Introduction.

In applying to or getting ready for a university, certain factors need to be taken into consideration. These factors include Tuition fees, accommodation cost, acceptance rate, school ranking, graduation rate, etc. These factors will help you become acquainted with the school that you are applying to. However, if you are considering applying to the vet tech schools in mississippi, how will you decide which one to apply to?

You can learn everything you need to know in the article below. Read on to get the latest information on the vet tech schools in mississippi, how to become a vet tech in mississippi, hinds community college vet tech program, online vet tech programs, vet tech salary mississippi, mgccc vet tech program. You will also find related posts on the vet tech schools in mississippi on collegelearners. 

In the Magnolia State, the tradition of advocating for animal rights is strong. AAIM–Animal Advocacy Initiative of Mississippi–is an organization dedicated to lobbying for animal welfare issues in MS. AAIM seeks to “protect and/or promote the physical and psychological well-being of animals.” Mississippi (MS) also has a number of groups and businesses committed to animal-loving causes.

By illustration, the Humane Society of South Mississippi (HSSM) is a non-profit working toward being a zero-kill shelter. With abundant adoption services and a 40,000 square foot facility modeled after a children’s museum, HSSM continues to be one of the leading organizations in promoting animal causes throughout the Hospitality State.

One way for people to turn their love of animals into a career is by becoming a veterinary technician. This career has a relatively quick entry-level education to get started—two years for most accredited vet tech programs—and it’s a high-growth field in Mississippi.

So what do veterinary technicians do? According to the Mississippi Veterinary Practice Act, vet techs must be professionally certified, and the state officially distinguishes between vet technicians and technologists. The former are typically graduates of a two-year post-secondary program, whereas the latter have graduated from a four-year program.

The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) reports that vet techs in MS have a wealth of important responsibilities in an animal healthcare environment, including restraining animals for veterinarians; assisting licensed vets with common procedures (e.g., dentistry, surgery, anesthesia, diagnostic imaging); performing laboratory tests on samples (e.g., animal bodily fluids); keeping detailed patient records; administering first aid; managing a veterinary clinic or office; maintaining pharmaceutical inventories; sterilizing equipment or surgical rooms; and giving pet owners information about proper animal care and nutrition.

Read on to learn more about the career and salary outlook for vet techs in MS, as well as to explore accredited educational programs and professional certification information.

SCHOOL WEBSITE	MAIN ADDRESS	ONLINE PROGRAM	AVMA ACCREDITED
Hinds Community College	501 East Main Street, Raymond, Mississippi, 39154	No	Yes
Mississippi State University	240 Wise Center Drive, Mississippi State, Mississippi, 39762	No	Yes

ACCREDITED MISSISSIPPI VET TECH PROGRAMS

In the Hospitality State, veterinary technicians typically graduate from a two- to four-year program accredited by the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA), the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) main program-approval body in the country. To learn more about the accreditation process, please reference the last section of this article.

In order to gain entry into a program in veterinary technology in MS, candidates typically need to submit the following:

• Application
• Official transcripts from secondary school with proof of having completed specific classes (e.g., biology, algebra, English)
• Proof of health insurance or immunizations
• Test scores (e.g., TOEFL for non-native speakers of English)
• Personal statement
• Fee

Please note that some programs also call for experience working with animals, letters of recommendation, candidate interviews (e.g., phone, in-person, video-based), or additional college entrance exams.

There are currently two CVTEA-accredited programs in MS, located at Mississippi State University (MSU) and Hinds Community College (HCC).

Mississippi State University (MSU) College of Veterinary Medicine offers one of the few bachelor of science (BS) in veterinary medical technology programs in the country. It takes four years to complete and takes place in a collaborative learning environment combining both hands-on clinical experience and extensive coursework. Courses include applied anatomy and physiology for veterinary technologists; husbandry and nutrition; parasitology; small animal technician skills and nursing; pharmacology and toxicology; hematology and immunology; surgical skills; and a Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) preparatory class.

The VTNE is the predominant credentialing exam for vet techs across the country, and programs are required to divulge their three-year passing rates among graduates. 67.92 percent of first-time test-takers from MSU passed the VTNE between 2016 and 2019.

A second CVTEA-accredited program can be found at Hinds Community College (HCC) of Raymond. HCC offers an associate of applied science (AAS) degree in veterinary technology. This two-year program includes coursework in animal restraint and medication; animal healthcare; principles of imaging; veterinary mathematics; surgical and hospital techniques; and several units of lab evaluations.

Please note that this program has a hybrid option for students who want to learn in both online and in-person formats. HCC also requires a candidate interview and a minimum of 30 observation hours in an animal healthcare setting for applicants to the program. Once students graduate they are eligible for both the VTNE and the Assistant Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification exam. Between 2015 and 2018, 60.17 percent of graduates passed the VTNE on their first attempt.

ACCREDITED ONLINE VET TECH PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS IN MISSISSIPPI

In addition to HCC’s hybrid program in veterinary technology, there are currently several CVTEA-accredited, distance-based programs. Online and hybrid programs typically feature online coursework with supervised clinical sections in approved veterinary care settings. Licensed veterinarians and other qualified personnel sign off on skills learned at clinics located close to a student’s home.

One option is available at Cedar Valley College of Lancaster, TX which provides an online associate of applied science (AAS) degree in veterinary technology. Classes at Cedar Valley include surgical preparation and assistance; veterinary office management; laboratory and examination procedures; radiology and ultrasound; and pharmacy and pharmacology. The multimedia approach to learning about veterinary technology must be proving effective since it’s the only AVMA-accredited program also recommended by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).

All courses, except general education courses, are offered during every semester. Students can enroll in as many classes as fit their schedule–one, two, three, or even more–and courses are offered in the fall, spring, and summer. Notably, 68 percent of program graduates passed the VTNE on their first attempt between 2017 and 2020.

Colby Community College (CCC) of Kansas provides another online AAS in veterinary technology with classes such as zoology; principles of animal science; breeds of domestic animals; veterinary clinical procedures; and veterinary technician microbiology. This 82-credit program includes labs and work with veterinary hospitals to complete the required clinical hours.

Students can also attend optional on-campus mentorships during the weekends covering microbiology, large animals, and lab animals/exotic pets. 76.5 percent of CCC’s distance learning program graduates passed the VTNE between 2017 and 2020.

To discover more distance-based training in veterinary technology, please visit the online vet tech programs page.

DEMAND FOR VET TECHS IN MISSISSIPPI

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2020) projects that openings in this field will increase nationwide by 16 percent between 2019 and 2029. This is four times the average growth anticipated for all jobs during that time period (4 percent) and will result in 18,300 new openings across the country in this field.

Second, although the wages for veterinary technicians are relatively low in Mississippi, the cost of living in MS is also incredibly low and therefore those same wages exert more purchasing power.

VET TECH SALARY IN MISSISSIPPI

Average wages for veterinary technicians are close to the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2020) reported that the 110,650 vet techs working across the US had an average annual salary of $36,670. In MS, the mean annual salary for this profession was $35,890, just slightly higher than the national average.

To put the numbers into perspective, the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC 2020), ranks the Magnolia State as the most affordable in the country. With significant savings in housing, a vet tech’s salary may go further than in other states.

Here are how vet tech salaries in Mississippi compare to U.S. averages by percentile (BLS 2019):

	UNITED STATES	MISSISSIPPI
Number of vet techs employed	110,650	360
Average annual salary	$36,670	$35,890
10th percentile	$24,530	$21,360
25th percentile	$29,080	$26,140
50th percentile (median)	$35,320	$33,200
75th percentile	$42,540	$40,660
90th percentile	$51,230	$59,000

WHERE ARE MISSISSIPPI VET TECHS EMPLOYED?

There is a wealth of places for vet techs to work in MS, including animal hospitals, private veterinary clinics, federal and state regulatory agencies, zoos, specialty practices (e.g., avian, equine, wildlife), laboratories, public health organizations, aquariums, shelters, humane societies, pet stores, pharmaceutical companies, livestock yards, farms, biomedical research organizations, universities, and kennels. Some MS vet techs work traditional hours, whereas others may have to work weekends, holidays, or evenings to address needs of animal patients.

There are a variety of resources for veterinary job-hunters in Mississippi. In addition to services such as LinkedIn, Monster, and CareerBuilder, iHireVeterinary offers continually updated listings at facilities such as Southern Veterinary Partners, Banfield Pet Hospital, and Mississippi State University. The Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) also provides a list of jobs with opportunities in MS and neighboring states.

It’s important to note that vet techs in MS and beyond may choose to specialize their skills in order to enhance their employment prospects and salary potential. To become a veterinary technician specialist (VTS), candidates typically need to have advanced training in a specific area, years of experience in the field, letters of recommendation, and a passing score on an exam. These specialty academies and societies have been designated by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America (NAVTA), and include areas such as animal behavior, surgery, critical care, nutrition, dermatology, zoological medicine, equine nursing, and other subfields.

To discover how to become a VTS, please check out the vet tech career page.

VETERINARY CAREER	MISSISSIPPI JOBS	SALARY DATA (BLS, 2019)
LOW SALARY (10TH %ILE)	MEDIAN SALARY (50TH %ILE)	HIGH SALARY (90TH %ILE)
VET TECH	360	$2,1360	$33,200	$59,000
VET ASSISTANT	680	$18,250	$23,480	$40,480

VET TECH CERTIFICATION IN MISSISSIPPI

The Mississippi Veterinary Medical Board (MVMB) is the main organization that approves credentials for certified veterinary technicians (CVTs), who may also be referred to as certified animal technicians or technologists. Becoming a CVT is mandatory prior to practicing veterinary technology in MS.

To qualify, candidates must send:

• Application
• Official VTNE scores
• Copy of diploma or college transcript, ideally from an AVMA-accredited program
• Processing fee ($100)
• Passport-style photo
• Three letters of recommendation

To maintain this one-year certification, candidates must complete ten hours of continuing education (CE) annually and submit a renewal application. There is a wealth of resources available recommended by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America (NAVTA) for online CE such as:

• VetCheck
• VetMedTeam

VET TECH PROGRAM ACCREDITATION

As mentioned above, graduating from a program accredited by the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA)—the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) program-approval agency—is recommended for aspiring vet techs in the state of Mississippi. The CVTEA weighs factors such as:

• Program organization and communications
• Quality of facilities and equipment
• Clinical training resources available
• Admissions processes
• Effectiveness of faculty and staff
• Curriculum comprehensiveness
• Student outcomes

What is an Online Veterinary Science Degree?

Programs that teach how to become a vet tech provide challenging courses and practical, clinical experience requirements. There will be science, mathematics, and general education courses in any program that you choose. 

Veterinary technicians perform a wide range of complex procedures including: 

• Collecting specimens and performing laboratory procedures 
• Preparing for and assisting in surgery
• Administering anesthesia 
• Performing diagnostic imaging and educating clients 

All these technical and medical procedures require training, both in the science behind the work and in the hands-on care of animals. Vet tech programs are meant to be rigorous and challenging to produce capable, competent veterinary technicians for an in-demand profession.

Online animal science associate degree programs are either “Associate of Science” or “Associate of Applied Science” degrees, depending on what a school offers. With a high school transcript or a GED, students can begin applications. Some programs will require students to take the general education portions of the program before beginning a specialized curriculum. General education requirements will include writing, humanities, mathematics, science, and social sciences. Many programs also include coursework in communications, since this profession requires communication skills with colleagues and clients. 

The specialized portion of any online veterinary science degree will include an animal-focused curriculum and hands-on skills development under the mentorship of a veterinarian or licensed vet tech. The vast majority of these practices deal primarily with small animals, though some programs require practical work with farm and food animals too. Some programs also have exotic/laboratory animal clinicals.

Associate degree programs typically take two years of full-time study, but online veterinary classes can vary in length. If you are working, you may want to study part-time, and some programs even require you to go slower through the coursework. While much of these programs are offered asynchronously, some online veterinary science degrees will require on-site attendance to lectures and discussions. Plan to work outside of class time on each course each week, especially with the challenging courses provided to earn this professional degree.

Licensure for Vet Techs

To be licensed as a veterinary technician, you must check with your state for requirements. In most cases, you are required to pass a national exam, the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), that is administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards. Educational programs are often accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), through their Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA). Online animal science associate’s degree programs that are accredited by this board are checked for educational and institutional quality, so you can be assured of a good program if it is approved. Once a graduate passes the exam and fulfills any other state requirements, they can apply for licensure in their state.

The Best Vet Tech Schools Online

Get ready for the first step towards a career as a veterinary technician by checking out the different programs available for this growing profession online. Consider the emphasis of the program you want, in addition to cost and schedule.

1. Penn Foster College – Associate of Science in Veterinary Technician

• Low tuition price below $100 per credit hour; Penn Foster College also offers payment plans with no interest. 
• Award-winning faculty and a strong vet tech student community
• Interactive coursework
• Clinical externships can be completed with one of the national veterinary hospital partners
• Courses include live webinars and asynchronous course elements and are mobile-friendly
• Up to 75% of credits toward the degree may transfer from other institutions
• Can be completed in four semesters
• Prepares students to take the VTNE

2. San Juan College – Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology

• Accredited by the AVMA
• Multiple start dates—fall, spring or summer 
• Specialized vet tech courses last 12 weeks each 
• 100% asynchronous online program designed for working professionals 
• Hands-on labs designed to be performed at a veterinary clinic in student’s area
• Students work with both a companion animal site and a Food and Farm Animal site
• Fast-track labs for large animal skills on-site in Waco, Texas or another off-campus clinical instruction site
• One to four courses per semester
• Full-time students can complete the program in two years and then sit for the VTNE or similar state exams
• Open to international students
• Prior relevant work experience or college credit may be transfer credits or allow students to test out of some courses

3. Purdue University – Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology

• Part-time program that can be completed in three to five years
• “Veterinary nursing program” is a term that accurately represents the rigorous science-based curriculum and job duties of this profession
• Students may already work in veterinary practice
• Students are responsible for securing their own mentorship sites 
• Online veterinary science degree graduates have a 90% pass rate on the VTNE
• Open to international students
• All students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residence 
• Hands-on skills practiced with a mentor in the student’s area; Purdue holds on-campus workshops for students seeking large animal experience 

4. St. Petersburg College – Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology

• Accredited by the AVMA and the American Animal Hospital Association
• Training includes radiology, nursing, dentistry, anesthesia, surgical preparation, and clinical laboratory tests 
• Students must complete 18 or 22 credits of the general education requirements and have worked or volunteered at least 40 hours in an animal hospital before applying to the online animal science associate’s degree
• Coursework is completely online; students complete the clinical practicum with a mentor in their area
• Most learning is asynchronous
• Students must spend at least 20 hours per week in a veterinary clinic 
• Florida residents pay less than a third of the tuition charged out-of-state students; there is the possibility to combine on-campus and online learning to fit the schedule needs of area students

5. Colby Community College – Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology

• The convenience of distance learning can be combined with weekend on-campus mentorships for specialized subjects
• All coursework can be completed online asynchronously with practicums in student’s residential area
• On-campus weekend mentorships for large animals, laboratory/exotic animals, and microbiology
• Online students required to work with veterinary hospitals in their area to cover hands-on skills
• Can be completed in three years part-time or two years full-time
• Tuition is very affordable, especially for Kansas residents, but tuition for out-of-state and international students is also very low 
• Courses are offered three semesters per year, though not all courses are offered every semester

6. Barton County Community College – Associate of Science in Veterinary Medicine

• Cost per credit hour is very low for all students regardless of residency
• Transfer credits are allowed but must be verified by transcript 
• The online animal science associate’s degree program is a total of 64 credit hours and begins with a number of general education requirements, including foundation studies, humanities, social and natural sciences, and mathematics 
• Required courses for the Veterinary Medicine emphasis are chemistry, physics, and zoology; there are elective options in anatomy and physiology, statistics, and organic chemistry
• Flexible scheduling allows for shorter or longer course terms, from four-week intersession courses up to sixteen-week full semester classes
• Free online tutoring is available through this military-friendly school
• Practicum requirements, field work, internships, and clinical experiences

7. Allen County Community College – Associate of Science in Pre-Veterinary Medicine

• Tuition well under $100 per credit hour
• Credit for prior learning or military experience is available after completing 12 credit hours of work
• The recommended sequence of courses allows students to complete the program in as little as four semesters
• Specialty courses for the veterinary technician program include animal science and industry, fundamentals of animal nutrition, and agricultural economics
• Transfer agreements with public universities in Kansas for further education
• Open to international students and out-of-state students with the same incredibly low tuition costs
• Writing center for individual tutoring, math tutors, access to the online library, and technical assistance