How to Become a Veterinary Assistant in Michigan

The veterinarian industry in Michigan keeps growing.

So, you can get numerous benefits if you become a vet tech assistant.

If you want to learn more about this job, check out the guide below.

Veterinary Assistant Employment and Job Duties in Michigan

You can get a job in one of the following facilities:

• Pet clinics,
• Animal rescue facilities,
• Animal shelters
• Zoos
• Educational institutions

Some of your daily responsibilities will generally include:

• Communicating with clients
• Making appointments
• Request records requests from other vets
• Inventory control
• Cleaning vet gear
• Sanitizing animal cages
• Operation room cleaning
• Help with filling prescriptions
• Prepping exam and operating spaces
• Keeping records updated
• Pay attention to the dietary needs of pets
• Make sure the animals get enough exercise

If you don’t know where to start, you can first get a voluntary based position.

You can also check out the next Michigan associations:

• Frederick Road Veterinary Hospital
• Catonsville Animal Hospital
• Westview Animal Hospital
• Arbutus Veterinary Hospital
• Howard County Animal Hospital
• Dunloggin Veterinary Hospital
• Doc Side Veterinary Medical Hospital
• Boston Street Animal Hospital LLC
• Light Street Animal Hospital

Becoming Certified as a Vet Assistant in Michigan

In Michigan, you don’t need more than a high school diploma or a GED to work as a vet assistant.

But, some facilities could also ask for:

• COMPASS test
• Proof you are a resident of the state
• Meeting up with a mentor

First, you will need to develop the needed skills.

For this, you have to attend a training program.

In Michigan, you can get the AVA (Approved Veterinary Assistant) certification for vet techs.

This certification is offered through the NAVTA.

The program you enroll in has to be accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA).

You can also get one of the next specialties:

• Dental Technician
• Anesthetist
• Internal Medicine
• Emergency and Critical Care
• Behavior Technician
• Zoological Medicine
• Equine
• Surgery
• Clinical Practice
• Nutrition
• Clinical Pathology

The facilities that provide specialization include:

• Mid-Michigan Veterinary Hospital
• Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners
• Countryside Veterinary Hospital
• Cahill Veterinary Hospital
• Dunckel Veterinary Hospital
• VCA Jackson Animal Hospital

Your certification will be released by the school you attend after you finish the program.

Candidates can opt between a physical program or an online program.

Some of the topics you will learn about during the course are:

• How to identify different breeds
• Animal anatomy
• The best ways to administer meds
• How to administer post-operative care
• Handling various breeds of animals
• Medical terminology
• Handling chemicals

The training programs for vet techs usually include theory and lab practice hours.

The schools that offer vet tech programs in Michigan are seen below.

You will also need to send:

• Tuberculosis clearance within a year
• Tetanus vaccine within 10 years
• Health insurance
• Criminal background check

Vet tech programs have a duration of 2 to 3 years.

You can pursue a B.S. in Veterinary Technology or an Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology for improved credentials.

After you finish the program, you can send an application for certification to the Michigan State Board of Veterinary Medicine.

You will also have to pay a $105 processing fee.

Furthermore, you will also be required to take a certification exam, the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Examination).

This exam lasts for 3 hours, during which you have to answer 170 open book questions.

Before taking the exam, you also have to submit a fee of $350.

Remember to register with the Michigan State Board of Veterinary Medicine, as well.

Your vet tech certification has to be renewed once in 2 years.

However, the first renewal must take place within 4 months to a year.

You will also have to take 24 additional classes in education to get your certification renewed.

Salary Information for a Veterinary Assistant in Michigan

According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, vet techs in Michigan earn around $31,225 per year.

This on par with the median salary at the national level for this occupation.

The more experience you have and the larger the area, the higher your salary will be.

Regional Salary in Michigan

Additional Information About Vet Assistants in Michigan

If you would rather work in a lab, you can get the AALAS certification that requires a $35 yearly fee.

The levels for this certification are:

• ALAT: Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician
• LAT: Laboratory Animal Technician
• LATG: Laboratory Animal Technologist