How to Become a Veterinary Assistant in Maryland

If you are interested in working with animals daily, becoming a vet tech is a good choice.

Read on to know more about the requirement for this job.

Veterinary Assistant Employment and Job Duties in Maryland

You can get a job as a vet tech in many pet facilities, such as:

• Pet clinics,
• Animal rescue facilities,
• Animal shelters
• Zoos
• Educational institutions

Your day-to-day job tasks will vary, and depend on what the facility needs at the moment.

Some of these responsibilities include the following:

• Communicating with clients
• Making appointments
• Request records requests from other vets
• Inventory control
• Cleaning vet gear
• Sanitizing animal cages
• Operation room cleaning
• Help with filling prescriptions
• Prepping exam and operating spaces
• Keeping records updated
• Pay attention to the dietary needs of pets
• Make sure the animals get enough exercise

Candidates can opt for a volunteer-based position or become an intern first if they haven’t worked with animals in the past.

You can also contact the below associations in Maryland:

• Frederick Road Veterinary Hospital
• Catonsville Animal Hospital
• Westview Animal Hospital
• Arbutus Veterinary Hospital
• Howard County Animal Hospital
• Dunloggin Veterinary Hospital
• Doc Side Veterinary Medical Hospital
• Boston Street Animal Hospital LLC
• Light Street Animal Hospital

Becoming Certified as a Vet Assistant in Maryland

In Maryland, all you need is a high school diploma or a GED.

However, some facilities could also request:

• COMPASS test
• A proof you are a resident of the state
• A meeting up with a mentor

To train and develop your skills, you should attend a training program.

In Maryland, you can get the AVA (Approved Veterinary Assistant) certification for vet techs.

This certification is offered through the NAVTA.

The program you enroll in has to be accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA).

You can also choose one of the below specialties:

• Dental Technician
• Anesthetist
• Internal Medicine
• Emergency and Critical Care
• Behavior Technician
• Zoological Medicine
• Equine
• Surgery
• Clinical Practice
• Nutrition
• Clinical Pathology

The institutions offering specialization include:

• The Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians
• The Academy of Veterinary Technician Anesthetists
• The Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians
• The Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians
• The Academy of Veterinary Behavior Technicians
• The Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians
• The Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians
• The Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Clinical Practice
• The Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians
• The Academy of Veterinary Clinical Pathology Technicians

Your certification issued by your school upon completion of the program.

Students can choose between a physical program or an online program.

Some of the subjects you will learn about in class are:

• How to identify different breeds
• Animal anatomy
• The best ways to administer meds
• How to administer post-operative care
• Handling various breeds of animals
• Medical terminology
• Handling chemicals

The training programs usually include theory and lab practice.

The trade schools that provide vet tech programs in Maryland are seen below.

You will also have to submit:

• Tuberculosis clearance within a year
• Tetanus vaccine within 10 years
• Health insurance
• Criminal background check

Vet tech programs usually last between 2 and 3 years.

You can also choose a B.S. in Veterinary Technology or an Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology.

You will also need to take a certification exam, the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Examination).

This exam lasts for 3 hours and features 170 open book questions.

To be eligible for the test, you will need to send a $300 fee.

Keep in mind you will need to register with the Maryland Board of Veterinary Examiners.

Your vet tech license needs to be renewed every 3 years.

You will also have to take 24 additional classes in education to get your certification renewed.

Salary Information for a Veterinary Assistant in Maryland

According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, vet techs in Maryland make about $32,169 a year.

You will be able to get a higher salary if you reside in a larger city or area.

You will earn more if you have a few years of experience in working with animals.

Regional Salary in Maryland

Additional Information About Vet Assistants in Maryland

To start the career of your dreams, all you need to do is attend a suitable school and get a diploma.