks in the clinic they work at.

The main job duties will vary according to the clinic, but you will perform daily tasks such as:

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

In Maryland, you cannot perform surgical procedures.

You will also work while supervised by a vet.

Education and Training Required for Veterinary Technicians in Maryland

In Maryland, you can simply start looking for a job with no additional training if you have some experience in the industry.

However, if you have no experience, you should get a vet tech license first.

This will make you more reliable in the eyes of your future employers.

To get a vet tech license, you first have to join a Veterinary Technology Associate’s Degree of Applied Science program.

There are many schools in Maryland that provide this degree.

To get it, you have to be able to study for about 2 to 3 years, as long as the program lasts.

The program you opt for has to be approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

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

The mandatory practice can be completed by joining an internship or an externship.

Have a look at the below schools to learn more about the available programs.

To be able to enroll in a vet tech training program, you have to:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• 2 letters of recommendation – one from a veterinarian
• Health insurance
• Buy a medical malpractice policy
• 360 hours of previous practical experience

If you’re accepted, you’ll have to attend these classes before starting the first semester:

• biology,
• English composition,
• Math,
• Basic computer science,
• Psychology,
• Humanities,
• Public speaking

You have the option to get a scholarship or work-study to cover the costs of your tuition.

Classes will include the subjects below:

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

Another requirement is to complete 20 practice hours in an approved facility.

The last semester will most likely be a preceptorship.

Becoming a Licensed Veterinary Technician in Maryland

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

To get the vet tech license in this state, you need to provide:

• An application form
• Proof you graduated from the accredited training program
• To pay the fees
  • $300 for the exam
  • $100 for the license
• Score at least 70% on the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE)

The VTNE consists of 170 questions.

You will need to finish the test in 3 hours.

Prior to taking the exam, you have to get an ATT (Authorization to test)

If you passed the test, your new license will be issued a couple of weeks later.

Keep in mind that you will also have to renew your license on an annual basis.

For that, you have to take some additional classes that prove your education is up to date.

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

You can get job placement options and even some help with your education.

Employment and Salaries for Veterinary Technicians in Maryland

After receiving your vet tech certification, you may want to have a better idea of salaries in this state.

First of all, you should know that you can work in several facilities, such as:

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

The biggest facilities for vet techs in Maryland are:

• Glade Valley Animal Hospital, Frederick
• Mountain View Animal Emergency, Hagerstown
• Bush Veterinary Neurology Service, Rockville
• Chesapeake Veterinary Surgical Specialists, Towson
• Baltimore Humane Society, Baltimore
• University of Maryland Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, College Park

Additional Information for Veterinary Technicians in Maryland

The following resources might be helpful when looking for updates:

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