Becoming a veterinary technician in Michigan is an increasingly popular career goal among newly graduated students, as well as older individuals who have transitioned from another job or who are seeking to improve their wage earning potential.
In today’s difficult economy, becoming a veterinary technician by studying at a vet tech program can allow an individual to secure a well paying and dependable career that has excellent long-term employment prospects.
The Duties and Responsibilities of Veterinary Technicians
A veterinary technician assists a veterinarian in performing the medical duties needed to maintain the health of animals, treat those animals that have been injured or have contracted an illness and assist in the effective management of the practice or establishment.
In fact, having well-trained and qualified veterinarian technicians is a vital part of maintaining an effective veterinary practice, whether it is a small rural practice or part of a large scale veterinary hospital in a major city.
The specific duties of a veterinary technician can include the following:
- Conducting the initial examination of the animal. This can be done both to provide a baseline record of the animal’s condition, as well as providing information the veterinarian will need to make a final diagnosis.
- Preparing an animal for surgery and subsequently assisting the surgeon during the procedure.
- The veterinary technician will provide continuing postoperative care for animals, as well as monitoring their condition.
- He or she will administer drugs that have been prescribed by the veterinarian. In addition, veterinary technicians help instruct animal owners in how to administer drugs that are provided to them for in-home care.
- A veterinary technician may be called upon to provide emergency first aid or otherwise stabilize animals that are brought in with injuries, while informing the veterinarian of the nature of their injuries.
- Maintain effective and complete records, ensuring that all information about the animal’s condition, illnesses and injuries are accurately recorded for future use.
As can be seen, a qualified veterinary technician will be heavily involved in all aspects of the veterinary practice. Vet tech schools in Michigan will provide the training needed to conduct these operations, while also preparing the veterinary technician to effectively interact with coworkers, supervisors and clients alike.
Veterinary Technicians and Industrial Animal Care
In addition, vet tech schools prepare the graduate to work in an industrial setting, such as a farm or animal processing center. In this case, the increased interest in the health of food animals demands that the veterinary technician be able to detect and take measures against the outbreak of contagious diseases. In addition, state and federal regulations also require that the technician ensure that the animals are maintained in conditions that minimize their discomfort.
The Requirements to become a Veterinary Technician
Becoming a veterinary technician in Michigan requires the following steps to be successfully completed.
- The candidate must be at least18 years old and have graduated from a high school or have a GED.
- He or she must complete a two or four year course of study at an institution that has been accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
- Finally, the candidate must pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), which is a comprehensive examination where the candidate must demonstrate a full understanding of the knowledge required to be an effective veterinary technician.
Upon successful completion of these requirements, the candidate can be licensed to practice as a veterinary technician in Michigan. Most vet tech schools in Michigan can provide practice tests and study aids focused on allowing the candidate to successfully complete the VTNE.
Career Options For Veterinary Technicians in Michigan
A licensed veterinary technician has a wide variety of career opportunities. With a growing veterinary health sector, many regions are seeing an increase in job opportunities for qualified veterinary technicians.
In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that the job market for veterinary technicians continues to grow at a rate that is far above the average for other professions. This, coupled with a continuing emphasis on the health and well-being of pets and production animals alike, makes it plain that the veterinary field is a dynamic and growing one.
Vet tech programs can help prepare the worker for this field, as well as position them to, by continuing their education, become certified in specialized fields, such as surgical or clinical medicine veterinary technicians. These subfields not only are also in high demand, they can offer better salaries and benefits.
In addition, due to the importance of establishing a long term and close relationship between a veterinarian and the veterinary technician, long-term employment is more likely than it is in many other fields. This can be important for employees who desire to avoid having to engage in continual moves in order to remain employed.
Equally, due to the widespread nature of the demand for veterinary technicians, most regions will have available jobs. This makes the field attractive for younger professionals who may need to move unexpectedly due to personal or family commitments.
Vet tech schools are a gateway to a long-term and rewarding career. In addition to the material benefits found in a stable and well paying profession, a veterinary technician is engaged in healing the beloved pets and companions of his or her neighbors. In this way, a veterinary assistant is not simply someone who provides a service, but a vital component of the community’s veterinary support network.
Veterinary Tech Schools In Michigan
- Veterinary Assistant
- Veterinary Assistant
- Grooming Instruction
- Certified Dog Trainer Instructor Course