Become a Marine Veterinary Technician Through Comprehensive Training

To become a marine veterinary technician, you'll need to complete a comprehensive training program that covers the unique needs of marine animals. These programs are typically offered at colleges or universities that have a strong focus on marine biology or veterinary medicine.

Most training programs are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and take around two years to complete. During this time, you'll learn about the anatomy, physiology, and behavior of marine animals, as well as the principles of veterinary medicine.

You'll also gain hands-on experience through internships or clinical rotations, where you'll work with experienced veterinarians and technicians to care for marine animals in a variety of settings. This practical experience is essential for developing the skills and confidence you need to succeed in this field.

By the time you graduate, you'll be well-prepared to pursue a career as a marine veterinary technician, working in aquariums, research institutions, or private practice.

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The Hatfield Marine Science Center at Oregon State University offers an aquatic animal health program that trains veterinary students in aquatic medicine. This program is a great example of the importance of education and training in marine veterinary technology.

The program provides education, outreach, and services to the ornamental fish industry, which is a key area of focus for marine veterinary technicians. By learning basic fish management techniques, these technicians can significantly reduce the chances of disease and death during ornamental fish importation.

The program's success in reducing disease and death in ornamental fish importation is a direct result of its focus on education and training. By working with national and international marine ornamental organizations, the program is able to address health issues and research species' safe collection and transportation.

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To become an aquatic vet tech, you'll typically need a strong foundation in science and math.

Most aquatic vet techs hold an associate's degree in a field like aquatic science, marine biology, or veterinary technology.

Hands-on experience is also essential, and many aquatic vet techs start by working in aquariums or marine parks.

Some aquatic vet techs may also pursue a bachelor's degree or certification in a specialized area, such as aquatic animal health or marine conservation.

Aquatic vet techs work closely with veterinarians and other professionals to care for a wide range of aquatic animals, from fish and turtles to dolphins and whales.

In addition to their formal education, many aquatic vet techs also participate in internships or volunteer programs to gain practical experience.

On average, aquatic vet techs can expect to spend 2-4 years in formal education and training before entering the workforce.

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Training at the Center is an immersive experience that combines hands-on learning with real-world applications. The Marine Mammal Center's Teaching Hospital is located in the Marin Headlands of Sausalito, California, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge.

You'll have the opportunity to work with marine mammals in a rehabilitation hospital setting and in the field. Temporary housing may be available at reduced cost within two miles of the hospital for those who need it.

To succeed in this program, you'll need to be physically fit and able to stand, walk, climb stairs, and lift up to 50 pounds. You'll also need to be comfortable interacting with large and potentially dangerous marine mammals.

Here are some of the key physical requirements for the program:

If you're up for the challenge, training at the Center can be a life-changing experience that prepares you for a rewarding career in marine mammal care.

Professional development is crucial for marine veterinary technicians to stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and knowledge. The Zoo & Aquarium Professional Development Program for Veterinary Technicians offers a unique opportunity for experienced zoo vet techs to gain additional experience in marine mammal medicine and husbandry.

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The program is open to licensed, registered, and/or certified veterinary technicians, and requires a minimum of one week to a maximum of two weeks from March through September. Externs must be currently employed as a veterinary technician in a zoo or aquarium with pinnipeds in their collection.

If you're interested in gaining experience in marine mammal medicine, consider applying to the program. The application period is always open, and you can email [email protected] to apply.

Here are the requirements for the program:

Keep in mind that this program is currently on hold and will not be accepting applicants for 2025.

Salary is a crucial aspect to consider when pursuing a career as a vet tech. Marine vet techs can earn higher-than-average salaries compared to all vet techs working nationwide.

According to SimplyHired (2025), marine veterinary technicians earn an annual salary of $54,288. This is significantly higher than the average annual income of $43,493 earned by vet techs in general, as reported by SimplyHired (2025).

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Vet techs in the highest 10 percent can earn $59,310 or higher, while those in the lowest 10 percent earn $30,180 or less, as found by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2023).

Indeed (Feb. 2025) reported an average annual salary of $57,710 among marine technicians working nationwide. This is higher than the average annual income of $40,481 earned by vet techs in general, as also reported by Indeed (Feb. 2025).

PayScale (Feb. 2025) found the following percentiles nationally:

Keep in mind that salaries can vary based on other factors, such as location and experience.

To become a marine vet tech, you'll need to become licensed, registered, or certified as a vet tech, depending on your state of residence.

Graduates of vet tech programs, including those specializing in aquatic or marine vet tech services, should understand their state's general vet tech requirements, as regional laws define the scope of practice in this field.

New Jersey doesn't require vet techs to be professionally credentialed, but states like Indiana and Tennessee require them to be registered and licensed, respectively.

To apply for state credentialing, you'll need to submit VTNE scores, pay an application fee, and send official transcripts from a CVTEA-accredited program.

Marine and aquatic vet techs must be excellent communicators to work with various animal care team members, effectively communicating lab results or specific care procedures for recovering animals.

They must also be compassionate to care for weakened or sickened animals and physically strong to restrain animals, some of which can weigh up to 375 pounds.

Marine vet techs may be called in to work unusual hours due to an animal emergency or because special watch or care is needed.

To maintain professional certification, licensure, or registration, you'll need to complete continuing education hours through qualified conferences, presentations, publications, online coursework, and other methods.

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The Zoo & Aquarium Professional Development Program for Veterinary Technicians is an amazing opportunity for experienced zoo vet techs to gain additional experience in marine mammal medicine and husbandry. This program is currently on hold and will not be accepting applicants for 2025.

To be eligible for this program, you'll need to be a licensed, registered, and/or certified veterinary technician (LVT, RVT, CVT) or equivalent. You'll also need to be currently employed as a veterinary technician in a zoo or aquarium that has or will shortly have pinnipeds in their collection.

The program is a hands-on experience that allows participants to assist the Center's veterinary staff on daily clinical rotations. These rotations include physical exams, diagnostics, anesthesia, and more. You'll also have the opportunity to work on an animal care crew performing daily husbandry tasks like feeding, cleaning, and administering medications.

One of the best things about this program is that it's flexible. Each rotation is one to two weeks, and you can choose to participate from March to September. If you have a particular species you're hoping to gain more experience with, you can coordinate your rotation to coincide with the time of year in which they're typically in care.

Here are some key details to keep in mind:

If you're a licensed veterinary technician looking to gain experience in aquatic animal medicine, you're in luck. The Veterinary Technician Externship at Mystic Aquarium is an exciting opportunity for licensed technicians and recent graduates to increase their technical skills and gain hands-on experience.

This externship requires a minimum of eight weeks to a maximum of 12 weeks, with a flexible schedule that may include evening shifts, weekends, and holidays. You'll assist with daily procedures, work directly with staff technicians, and gain husbandry experience with animal care duties.

To be eligible, you'll need to be a licensed, registered, and/or certified veterinary technician (LVT, RVT, CVT) or equivalent. Recent graduates of a veterinary technician program who are not receiving school credit may also apply. If you're interested, be sure to submit your application materials, including a resume, letter of intent, and veterinary school transcripts.

Here's a breakdown of the application requirements:

Don't miss out on this chance to gain valuable experience and take your career to the next level. Apply today!