York County Community College and University of Maine at Augusta to Announce 2+2 Transfer Agreement for Veterinary Technology Programs
Maine Veterinary Medical Center in Scarborough • March 11, 2019 at 11:30 a.m.
This agreement will facilitate students’ ability to transfer credits received with their YCCC Veterinary Technology Associate’s Degree towards a Veterinary Technology Baccalaureate Degree at UMA. The announcement event will take place at Maine Veterinary Medical Center located on 1500 Technology Way, Scarborough on March 11, 2019 at 11:30 a.m.
Those in attendance at the event from UMA and YCCC will speak about the agreement and the benefits to both educational institutions. The MVMC representatives will speak on the work force need for individuals with a Veterinary Technology education. Additionally, one of MVMC’s Student Engagement Liaison, and a recent UMA student intern will provide an overview of the internship experience.
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. For our students to be able to complete their Associate’s 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,” stated Margaret Wheeler, YCCC Veterinary Technology Professor.
“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,” said UMA Professor Jennifer Freese. “Students in southern Maine can complete the first two year of their education close to home.”
“Maine Veterinary Medical Center is always seeking qualified individuals to fill Veterinary Technology position,” explained 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.”
Expected participants at this announcement will include the following:
Margaret Wheeler, Licensed Veterinary Technician, Dept. Chair YCCC Veterinary Technology
Paula Gagnon, YCCC Vice-President and Academic Dean
Brenda McAleer, UMA Associate Provost and Dean
Jennifer Freese, Faculty member UMA Veterinary Technology
Allison Simpson, UMA Licensed Veterinary Technician
Ezra Steinberg, VMD, DACVS
Catherine Osterhaudt, MVMC Student Engagement Liaison
TBD, UMA and/or YCCC Student Intern at MVMC
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.
York County Community College provides academic, career, and transfer programs while serving to advance cultural, economic, and workforce development in York County and the State of Maine.
UMA transforms the lives of students of every age and background across the State of Maine and beyond through access to high-quality distance and on-site education, excellence in student support, civic engagement, and professional and liberal arts programs.
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.