What Are the Benefits of Joining the MVMA as a Veterinarian or Veterinary Technician?

Joining the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) gives veterinarians and veterinary technicians access to member-only news, a member directory, continuing education (CE) events, career resources, and mentorship programs. The right fit depends on your role and career stage: the site lists distinct membership paths for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and new and recent graduates, so you can choose the category that matches your credentials and experience level. If you mainly need CE, event listings are publicly visible, but other resources such as MassVet News are marked Members Only.

Membership Categories

The MVMA site organizes membership under a Veterinarians section that includes:

• Membership / Join Now — the general entry point for becoming a member
• New and Recent Grads — a dedicated path for those early in their careers
• Veterinary Technicians — a membership category for technicians
• Member Benefits — a summary of what membership includes
• Member Compass — a member resource area
• Members Only — content restricted to logged-in members

The site also provides a Join and Login option in the main navigation, plus a "Need help logging in?" link with instructions if you have trouble accessing your account.

Member-Only Resources

Several resources are explicitly labeled Members Only, meaning you need to log in to access them:

• MassVet News — the association's newsletter, listed as Members Only, with options to submit content and advertise
• Member Compass — a member resource hub
• Membership Directory — a directory of MVMA members

If you are not yet a member, these areas will not be available to you until you join and log in.

Career and Professional Support

The MVMA offers several tools aimed at career development and connection:

• Find a Relief Veterinarian — helps practices and veterinarians locate relief coverage
• Externship Directory — listings for externship opportunities
• Mentorship programs — you can sign up to be a mentor or sign up to be mentored
• Online Career Center — a job board with a Job Seeker Manual, the ability to post a job online, and newsletter classifieds
• Practice Resources — including FAQs, emergency and disaster preparedness, mandatory reporting guidance, OSHA resources, and mental health resources

These are relevant whether you are an employer looking to hire, a new graduate seeking an externship or mentor, or a technician exploring job opportunities.

Continuing Education (CE) Events

The MVMA runs both in-person and virtual CE events. Upcoming listings on the site include:

The site also covers CE Accreditation through MVMA and offers Event Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities for the Fall Conference, plus Virtual MVMA Conference Sponsorship Opportunities. If your primary goal is earning CE credits, these event pages are the place to start.

Advocacy and Community

Beyond individual benefits, membership connects you to the association's broader work:

• Advocacy — Legislative Affairs, MVMA Legislative Positions, Regulatory Affairs, and position statements
• Nero's Law — including training materials
• Charity and Animal Relief Organizations
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiatives
• Rainbow Bridge Token Program
• Regional VMAs and Committees

For veterinarians and technicians who want a voice in state-level policy and access to peer committees, these areas represent the association's collective side.

How to Join

1. Go to the MVMA website and select Join or Join Now! in the navigation.
2. Choose the membership category that fits you — veterinarian, veterinary technician, or new/recent graduate.
3. Complete the sign-up process. If you already have an account, use Login; if you have trouble, the site links to login instructions.
4. Once logged in, you can access Members Only content such as MassVet News and the Membership Directory.

The site does not publish membership pricing on the pages reviewed here, so check the Join section for current dues and any category-specific rates. Similarly, job posting has its own pricing page under the career center.

Is It Worth Joining?

Join if you want member-only news, a searchable member directory, mentorship connections, and a structured CE calendar — especially if you practice in Massachusetts and want advocacy representation at the state level. If you only need occasional CE, you can browse the public event listings without joining, but you will miss the Members Only resources. New and recent graduates and veterinary technicians should check their specific membership paths, since the site treats them as distinct categories with their own entry points.