EXPLORE A CAREER IN VETERINARY MEDICINE

Become a Veterinary Technician!

Science. Compassion. Critical thinking. Veterinary technicians bring all three together to make a difference in the lives of animals and the people who love them.

What Is a Veterinary Technician?

Veterinary technicians are educated medical professionals who provide skilled nursing care and technical support in veterinary medicine. They work alongside veterinarians, veterinary assistants, and other members of the veterinary healthcare team to care for animals.

Veterinary technology education typically leads to an associate degree for veterinary technicians or a bachelor's degree for veterinary technologists. Both pathways prepare graduates for important roles in animal healthcare.

What Do Veterinary Technicians Do?

Veterinary technicians use medical knowledge, practical skills, and compassion every day. Their responsibilities may include:

Monitoring patients before, during, and after procedures
Administering medications and treatments
Monitoring anesthesia and supporting patient safety
Collecting and analyzing laboratory samples
Performing diagnostic imaging and assisting with medical procedures
Preparing surgical instruments and assisting during surgery
Providing wound care, bandaging, and ongoing nursing care
Educating animal owners about home care, nutrition, and preventive health
Supporting animal comfort, welfare, and recovery

Essential Members of the Veterinary Team

Veterinary technicians provide continuity of care, recognize changes in patient condition, collaborate with the veterinary team, and help animal owners understand their pets' medical needs. Their knowledge and nursing skills are essential to high-quality veterinary care.

Where Can a Veterinary Technology Career Take You?

Veterinary technicians work in many different settings. Opportunities extend well beyond general veterinary practice!

General Practice

Preventive care, dentistry, surgery, and everyday patient nursing

Emergency & Specialty Medicine

Critical care, oncology, anesthesia, internal medicine, and more

Research & Laboratory Medicine

Clinical research, diagnostic laboratories, and biomedical science

Beyond the Hospital

Shelter medicine, zoological medicine, education, industry, and public health

Your Path to Becoming a Veterinary Technician

Choose an accredited program. Complete an appropriate veterinary technology degree program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or another accreditation body accepted for your intended credential.
Complete your education and clinical training. Build skills in anatomy, pharmacology, nursing, anesthesia, diagnostics, and animal care.
Pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). This national examination is an important requirement for veterinary technician credentialing.
Apply for the appropriate credential. Requirements vary by jurisdiction. In Massachusetts, MVTA administers its Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) certification program.
Keep learning! Continuing education and optional advanced specialty credentials provide opportunities for professional growth.

Explore MVTA CVT Certification

GREAT NEWS FOR MASSACHUSETTS STUDENTS!

Community College Could Be Tuition-Free!

Massachusetts offers free community college through the MassEducate and MassReconnect programs. Eligible students can attend a Massachusetts public community college without paying tuition or mandatory fees!

Students may also qualify for financial assistance with books, supplies, and other approved expenses. These programs are available to eligible students of different ages and income levels.

How Do I Qualify?

Eligibility requirements include Massachusetts residency or another qualifying status, enrollment in an approved program, a minimum course load, financial-aid documentation, and other conditions. Students who already hold a bachelor's degree generally are not eligible.

The college's financial aid office can help determine eligibility and explain how to complete the FAFSA or MASFA.

Learn About Free Community College

Tuition assistance is subject to program eligibility and current state guidelines. Contact each college for admission and financial-aid requirements.

Veterinary Technology Programs in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has five AVMA-accredited veterinary technology programs. Four offer associate degrees through public community colleges, and one offers a bachelor's degree through UMass Amherst.

Community College Programs

Holyoke Community College
Holyoke, MA | Associate degree
Explore the Veterinary Technician Program

Massasoit Community College
Canton, MA | Associate degree
Explore the Veterinary Technology Program

Mount Wachusett Community College
Gardner, MA | Associate degree
Explore the Veterinary Technology Program

North Shore Community College
Danvers, MA | Associate degree
Explore the Veterinary Technology Program

Bachelor's Degree Program

University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst and Newton, MA | Bachelor of Science
Explore the Veterinary Technology Major

Program availability, admissions, costs, and accreditation status can change. Confirm current details directly with the institution before applying. The Massachusetts free community college program does not automatically cover university bachelor's degrees.

Interested in Online or Distance Education?

Accredited distance-education programs may offer greater flexibility for students who are working, changing careers, or balancing other responsibilities.

These programs generally combine online academic coursework with required hands-on clinical training. Before enrolling, ask how clinical placements work, whether you can complete them near home, and whether the program meets Massachusetts CVT certification requirements.

Explore AVMA-Accredited Distance Programs

Continuing Education & Career Growth

Learning doesn't stop after graduation! Veterinary technicians can pursue continuing education, develop advanced clinical skills, and work toward Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials through NAVTA-recognized specialty academies.

Explore Veterinary Technician Specialties

Additional Career Resources

Bringing Veterinary Medicine Into Our Communities

MVTA is excited to help more people learn about veterinary technology and the important work veterinary technicians do. We're developing additional resources for students, educators, career explorers, and community outreach. Check back as these opportunities grow!