"This program has given me a lot of hands-on practical experience that I will need in the field. It is very challenging and working with the rescue groups allows me to help animals while I am learning."
- Karen Adelson,
Veterinary Technology
May '09
"Veterinary Technology is not just a job, it's a profession. Our program's goal is to not only produce licensed veterinary technicians, but to also mentor our students so that they become veterinary professionals committed to providing compassionate and competent care to their patients."
- Robert Gholson, DVM, BCE
Director, Veterinary Technology Program
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Degree Offered: A.S.
Offered on the Bangor campus
The only program of its kind in Maine, our Bangor-based Vet Tech program is perfect if you want to work with animals, at a pharmaceutical firm, or at a biological and medical research lab. In addition to working in our modern Vet Tech lab on campus, you'll also complete externships at real veterinary facilities.
UMA's Veterinary Technology program prepares students for careers as veterinary technicians or laboratory animal technicians in a variety of settings.
Along with basic, core education requirements, our Vet Tech students complete coursework in animal care and handling, anatomy and physiology, and clinical procedures and techniques. In their final semester, students complete two externships at practicing veterinary facilities with an option of completing one at a laboratory.
This curriculum, which combines class work with actual field and laboratory experience, provides our students with both a solid foundation and first-hand experience in basic animal care and lab techniques.
Upon successful completion of the program, students can apply for the required National Examination conducted by the Maine Board of Veterinary Medicine to become a licensed Veterinary Technician.
Graduates of the University of Maine at Augusta's Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology program find employment with large and small animal veterinary clinics and hospitals, pharmaceutical firms, biological and medical research laboratories, commercial poultry and dairy companies, commercial testing laboratories, and other facilities.
SKILLS YOU'LL ACQUIRE
Examples of the skills UMA Veterinary Technology students acquire over the course of the program include:
| Technical/Medical | Organizational/Administrative |
|---|---|
| Taking and developing radiographs Develop efficiency in veterinary terminology Providing animal nursing care Understanding animal nutritional requirements Performing clinical laboratory procedures Monitoring vital signs of patients Calculating drug dosages Operating and maintaining diagnostic equipment Maintaining and using medical equipment Restraining and handling animals of all species Placing intravenous catheters Administering vaccinations and medications Preparing for surgery and assisting Monitoring (induction, maintenance) of anesthesia Performing dental prophylaxis Performing physical exams |
Maintaining medical records Inventory control Bookkeeping and practice management Compiling data Managing operating room and medical facilities Admitting and discharging patients |
| Communication | |
| Providing grief counseling for clients Writing business letters Developing and providing client education Explaining after-care and doctor's orders Handling phone contacts and making appointments |
Careers You Can Seek
Below is a list of some of the jobs past Veterinary Technology graduates have held. Some positions may require additional education or specialized knowledge:
| Medical Services | Research & Education |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technician Laboratory Animal Technician Wildlife Rehabilitation Medicine |
Biomedical Research Laboratories Commercial Testing Laboratories Pharmaceutical Research Firms Cooperative Extension (4H) Veterinary School/Technician Program Instructor* Veterinary Technician at a Veterinary College Hospital Nature Conservancy |
| Industry | Government/Non-Profit |
| Herd Health Manager Barn Manager, Equine Facility Horse Trainer Kennel Manager Pharmaceutical Sales Pet and Livestock Product Marketer Veterinary Medical Supply Company Rep |
Animal Control Officer Wildlife Biologist* Natural Resources Wildlife Technician State Dept. of Agriculture Representative Humane Society Director Police/Armed Services Dog Trainer Animal Shelter Staff Member Military Service U.S. Dept. of Agriculture |
*Baccalaureate or Graduate level study is generally required for these occupations.