Browse below to learn how to become a veterinary technician (vet tech) in Massachusetts (MA) including advice on top schools, certification and licensing requirements, salaries and employment data.
How to become a Veterinary Technician in Massachusetts
If you wish to become a vet tech in Massachusetts it is a requirement that you have graduated from an accredited veterinary technician program.
Once you have graduated from an accredited program you will need to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) exams – which are administered by the American Association of Veterinary – if you wish to work as a vet tech in Massachusetts. As a final step you will need to obtain your license before securing employment as a veterinary technician.
Top Vet Tech Programs in MA
| School | Area | Degree Level |
|---|---|---|
| Becker College | Leicester, MA | Associate in Science |
| Holyoke Community College | Holyoke, MA - | Associate in Science |
| Massasoit Community College | Canton, MA | Associate of Applied Science |
| University of Massachusetts-Amherst at Mount Ida campus | Newton, MA | Associate in Arts |
| North Shore Community College | Danvers, MA | Associate of Applied Science |
There are currently 5 accredited vet tech schools in Massachusetts.
Programs are accredited by the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA).
Massachusetts Vet Tech License
Once you have successfully graduated from an accredited program and passed all necessary certification examinations you will need to apply for your veterinary technician license in Massachusetts.
The Massachusetts Veterinary Technician Association can provide more specific information on all the necessary certification and licensing requirements. You can contact them directly using the contact details below:
Address: 163 Lakeside Ave, Marlborough, MA 01752-4554
Phone: 508-281-6297
Email: mvtajcvtc@yahoo.com
Vet Tech Salary MA
| Average Vet Tech Salary in MA | $40,950 |
|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | $19.69 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $55,770 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $29,560 |
| #'s Employed | 3,170 |
According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2017) the average veterinary technician salary in Massachusetts is $40,950 – 18% above the national average of $34,710.
This represents an hourly wage of $19.69.
There are currently 3,170 persons employed as veterinary technicians in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Vet Tech Employment and Salaries by Metro Area
If a career as a veterinary technician in Massachusetts strongly appeals to you then it is a great time to pursue your dreams. The demand for vet techs has been steadily on the increase over the last ten years and is projected to grow by 14.7% over the coming years with an additional 14,330 jobs predicted to be created in the sector between 2016 and 2024.
The table below details salary and employment levels of veterinary technicians in the main towns and cities in Massachusetts.
| Metro Area | Average Salary | Top 10% | Bottom 10% | # Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnstable Town, MA | $33,150 | $44,270 | $25,410 | 160 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA | $43,820 | $59,110 | $33,350 | 1,160 |
| Framingham, MA | $47,370 | $60,320 | $36,060 | 220 |
| Haverhill-Newburyport-Amesbury Town, MA | $38,110 | $49,170 | $27,240 | 70 |
| Lawrence-Methuen Town-Salem, MA | $37,630 | $49,540 | $26,960 | 90 |
| Leominster-Gardner, MA | $37,180 | $51,190 | $26,310 | 60 |
| Lowell-Billerica-Chelmsford, MA | $38,370 | $53,950 | $27,500 | 120 |
| New Bedford, MA | $36,570 | $54,110 | $26,260 | 60 |
| Peabody-Salem-Beverly, MA | $36,080 | $47,860 | $26,960 | 80 |
| Springfield, MA | $37,600 | $48,790 | $27,750 | 300 |
| Taunton-Middleborough-Norton, MA | $34,670 | $44,320 | $25,930 | 40 |
| Worcester, MA | $41,450 | $53,340 | $31,900 | 560 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA | $42,190 | $57,540 | $31,010 | 1,990 |
Vet Tech V’s Related Careers
Veterinarian Professions
The first table compares salary and employment data between veterinary technicians and veterinarians and veterinary assistants in Massachusetts.
| Salary | # Employed | |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Tech in MA | $40,950 | 3,170 |
| Veterinarian in MA | $108,300 | 1,450 |
| Vet Assistant in MA | $36,200 | 1,660 |
Other Healthcare Professions
The table below compares average veterinary technician salary and employment in Massachusetts with salary levels for related healthcare careers in the state.
| Career in MA | Salary | # Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Tech | $40,950 | 3,170 |
| Medical Assistants | $39,310 | 13,030 |
| Nursing Assistants | $32,340 | 38,370 |
| Dental Assistants | $44,770 | 8,380 |
| X Ray Tech | $83,550 | 1,100 |
| Ultrasound Tech | $82,450 | 1,990 |