Massasoit Community College Receives Massachusetts Skills Capital Grant to Support Development of New Veterinary Technology Program

Sept. 19, 2016 – Massasoit Community College announced Monday afternoon that it has received Skills Capital Grant funding of $442,517 from the Baker-Polito Administration to support the College’s newest associate degree program in Veterinary Technology, which began enrolling students in the fall of 2015.

Massasoit Community College’s associate in applied science degree program in Veterinary Technology targets soon-to-be and recent high school graduates with an interest in STEM or Animal Science, including students currently enrolled at Norfolk County Agricultural High School with whom the program has a dual enrollment articulation. The program will also target current vet techs who may be displaced without licensure, and the un- and under-employed adult population seeking careers in fields with numerous anticipated vacancies and a living wage.

“The rapidly expanding Animal Health Care industry has created a distinct need for Veterinary Technicians,” said Charles Wall, president of Massasoit Community College. “The career opportunities available to graduates of this program are varied and in-demand, and we are excited to provide training that helps address a regional need.”

The funds provided through the Skills Capital Grant will support Massasoit’s outfitting of a new, state-of-the-art, $1.4 million veterinary technology clinical instruction facility at the Canton Campus, which will include a surgical suite and a digital radiology room. Further, the clinical facility will house colonies of live dogs and cats, enabling hands-on training of students in all aspects of practical veterinary technician skills, including surgical prep and assistance, imaging, examinations, and animal care.