10 Best Veterinary Schools in Massachusetts in 2024 | How to Apply

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Do you fancy a career in animal care? Attending veterinary schools in Massachusetts and earning a degree can help prepare you to pursue a passion for animals in your career. 

A typical program in Massachusetts takes about two years after high school. This means that a veterinarian could begin working and earn significantly more quickly than a veterinarian while making a measurable difference in the lives of animals and pet owners.

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Check: Best Veterinary Schools in New York

How Much Do Vets Make in Massachusetts?

Veterinarians working in Massachusetts can count on a competitive salary.  The average annual payment for veterinary equipment in the state is 40,120 US dollars, compared to the national average of 32,570 dollars. 

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Veterinarians can earn up to $54,590 on the highest pay scale.  Veterinary assistants and animal care workers earn less, with an average salary of $32,280 in Massachusetts.  These positions usually require less training and experience.

ALSO CHECK:  Best Veterinary Schools in New York

What Does it Take to Work as a Vet in Massachusetts?

Although no licensing is required, veterinary technicians must be trained in a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Association (AVMA). 

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A hopeful veterinarian must also pass the National Veterinary Technician Exam (VTNE) to demonstrate their knowledge to prospective employers. 

Many employers will also want to see veterinary technicians voluntarily certified through the Massachusetts Association of Veterinary Technicians.

ALSO CHECK:  8 Best Vet Schools In Washington State

How to Become a Veterinarian in Massachusetts

If you want to become a veterinary technician, it is helpful to know that Massachusetts does not require a license to be able to work.

Because veterinary technicians work under the supervision of a veterinarian, they can do the job during the day, and some succeed.

However, many veterinary technicians decide to continue their training, focus on gaining new knowledge related to working in a veterinary clinic, and get certified, thus increasing their chances of finding a better job.

If you have a high school diploma or GED equivalent, which is required, you can visit the websites of veterinary schools in Massachusetts and find an accredited program for admission.

The Massachusetts Association of Veterinary Technicians sets education requirements for certification as a veterinary technician in Massachusetts, and only students in accredited programs are students eligible for a license.

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What are the Best Veterinary Schools in Massachusetts?

#1 Holyoke Community College

Holyoke Community College also has a two-year AAS-accredited CVTEA program to teach the basics of the field, such as how to treat animal patients, administer drugs, collect and process laboratory samples, and carefully document records.

Holyoke sets several challenges for veterinary program graduates.  In addition, they adhere to the code of ethics of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America (NAVTA), and veterinary students take an oath, promising to provide excellent care for animals, alleviate their suffering, and more.

Courses at Holyoke include veterinary practice management; anatomy and physiology of domestic animals; animal diseases; animal feeding; veterinary laboratory procedures; exotic pets; and veterinary radiology. 

During the program, students take two externships. The level of successful completion of VTNE among Holyoke graduates was 81 percent.

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#2 Massasoit Community College

Massasoit Community College also offers a two-year AAS degree in veterinary technology on their Cantonese campus. 

This program also requires attending an information session to apply.  Prerequisites: intermediate algebra, preparation for reading in college; introductory letter; and biological principles.

Students study animal anatomy and physiology; patient assessment; proper handling and maintenance; office procedures; veterinary parasitology; customer service; surgery and anesthesia; and more.

Between 2018 and 2021, Massasoit graduates accounted for 81 percent of their VTNE submissions.

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#3 Mount Wachusett Community College

Mount Wachusett Community College offers a two-year diploma in veterinary technology for potential candidates seeking a highly elective program. 

Courses include animal diseases, veterinary radiology, anatomy and physiology of pets, and even farm medicine.

Students also go through two 120-hour rotations of internships, where they can do internships in emergency and specialty medicine, wildlife, farm animals, aquatic medicine, and even exotic species! 

This program has recently been accredited, so VTNE’s first passing scores are unavailable.

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Also See: 15 Best Veterinary Schools in Florida

#4 North Shore Community College of Danvers 

North Shore Public College in Denver offers a two-year AAS degree in veterinary technology with classes in dog and cat behavior; medical terminology; veterinary parasitology; and more.

As the admission process is optional, all prospective students should attend an information session during which they will learn about the program, admission requirements, and the dates of import application. 

At the end of the information session, a certificate of participation will be issued, which must be submitted with the application.

It is noteworthy that the NSCC ensures that all animals used in the facility are treated, kept, cared for, and transported humanely and ethically through its Animal Welfare and Use Committee, which the Animal Welfare Act governs. 

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#5 University of Massachusetts-Amherst (Mount Ida campus)

The University of Massachusetts-Amherst offers a new four-year Bachelor of Science (BS) program in veterinary technology. 

This rigorous program involves two years of intensive training in classrooms and laboratories at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, followed by two years at specialized veterinary technology facilities on the Mount Ida campus.

Coursework includes clinical care for large animals, veterinary microbiology, anesthesia and surgery for small animals, and even parasitology. 

Veterinary medicine graduates at UMass Amherst and Mount Ida achieved the level of VTNE for the first time.

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Also See: 10 Best Veterinary Schools in California

#6 Becker College

Becker College offers several study options, including bachelor’s and associate’s degree programs. All programs are taught on their campus in Worcester, Massachusetts. 

Most of the school’s 2,021 students are enrolled in 4-year programs. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission of Higher Education accredits the college. 

Tuition fees total $34,080 per academic year, while study materials can cost approximately $960, depending on the program.

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#7 Mount Ida College

Mount Ida College offers several study options, including bachelor’s and associate degree programs.  Classes are held on their campus in Newton. 

It is a full-fledged 4-year private college with 1,320 students, 98% of whom are students.  The New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Higher Education accredits the college. 

Tuition costs about $32,300 for each academic year, while study materials can cost about $1,000, depending on the program chosen.

VISIT WEBSITE

Editor’s pick: 10 Best Veterinary Schools in Colorado

#8 Berkshire Community College

The Berkshire Public College certification program is based on its campus in Pittsfield, Berkshire. The college has about 2,230 students, most of whom study in 2-year programs. 

The New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission of Higher Education accredits the college. 

Tuition for state students is approximately $4,866, and for students from other states is approximately $10,482 for each academic year. 

Training materials can cost approximately $1,009, depending on the program.

VISIT WEBSITE

Read Also: Best Veterinary Schools in Georgia

Conclusion

The above is a list of accredited colleges to help you find the right college and a tool to quickly gather information about leading veterinary schools in Massachusetts. 

Massachusetts veterinary programs are highly competitive and require a solid academic background plus a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study, such as biology or physiology, as a starting point. 

Expect the core to last four years of a rigorous science-based curriculum leading to a DVM degree. Suppose you are looking forward to a career in veterinary medicine.

In that case, you must obtain a license from the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Board after passing the North American Veterinary License Exam. Discover the information you need to apply to the best veterinary school for you today with our expertise and powerful search tools.

Veterinary Schools in Massachusetts FAQs

Are Vets in Demand in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts and across the USA, the employment prospects of veterinary technicians are bright. 

As proof, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the number of vacancies in this area to increase by 16 percent between 2019 and 2029, which is a much stronger growth than projected for all professions (4 percent). 

With 18,300 new veterinary positions expected across the country in the next decade, animal lovers seeking a career in this field must have ample opportunities.

Do You Need Professional Credentials to Practice as a Vet Tech in Massachusetts?

As of July 2021, professional certification is not required to practice as a veterinary technician in Massachusetts. However, certification in MA is a definite advantage. 

This can not only improve employment prospects in the MA but can also create veterinary equipment for licensing, registration, or certification if he or she decides to move to another state.

How Do You Qualify for the MVTA Certification?

To apply for MVTA certification, applicants must apply, pass a VTNE with a score of at least 425, and send an official transcript of an accredited CVTEA program in veterinary technology (there are other ways to join if a veterinary technician has not attended an accredited CVTEA program) and paid $65.

Please note that there is some flexibility for candidates without CVTEA-accredited diplomas and extensive experience.

References

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