The authorized state veterinary service accredits veterinary schools in Maryland. The vet schools in MD listed below are in order of size, with the largest veterinary schools first, based on the number of graduates per year.
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Requirements for Veterinary Schools in Maryland
To enroll in an Associate in Veterinary Technology program in one of the Vet schools in Maryland, typical requirements include submitting official high school transcripts and completing certain high school coursework (e.g., biology, chemistry, algebra).
You must also provide proof of health insurance and vaccinations, write a personal statement, pass a test (including TOEFL for non-native English speakers), and pay the fee.
Some programs in veterinary schools in Maryland may even require applicant interviews, animal experience, or letters of recommendation.
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How Long are Veterinary Schools in Maryland?
Maryland has one such AVMA-accredited veterinary college that offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) program in veterinary technology.
There are certain prerequisites that you must complete before you can be accepted into this program, such as: an Introduction to Veterinary Technology course (with a grade of “C” or better) and a General Biology course (with a grade of “B” or better), in addition to the normal general education requirements common to all postsecondary programs.
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How to Become a Vet in Maryland
Start your veterinary technician education because to become a licensed veterinary technician, you need an Associate’s Degree (A.S.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Veterinary Technology.
Before starting your veterinary technology studies, you should ensure that the program you choose is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
After you complete your A.S or B.S program, you must register and pass the North American Veterinary Technician Exam (NAVLE) before you can be officially licensed to work as a veterinary technician in Maryland.
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How Much Do Vets Make in Maryland?
Vets in Maryland take home an average of 29.00 per hour. Annual earnings for a veterinarian working in Maryland average $60,458.
This is 44% higher than the state average and 50% higher than the national average for all occupations.
Employment for a veterinarian consists only of the working population in Maryland and is limited due to the special qualifications required along with the schooling associated with this career.
The growing demand for qualified veterinarians, coupled with the educational barrier to entry into the field, is being met by a steady stream of eager college graduates looking to make a lasting impact on the lives of others in and around Maryland.
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What are Some Veterinary Jobs in Maryland?
These animal health professionals work in various settings, including veterinary hospitals, and animal shelters.
They also work in clinics (general and specialty), kennels, farms, laboratories, biomedical research facilities, zoos, aquariums, universities, government organizations, and agencies with the protection of animals.
While some may be asked to work regular business hours, others may be asked to work weekends, holidays, or evenings, depending on the needs of their patients.
Aspiring veterinarians are encouraged to use traditional job search sites such as Monster, Hired, and LinkedIn to find work in this field.
In addition, the Maryland Veterinary Medical Association posts job postings and continuing education (CE) opportunities and resources for those interested in the veterinary profession.
What are the Best Veterinary Schools in Maryland in 2024?
#1 Community College of Baltimore County
Baltimore County Community College’s Veterinary Technology program is taught at their Baltimore campus in Baltimore County, Maryland. Most of the school’s 22,887 students are enrolled in 2-year programs.
The Middle States Commission institutionally accredits the college of Higher Education. Tuition for in-district students is about $3,712 and $6,650, and $9,718 for in-state and out-of-state students, respectively.
In this veterinary school in Maryland, study materials can cost around $1,430, although this varies by program.
#2 Garrett College
Garrett College offers several degree options, including certificate and associate degree programs. Classes are held at their campus in McHenry in Garrett County.
This public college has 713 students, most of whom are enrolled in 2-year programs. Tuition for in-district students is approximately $3,584 and $7,000 and $8,120 for in-state and out-of-state students, respectively.
Study materials can cost around $1,400, depending on the program chosen.
#3 Essex Campus of the Community College in Baltimore
There is currently one CVTEA-accredited program in Maryland: the Essex Campus of Community College in Baltimore. Essex offers a 65-credit Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Veterinary Technology.
Courses include veterinary medical terminology; veterinary anatomy and physiology; animal nutrition; disease and pathology of companion animals; pharmacology and toxicology; veterinary visualization; and more.
This rigorous program includes general education coursework, laboratory sections, and internships.
Internships at local institutions provide the student with some hands-on training and the skills necessary to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE).
Conclusion
The AVMA-accredited program offered in Maryland will last four semesters, and the internship must take place during the fourth semester. In addition, nine AVMA-accredited veterinary technician programs are available at various online institutions.
Before graduating from an accredited veterinary technology program, you must gain hands-on experience in a veterinary clinic or hospital.
Most institutions have labs on campus where you can practice and gain experience. You gain this experience working with animals in a clinical setting under the supervision of instructors. These resources are designed to provide additional orientation before the start of your off-campus placement.
Veterinary Schools in Maryland FAQs
What Do I Do After Getting a Vet Degree in Maryland?
After earning a veterinary technology degree, you must register for and pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) before obtaining a veterinary technician license in any state. Maryland has three testing periods per year: March 1-31 (application deadline February 1), July 15-August 15 (application deadline June 15), and November 15-December 15 (application deadline applications – October 15).Â
Do I Need a License to Work as a Vet in Maryland?
Only veterinarians must be licensed in Maryland; veterinary assistants and animal caretakers – no. The Maryland Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners sets licensing requirements, including completion of a two-year veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). There are exceptions, but most license applicants must meet this requirement. Applicants must also provide a passing score on the National Veterinary Technician Exam and pass the Maryland State Bar Exam, which is a test of state laws.
Are Vets in Demand in Maryland?
An explosion of jobs is expected for veterinary technicians across the country. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2019) projects that opportunities in this field will grow 16 percent between 2019 and 2029, much faster than the average growth projected for all occupations (4 percent). According to Projections Central (2021), veterinarians in Maryland can anticipate occupation growth of 19.2 percent between 2018 and 2028.
References
- vettechnicians.org – Becoming a Veterinary Technician in Maryland
- veterinarianedu.org – Steps to Become a Veterinary Technician in Maryland
