AUGUSTA — An agreement between the University of Maine Augusta and York Community College will facilitate students’ ability to transfer credits received with their YCCC Veterinary Technology associate degree towards a veterinary technology baccalaureate degree at UMA.
An announcement event was held Monday, March 11, at Maine Veterinary Medical Center in Scarborough.
The agreement came out of the workforce need for individuals with a veterinary technology education. UMA partners with MVMC to provide students with internship opportunities. Through internships at MVMC, veterinary offices and rescue centers, students receive a hands-on experience.
“This agreement represents an opportunity for our students that is a real milestone for our program,” said Margaret Wheeler, YCCC veterinary technology professor. “For our students to be able to complete their associate degree, succeed on the National Veterinary Technician Exam and then have the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree while remaining in the practice that likely helped facilitate their success at YCCC, is an incredible value. And that value serves the student, the veterinary practice that has invested in the student’s growth and both YCCC and UMA. I am grateful to everyone who worked to make this happen for our students.”
UMA professor Jennifer Freese said, “By partnering with both York County Community College and Maine Veterinary Medical Center, we are able to provide educational opportunities in Veterinary Technology to Maine people statewide. Students in southern Maine can complete the first two year of their education close to home.”
The MVMC is always seeking qualified individuals to fill veterinary technology positions, said Lisa Quinones, MVMC human resources manager. “The option for having students at YCCC obtain a bachelor’s degree at UMA will be beneficial in meeting this need.”
Veterinary Technology positions are in demand within the state of Maine. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of veterinary technologists and technicians is projected to grow 20 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. As the number of households with pets and spending on pets continue to rise, there is expected to be increasing demand for veterinary technologists and technicians to perform laboratory work and imaging services on household pets.
Some career opportunities available to licensed veterinary technicians include Small Animal Medicine, Equine Medicine, Food Animal Medicine, Zoo/Wildlife Medicine, Emergency/Referral/Specialty Medicine, Lab Animal Medicine (research), Regulatory Medicine (protect well-being of animals), Veterinary Practice Management, Veterinary Product Marketing and Sales, Animal Nutrition and Humane work or Shelter Medicine.
Traditional small animal clinics are always seeking licensed and qualified individuals, as well as biotech companies such as Jackson Labs and IDEXX. Additionally, Veterinary Technology graduates often find employment opportunities in government agencies, zoos and in the education field. Veterinary technicians often will own/manage their own businesses in professional pet care instead of or in addition to working in the medical field.
Maine Veterinary Medical Center is a veterinary referral and emergency practice specializing in canine and feline internal medicine, neurology, neurosurgery, surgery, critical care, CT scanning and MRI imaging and emergency services. Our beautiful, state-of-the-art hospital is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year providing emergency referral capabilities and emergency services for all pets. For more information, please visit mvmc.vet/
