It’s absolutely going to be worth it reading through the article below as it gives you valuable information on veterinary schools in new mexico, vet tech schools new mexico & veterinary schools in new england.  All you just have to do is read on to get the full details.

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vet programs in new mexico

In the Land of Enchantment, the black bear reigns as the official state animal. Not many people know that New Mexico was home to the original Smokey the Bear, the famed “spokes-animal” of the US Forest Service and a longtime symbol of fire prevention. Smokey was found as a cub in a tree, frightened after 17,000 acres of the Lincoln National Forest had burned. Not only does NM boast a rich history of creatures great and small, but it also is home to some top-notch animal welfare organizations as well.

For example, the Lap Dog Rescue of New Mexico has a vast network of foster homes for dogs displaced by the shelter system, owner abuse, and other sad realities. In 2017, this group rescued over 700 dogs and helped to re-home 620. Additionally, the Animal Humane of New Mexico works with both cats and dogs, providing low-cost veterinary care, pet training services, adoption connections, volunteering, and even a program for children ages 5-13 called Camp Humane, an opportunity for kids to learn about the proper treatment of animals.

One way for animal-lovers in NM to apply their interest to a career is to become a veterinary technician or technologist. The New Mexico Registered Veterinary Technician Association (NMRVTA) has been in operation for over 40 years and provides various services such as continuing education (CE) events, professional networking, job postings, and more.

So what do vet techs in New Mexico do? According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), these animal healthcare workers offer assistance to licensed vets with various procedures (e.g., vaccines, surgeries, dentistry, radiology, critical care, diagnostic tests, routine examinations); maintain the cleanliness of facilities; keep orderly patient records and supply inventories; monitor the health of animals; and educate pet-owners on appropriate care and nutrition for various species.

In sum, the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) states that a veterinary technician is the “veterinarian’s nurse, laboratory technician, radiography technician, anesthetist, surgical nurse, and client educator.” In NM, vet techs must register with the New Mexico Board of Veterinary Medicine (NMBVM) prior to seeking employment.

Local laws governing the scope of practice in this profession vary. In New Mexico, veterinary technicians may perform several services under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian such as preventative dentistry (e.g., removal of soft deposits, plaque, stains, etc.), as well as several procedures in emergency conditions (e.g., applying tourniquets, giving pharmaceuticals, resuscitating animals, applying splints), even in the absence of direct supervision. To learn in-depth about the laws surrounding the practice of veterinary technology, check out the full NM Veterinary Practice Act.

This guide serves as a resource for people interested in becoming veterinary technicians or technologists in New Mexico; read on to learn about the career outlook, salary prospects, accredited vet tech programs, and how to become a registered veterinary technician (RVT) in the state.

SCHOOL WEBSITE	MAIN ADDRESS	ONLINE PROGRAM	AVMA ACCREDITED
Central New Mexico Community College	525 Buena Vista SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87106	No	Yes
Navajo Technical University	Lower Point Road, State Road 371, Crownpoint, New Mexico, 87313-0849	No	Yes
San Juan College	4601 College Blvd, Farmington, New Mexico, 87402-4699	Yes	Yes

Accredited Vet Tech Programs In New Mexico

For aspiring veterinary technicians in NM, there are three accredited programs available, one of which is an online program. The predominant accreditation institution in this field is the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA), a branch of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

To secure entry into one of the NM vet tech programs, applicants typically need to submit the following:

• Completed application
• Official transcripts with proof of specific coursework (e.g., English, algebra, biology, chemistry, etc.)
• Personal statement (500-600 words)
• Proof of health insurance
• Application fee

Although most programs do not require SAT scores, letters of recommendation, or candidate interviews, there are exceptions. Also, for candidates whose first language isn’t English, some programs call for TOEFL scores as well.

As of April 2021, there were three CVTEA-accredited programs in New Mexico: two on-campus, and one distance learning program. Here are some details about each of these programs.

Central New Mexico Community College of Albuquerque offers an associate of applied science (AAS) degree in veterinary technology, which comprises hands-on lab sessions in addition to courses such as veterinary office & hospital procedures; animal comparative anatomy & physiology; surgical technology for vet techs; radiology; dentistry; pharmacology; noninfectious & infectious diseases; clinical pathology; applied therapeutics & care for veterinary technicians; and anesthesiology.

The program takes five terms to complete. One way to measure a program’s effectiveness is by its first-time passing rate on the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), the main credentialing exam in this field. Falling above the average, 73 percent of CNMCC’s program graduates passed the VTNE on their first attempt between 2017 and 2020. This program costs $672 per full-time term of 12 to 18 credits ($56 per credit hour) for NM residents.

The second on-campus program is offered at Navajo Technical University. This associate of applied science (AAS) degree in veterinary technology comprises 68 credits, 50 of those in core vet tech courses. In addition to courses that include labs, students complete a clinical practicum. Courses include avian, exotic, lab animal husbandry and handling; veterinary medicine and surgery; veterinary critical care; veterinary nursing; veterinary dentistry; veterinary surgical nursing; and a VTNE preparation course.

Program goals include a focus on safety, ethics, proper administration of drugs to patients, an understanding of office and hospital procedures, an understanding of radiography, and proper handling of animals. Between 2017 and 2020, 40 percent of first-time candidates from Navajo passed the VTNE.

Online Vet Tech Programs In New Mexico

For residents of more rural areas of NM or for those who have unbreakable time commitments, attending an on-campus vet tech program can be difficult. Luckily there are various accredited, distance-based vet tech programs available, including one based in NM.

San Juan College of Farmington provides an online associate of applied science (AAS) degree in veterinary technology. Each vet tech course is 12 weeks in length, while general education courses run for 16 weeks. The program begins in January, May, or August, and for flexibility, all classes are offered in each term. It features coursework in vet nursing care; business procedures; small animal diseases; diagnostic imaging; medical terminology; and emergency & critical care medicine, among others.

All vet tech students are responsible for securing a Companion Animal Off-Campus Clinical Instruction (OCCI) site through which they complete their clinical experience. San Juan College has detailed requirements for a site to be approved as an OCCI site. Between 2017 and 2020, an impressive 89.8 percent of all program graduates passed the VTNE on their first attempt. SJC’s veterinary technology program costs $52 per credit hour in addition to fees based on residency and student activities.

Additional Online Accredited Vet Tech Programs

San Juan College isn’t the only school at which New Mexico residents can enroll in a distance-based vet tech program; in fact, there are several other CVTEA-accredited online programs around the country.

Cedar Valley College based in Lancaster, TX provides a distance-based AAS degree in veterinary technology, featuring coursework in veterinary office procedures; anesthesia & surgical assistance; veterinary pharmacology; anatomy & physiology; canine & feline clinical management; equine clinical management; and veterinary parasitology. Courses are offered in the fall, spring and summer. Between 2017 and 2020, 68 percent of CVC’s program graduates passed the VTNE on their first attempt. Tuition for students in New Mexico is $200 per credit.

St. Petersburg College of Florida offers an online associate of science (AS) program with convenient August, January, and May start dates. Coursework includes units in animal nursing; animal breeds & behavior; large animal clinical & nursing skills; avian & exotic pet medicine; large animal diseases; laboratory animal medicine; and more.

In addition, St. Petersburg offers a bachelor of science (BS) degree. All students must volunteer for 20 hours per week in a local veterinary clinic and complete clinical practice to graduate. Between 2016 and 2019, 74 percent of graduates passed the VTNE on their first attempt.

To discover the gamut of accredited online programs in veterinary technology, check out the online vet tech programs page.

Demand For Vet Techs In New Mexico

Fortunately for aspiring vet techs in NM, the employment climate looks bright on into the future. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2020) predicts that there will be a 16 percent increase in openings for vet techs nationwide between 2019 and 2029, much more robust than the average growth projected across all occupations over that time period (4 percent).

This nationwide number appears to be in alignment with the predicted growth in New Mexico, specifically. Projections Central (2021)—a data-crunching affiliate of the US Department of Labor—reported that among people in NM with two-year associate degrees, veterinary technology is expected to be the fifth fastest-growing career in the state. Between 2018 and 2028, the occupation in the state is anticipated to grow by 20.3 percent.

It’s no surprise that the career outlook is promising in this field since there is an array of places where these animal healthcare professionals are employed. Not only do NM vet techs work in clinics and animal hospitals, but they also work at zoos, humane societies, farms, research facilities, kennels, rescue organizations, veterinary dentistry clinics, surgical hospitals, neurology & imaging centers, and more.

By illustration, popular job post websites offered a broad array of employment opportunities for vet techs in NM. iHireVeterinary has advertised openings at Banfield Pet Hospital, Lovelace Respiratory Research, and the Department of Agriculture in several jurisdictions. Indeed has posted positions at Española Humane, VCA Animal Hospitals, Gruda Veterinary Hospital, Casa Querencia Animal Health Center, Malaherd Veterinary Hospital, and Bernalillo Pet Care Center. Finally, the New Mexico Registered Veterinary Technician Association (NMRVTA) also maintains an active job board with opportunities at Ridgeview Veterinary Hospital, Los Lunas Animal Clinic, and Northwest Animal Clinic and Hospital.

For vet techs who want to push their skills to the limit, there is an array of specialties available. By becoming a veterinary technician specialist (VTS), a person may be able to enhance his or her employment prospects, salary, and career growth. The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) has designated several specialized academies and societies; an academy typically provides credentialing to VTSs who qualify, whereas a society operates more as a professional networking organization. Some of the specializations include:

• Animal behavior & psychology
• Zoological medicine
• Emergency & critical care
• Surgery
• Nutrition
• Analgesia & anesthesia
• Clinical pathology
• Equine medicine
• Avian nursing

To qualify for credentialing through an academy, VTS candidates generally need to submit a copy of their NM vet tech registration, proof of 1,000+ hours of experience in their area of expertise, letters of recommendation, a detailed portfolio, and a passing score on an exam. To discover how to join one of the vet tech specializations, check out the veterinary technician careers page.

New Mexico Vet Tech Salary

From a national perspective, the 109,490 vet techs across the United States earn an average annual salary of $37,860 (BLS May 2020). At $35,750 per year, vet techs in New Mexico earn slightly less than this average.

The following is how the salaries of 680 veterinary technicians working in the state of New Mexico in 2020 compared to national averages across different earning levels:

	UNITED STATES	NEW MEXICO
Number of vet techs employed	109,490	680
Average annual salary	$37,860	$35,750
10th percentile	$25,520	$23,420
25th percentile	$30,030	$29,160
50th percentile (median)	$36,260	$35,320
75th percentile	$43,890	$41,050
90th percentile	$52,410	$49,770

When looking at potential earning power, it can be important to note the cost of living in any given area. Often, salaries reflect how expensive or affordable it is to live in that region. According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC 2021), New Mexico is the seventh most affordable state in the U.S., with notable savings in housing, transportation, and utilities. The reality that New Mexico vet techs earn at a level lower than the national average may be because the state is generally an affordable one in which to live.

VETERINARY CAREER	NEW MEXICO JOBS	SALARY DATA (BLS 2020)
LOW SALARY (10TH %ILE)	MEDIAN SALARY (50TH %ILE)	HIGH SALARY (90TH %ILE)
VET TECH	680	$23,420	$35,320	$49,770
VET ASSISTANT	580	$20,900	$26,480	$38,350

Vet Tech Registration In New Mexico

As mentioned in the introduction, vet techs in NM are required to get registered with the New Mexico Board of Veterinary Medicine. To qualify to become a registered vet tech (RVT) in NM, candidates must:

• Submit a notarized application with a passport-style photo, a copy of a diploma from an AVMA-accredited school
• Send official transcripts from their vet tech degree program
• Send passing scores (75 percent or above) on the Veterinary Technician National Examination
• Register for and pass the New Mexico Vet Tech State Exam ($85 if taken at the scheduled time and $100 if arranged with the Board)

These registrations last one year. To maintain active vet tech registration, candidates must complete eight hours of continuing education annually, four of which can be completed online.

New Mexico Vet Tech Program Accreditation

For aspiring veterinary technicians in New Mexico, it’s important to graduate from an accredited program in veterinary technology. As mentioned above, the main accreditation body for programs in this field is the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA), which evaluates various factors in its program-approval process:

• School’s institutional accreditation status
• How finances are managed
• Availability of resources
• Quality of faculty & curricula
• Admissions processes
• Student outcomes

How to become a Veterinarian

It only took a few childhood interactions with pets to help you realize you wanted to become a veterinarian. You just have a natural way with animals. Even when you encountered a domestic creature that had a reputation for being standoffish, you were always able to forge a connection.

Now that you’re older, you know it’s time to start making your plan for how to become a veterinarian. You’re wondering what steps you need to take in order to achieve your career goal.

Starting down your veterinary medicine path is less daunting than you might think. You just need to know what lies ahead to make sure you’re prepared for each step. Keep reading to learn more about how to become a veterinarian like you’ve always dreamed.

How to become a Veterinarian In 8 Steps

Use this as your guide to help you plan your path to becoming a veterinarian. The road ahead is a challenging one, but being prepared and knowing what to expect can help you reach the finish line and begin your rewarding veterinary career.

1. Focus On Courses PrerequiIsites During College

Not every veterinary medical school insists students complete a four-year undergraduate education, but they typically do require specific courses and a minimum number of credits. It’s helpful to get some assistance from a counselor when trying to figure out which courses to prioritize.

“Together, the counselor and the student can research the required courses for admission to the veterinary schools for which the student is considering,” explains Dr. Danel Grimmett, Veterinarian at Sunset Veterinary Clinic.

“Students should also look into joining a pre-vet club or organization at their undergraduate university.”

It’s a good idea to be involved in extracurricular activities as well. “Students should also look into joining a pre-vet club or organization at their undergraduate university,” Dr. Grimmett says. “These types of clubs offer support and education regarding preparing for veterinary school.”

2. Gain As Much Experience As Possible

You’ll want to start acquiring hands-on experience working with animals as soon as possible. Most schools expect applicants to have several hundred hours of animal experience, and some specify the bulk of it should be under the supervision of a veterinarian. Internships and job shadowing are a few good options, and the more variety the better.

“People who are considering the veterinary profession should do all they can to get as many different types of experience prior to the application process,” advises Dr. Lori Pasternak, Veterinarian and co-founder of Helping Hands Affordable Veterinary Surgery & Dental Care.

“People who are considering the veterinary profession should do all they can to get as many different types of experience prior to the application process.”

Gathering a diverse range of experiences is obviously important for building your resume, but it’s also a good way to find out if you’re truly committed to veterinary medicine. “You must love animals, of course, but a love of science, service, teamwork, and compassionate care are equally required,” Dr. Pasternak says. “Only a few of your patients will be cute puppies and kittens — the majority will be pets who are sick, scared, or in pain and cannot describe how they are feeling.”

3. Apply To Veterinary Programs

You’ll be in good shape once you complete your bachelor’s degree if you focused on performing well in your course prerequisites and gaining plenty of animal experience. Dr. Pasternak says you’ll even have a leg up on completing an additional vet school application requirement.

“Another benefit to getting hands-on experience is working with veterinarians who can write you a glowing recommendation for veterinary school,” she says.

“Another benefit to getting hands-on experience is working with veterinarians who can write you a glowing recommendation for veterinary school.”

Set aside plenty of time to work on writing your application essays, taking the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and completing any additional materials required by individual programs. Though every program is different and may adjust how they evaluate candidates over time, Dr. Grimmett says most schools she was interested in weighed her application, GRE scores, GPA, and letters of recommendation equally.

Most students apply to veterinary programs using the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS), which conveniently packages all of your materials. This allows you to easily distribute your application to multiple schools at the same time.

If you’re lucky enough to gain acceptance to more than one program, you’ll need to think carefully about which one best fits your needs. Dr. Pasternak notes that a lot of programs don’t focus enough on clinical and communication skills, so be sure to investigate by talking to students and graduates at various schools.

4. Obtain Your DVM

A typical doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) program curriculum spans four years. You’ll likely spend your first two years completing coursework in classes and labs. Programs usually start with basic science classes, then move toward focusing more on biological systems like neurology.

School curriculums vary, but it’s common to start gaining practical experience outside of labs and lecture halls during your third year. This was the case for Dr. Grimmett. “The third year was more clinically focused, still with significant classroom time,” she explains. You’ll spend your final year of veterinary medical school completing clinical rotations to gain practical, hands-on experience working with patients.

5. Study For And Pass The NAVLE

The North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) is the most important test you’ll take on the road to becoming a veterinarian, because you must earn a passing score in order to practice. You’ll want to devise a study strategy to ensure you’re prepared because cramming won’t cut it. “Use the four years to actually learn and understand,” Dr. Grimmett advises. “Don’t just study for the test.”

“Don’t just study for the test.”

You can sit the exam in the fall or spring of your senior year. Note that you need to be within 10 months of graduating, although some states specify within eight, to take the test. Though some students like to wait until the spring to allow more time for preparation, many prefer to take the NAVLE during the fall. This way they have the option to retake it in the spring if they aren’t satisfied with their results.

On the day of the exam, try to stay calm and focused. Students who have spent their time absorbing material and building their skills stand a good chance of performing well. “One must just prepare as best they can and go in believing in themselves,” Dr. Grimmett suggests.

6. Complete Any Additional Requirements

You may need to complete additional steps depending on where you want to practice. Make sure to contact the correct provincial regulatory body in Canada or state regulatory board in the US to find out which specific requirements you need to meet.

You may be responsible for additional examinations, forms, and fees. US students who attended an international school may need to obtain certification through the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG). But requirements vary, so it’s best to check with the appropriate regulatory body.

7. Pursue Further Training If Desired

Veterinary school graduates are able to begin practicing immediately after graduating and obtaining their license. Some prefer to pursue internships to gain more practical training. DVMs can also complete a residency that will enable them to receive board certification in a specialty field.

“The veterinary profession is quickly becoming more specialized,” Dr. Pasternak says. She adds that she has mixed feelings about it, particularly because many pet owners cannot afford services from board-certified veterinarians.

“The veterinary profession is quickly becoming more specialized.”

Veterinarians may actually find they gain more by starting to practice right away. “I believe there is more value to learning by simply jumping in and doing, as my associates and I did,” Dr. Pasternak says. “It takes guts and a certain amount of confidence, but it advances learning.”

8. Begin Your Veterinary Career

Once you’ve completed all the above requirements and obtained any specialty training of interest, you’re ready to assume your role as a veterinarian. This doesn’t mean you should hold off on searching for jobs until you have your diploma. “Don’t wait until the last month of your senior year to begin your job search,” Dr. Grimmett warns.

You can start your search by utilizing job boards designed specifically for veterinary professionals. It’s also wise to inquire about positions within specific organizations, reach out to the veterinarians you know personally, or even seek help from a recruiter.

Your job-hunting tactics might vary depending on what type of veterinary career you’re pursuing, but you should also keep an open mind. “One of the great things about being a veterinarian is the ability to be able to practice in such a wide-ranging field,” Dr. Grimmett notes.

“One of the great things about being a veterinarian is the ability to be able to practice in such a wide-ranging field.”

veterinary technician schools in new mexico

New Mexico veterinary technicians are credentialed as Registered Veterinary Technicians, or RVTs. The credential can be considered a license. In fact, the New Mexico Board of Veterinary Medicine describes the necessary steps as a “licensing process”, and a national professional association characterizes the New Mexico credential as compulsory.Veterinary technicians must meet higher standards than veterinary assistants. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has published state-by-state information about technician and assistant duties. New Mexico technicians are specifically referenced as being able to carry out a range of veterinary dental tasks. State code also provides detail about what technicians may do in cases of emergency. The reality is that veterinary technicians carry out a range of clinical, laboratory, and radiographic duties. New Mexico has not provided detail about allowable duties of assistants. Ultimately veterinarians are responsible for the performance of those who work under them. Veterinary technicians, unlike assistants, complete career-focused degree programs (most commonly, an Associate of Applied Science). They assume their role after completing a vigorous curriculum. Technician-level depth and breadth is more important in some positions than others. The assistant/ technician staff mix varies from facility to facility.

Becoming a New Mexico Vet Tech

In order to be eligible for licensure, an individual must complete a two-year degree program and pass state and national examinations. A prospective RVT can begin the process by enrolling in an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program.

New Mexico reviews eligibility for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (https://www.aavsb.org/vtne-overview/verify-your-eligibility). The Board refers to the process as VTNE sponsorship. The candidate will need to follow application instructions provided by both the AASVB and the New Mexico Board. State-specific registration instructions are available from the AASVB (https://www.aavsb.org/vtne-overview/verify-your-eligibility).

The Veterinary Technician State Examination is given at the state office. Candidates may take the VTSE exam during their final year of studies. Study materials are available on the Board website.

Vet Tech Employers

Some veterinary practices serve a full range of animals, including horses and farm animals. Others serve only cats and dogs, or focus on cats, dogs, and other small pets. Some practices offer specialty services by board-certified veterinarians in varying sub-disciplines. Hospitals that offer specialty services also commonly serve as emergency centers. They may utilize veterinary technicians in specialized departments. The following is a look at some of the places New Mexico vet techs find employment:

• Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Centers operates emergency clinics in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. The organization utilizes technicians in different departments, for example, ER and surgery. Some technicians are designated as lead.
• Smith Veterinary Hospital in Santa Fe is an AAHA-accredited facility that includes a hospital specifically for felines.
• Albuquerque Equine Clinic offers advanced diagnostic, treatment, and reproductive services for horses as well as general preventative care.
• Rio Bravo Veterinary Hospital in Albuquerque provides small animal services, including routine care and surgery.
• TLC Pet Hospital is a cat/ dog facility that includes a “cats-only” hospital. Most TLC techs and other support staff hold “Fear Free Professional” certification.
• Western Trails Veterinary Hospital in Edgewood is a mixed animal practice with a range of services, including house calls for large animals.
• Salazar Road Veterinary Clinic in Taos is a six-day-a-week, full-service facility.
• Clovis Veterinary Hospital is an AAHA-accredited veterinary hospital serving both large and small animals. The organization stated that bilingualism was “a plus” in a 2019 job ad for vet techs and assistants. They liked to see either registration or experience.
• Calista Animal Hospital cares for pets in the Las Cruces area.
• Los Lunas Animal Clinic sees just about everything, including horses and exotics.

Central New Mexico Community College notes that veterinary technicians can be employed in a variety of settings other than private practices; possibilities include human societies, wildlife organizations, federal facilities, and diagnostic laboratories.

Vet Tech Salary in New Mexico and Career Outlook

New Mexico vet techs averaged $34,150 in 2018. There was a wide range of full-time salaries, with those at the 10th percentile making $21,970 and those at the 90th percentile making $47,650. The mid-range was from $27,220 to $41,640. The highest average wage in the state is in the Santa Fe area, but here too there is a fairly wide range.

New Mexico’s vet tech occupation has been projected to grow by 18.4% between 2016 and 2026.

Top Vet Tech Schools in New Mexico

San Juan College offers a distance learning program that has been well ranked by multiple sources. Students will have responsibility for securing their off-campus clinical instruction site, or OCCI. They may meet their large animal clinical requirements by attending special labs in Waco, Texas or securing a Food and Farm OCCI. San Juan College boasts a three-year 2015-2018 VTNE pass rate over 88%.

The Central New Mexico Community College program, an on- campus option, is also fully AVMA-accredited. The VTNE pass rate is above the national average.

Navajo Technical University received its initial AVMA initial accreditation in 2017. The school offers a 69-unit associate’s degree program.

Student and Professional Resources

Information about state registration is available from the New Mexico Board of Veterinary Medicine (http://www.nmbvm.org/rvt).

The New Mexico Registered Veterinary Technician Association is the state professional organization (https://www.nm-rvta.org). The organization is a source of resources for professionals and students alike.

how much does a vet tech make in new mexico

The average vet tech salary in New Mexico is $39,975 per year or $19.22 per hour. Entry level positions start at $35,100 per year while most experienced workers make up to $69,388 per year.