Browse below to learn how to become a veterinary technician (vet tech) in Mississippi (MS) including advice on top schools, certification and licensing requirements, salaries and employment data.
Steps to become a Vet Tech in Mississippi
If you wish to become a vet tech in Mississippi it is a requirement that you have graduated from an accredited veterinary technician/technology program.
Once you have graduated from an accredited program you will need to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) exams – which are administered by the American Association of Veterinary – if you wish to work as a vet tech in Mississippi. As a final step you will need to obtain your license before securing employment as a veterinary technician.
Top Vet Tech Programs MS
| School | Area | Degree Level |
|---|---|---|
| Hinds Community College | Raymond, MS | Associate of Applied Science |
| Mississippi State University | Starkville, MS | Bachelor of Science |
There are currently 2 accredited veterinary technician programs in Mississippi.
Programs are accredited by the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA).
MS Vet Tech License Requirements
Once you have successfully graduated from an accredited program and passed all necessary certification examinations you will need to apply for your veterinary technician license in Mississippi.
The Mississippi Board of Veterinary Medicine can provide more specific information on all the necessary certification and licensing requirements. You can contact them directly using the contact details below:
Phone: 662-324-9380
Email: n.christiansen@mississippivetboard.org
Website: http://mississippivetboard.org/
Vet Tech Salary MS
| Average Vet Tech Salary MS | $34,580 |
|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | $16.63 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $58,550 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $21,090 |
| #'s Employed | 540 |
According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2017) the average veterinary technician salary in Mississippi is $34,580 – just below the national average of $34,710.
This equates to an hourly wage of $16.63.
There are currently 540 persons employed as veterinary technicians in Mississippi.
MS Vet Tech by Metro Area
If a career as a veterinary technician in Mississippi strongly appeals to you then it is a great time to pursue your dreams. The demand for vet techs has been steadily on the increase over the last ten years and is projected to grow by 14.7% over the coming years with an additional 14,330 jobs predicted to be created in the sector between 2016 and 2024.
The table below details salary and employment levels of veterinary technicians in the main towns and cities in Mississippi.
| Metro Area | Average Salary | Top 10% | Bottom 10% | # Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, MS | $25,520 | $33,000 | $18,300 | 50 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $32,500 | $57,630 | $21,130 | 70 |
| Jackson, MS | $31,100 | $39,600 | $21,420 | - |
MS Vet Tech Career Comparison
The first table compares salary and employment data between veterinary technicians and veterinarians and veterinary assistants in Mississippi.
| Vet Careers MS | Salary | # Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Tech | $34,580 | 540 |
| Veterinarian | $76,100 | 450 |
| Vet Assistant | $23,820 | 850 |
The table below compares average veterinary technician salary and employment in Mississippi with salary levels for related healthcare careers in the state.
| Related Careers MS | Salary | # Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Tech | $34,580 | 540 |
| Medical Assistants | $30,390 | 2,930 |
| Nursing Assistants | $22,790 | 12,850 |
| X Ray Tech | $57,820 | 390 |
| Ultrasound Tech | $64,770 | 710 |
| Dental Assistants | $33,360 | 2,240 |