Browse below to learn how to become a veterinary technician (vet tech) in New Mexico (NM) including advice on top schools, certification and licensing requirements, salaries and employment data.
Become a Vet Tech in New Mexico
If you wish to become a vet tech in New Mexico 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 New Mexico. As a final step you will need to obtain your license before securing employment as a veterinary technician.
Top Vet Tech Schools NM
| School | Area | Degree Level |
|---|---|---|
| Central New Mexico Community College | Albuquerque, NM | Associate of Applied Science |
| Navajo Technical University | Crownpoint, NM | Associate of Applied Science |
| San Juan College | Farmington, NM | Associate of Applied Science |
There are currently 3 accredited veterinary technician schools in New Mexico.
Schools are accredited by the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA).
New Mexico Vet Tech License
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 New Mexico.
The New Mexico 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: 505-553-7021
Email: info@NMBVM.org
Website: http://www.nmbvm.org/
Vet Tech Salary NM
| Average Vet Tech Salary in NM | $32,370 |
|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | $15.56 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $47,070 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $18,990 |
| #'s Employed | 670 |
According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2017) the average veterinary technician salary in New Mexico is $32,370 – 7% below the national average of $34,710.
This equates to an hourly wage of $15.56.
There are currently 670 persons employed as veterinary technicians in New Mexico.
NM Vet Tech Careers by Metro Area
If a career as a veterinary technician in New Mexico 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 New Mexico.
| Metro Area | Average Salary | Top 10% | Bottom 10% | # Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM | $34,380 | $48,210 | $19,970 | 380 |
| Las Cruces, NM | $29,700 | $43,070 | $18,430 | 60 |
NM Vet Tech Careers Comparison
The first table compares salary and employment data between veterinary technicians and veterinarians and veterinary assistants in New Mexico.
| Vet Careers NM | Salary | # Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Tech | $32,370 | 670 |
| Veterinarian | $105,040 | 370 |
| Vet Assistant | $24,910 | 660 |
The table below compares average veterinary technician salary and employment in New Mexico with salary levels for related healthcare careers in the state.
| Related Careers NM | Salary | # Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Tech | $32,370 | 670 |
| Medical Assistants | $30,000 | 5,880 |
| Nursing Assistants | $27,050 | 6,190 |
| Dental Assistants | $34,880 | 2,740 |
| X Ray Tech | $70,460 | 180 |
| Ultrasound Tech | $62,970 | 560 |