Baker College Campus

Veterinary Technology - Associate of Applied Science

Program Description:

A Veterinary Technician is just like a nurse, only one who works with animals. A person who is a veterinary technician has completed a 2 year associate's degree in Veterinary Technology from an AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) accredited institution. Michigan's Veterinary Practice Act allows veterinary technicians to perform all aspects of caring for animals in the veterinary field excluding diagnosing disease, writing prescriptions or performing surgery.

In addition to providing nursing care, veterinary technicians also serves as laboratory, radiology, pharmacy, surgical, dental and anesthesia technicians. Veterinary technicians not only have to be good with animals, they need to be good with humans. They are often the ones who teach the clients how to take care of their pets at home. Veterinary technology is a challenging profession with a variety of opportunities available.

Career opportunities can be found in:

• small animal hospitals
• large animal hospitals
• research
• education
• and pharmaceuticals and the military to name a few.

Accreditation Status: Through the American Veterinary Medical Association, Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (AVMA, CVTEA), our Cadillac, Flint, Jackson, Muskegon and Port Huron campuses have already been granted accreditation. Our Clinton Township campus is currently engaged in the application process.

Credential: After a student has completed an AVMA accredited program, they are eligible to sit for their state and national licensing exams. To earn the title of L.V.T (Liscensed Veterinary Technician), the graduate must pass both exams. Graduates are qualified to receive a Michigan state license. In the State of Michigan, a graduate must pass a board examination to become licensed.

The Professional Track acceptance requirements are as follows: You must successfully complete all prerequisites in order to be accepted into the technical portion of the Veterinary Technology program. Individuals will start the professional part of the training program during the summer session.

Clinical Externship: A clinical externship experience consisting of a minimum of 240 hours must be completed by all students. The clinical coordinator will assign students to clinical sites. Externships are arranged as unpaid learning experience. A student may have to complete more externship hours in order to finish program requirements.