How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Michigan

If you would like to learn more about becoming a vet tech in Michigan, you have come to the right place.

Read the article below to get info on licensing and training.

Veterinary Technician Job Description and Duties in Michigan

In Michigan, a vet tech has many tasks they need to finish daily.

The tasks are varied, based on the day and the clinic you will work at.

Some of them include:

• Administering meds
• Taking x-rays,
• Processing tissue samples,
• Assisting in surgery and emergency care
• Performing lab tests
• Teeth cleaning,
• Electrocardiography,
• Bandaging,
• Wound cleaning,
• Maintaining detailed and accurate records of meds, supplies, patients

Education and Training Required for Veterinary Technicians in Michigan

In Michigan, you can start working as a vet tech right away as long as you have some experience with animals.

Those with no experience have to first take some training courses and get a vet tech license.

To get a license, you have to join a Veterinary Technology Associate’s Degree of Applied Science program.

Several schools in Michigan offer this degree that lasts between 2 and 3 years to complete.

The program you decide to join for has to be accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

You can choose a degree in Animal Science with vet tech specialization instead.

The required practice can be achieved by attending an internship or an externship.

Take a look at the next schools to learn more about the programs in Michigan.

To enroll in a vet tech training program, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Attend these classes before enrolling in the degree program:
  • Biology
  • English
  • Math
  • Basic computer science,
  • Psychology
• 2 letters of recommendation
  • One of them must come from a veterinarian
• Health insurance
• Buying a medical malpractice policy
• 360 hours of previous practical experience

You can get a scholarship or work-study to pay the tuition.

Classes will include the next topics:

• Introduction to veterinary technology
• Anatomy and physiology
• Emergency care and first aid
• Pathology
• Anesthesiology
• Radiology
• Immunology
• Pharmacology
• Parasitology
• Toxicology
• Nutrition

You should also finish 20 practice hours in an approved facility.

The last semester will generally be a preceptorship.

Becoming a Licensed Veterinary Technician in Michigan

Vet technicians in Michigan are licensed by the Michigan State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

To be eligible for the vet tech license in Michigan, you need to submit:

• An application form
• Proof you graduated from the training program described earlier
• To pay some fees
  • $300 for the exam
  • $100 for the license
• Score at least 70% on the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE)

The VTNE has 170 questions in this state, and they need to be answered in 3 hours.

Before the exam, you need to get an ATT (Authorization to test)

If you passed the exam, your license will be sent to you within a few weeks.

In Michigan, you are not required to take any extra education classes to renew your license.

However, you should consider taking some courses to keep updated with the industry changes.

The Michigan Veterinary Technician Association (AVTA) is a good resource for vet techs in Michigan

You can benefit from job placement options and receive assistance with your education.

Employment and Salaries for Veterinary Technicians in Michigan

After getting a vet tech license, you should know what are the earning opportunities in Michigan.

Vet techs can work in many varied facilities, such as:

• Private clinics
• Zoos
• Veterinary teaching hospitals
• Rescue centers
• Wildlife or exotic animal rehabilitation centers
• Humane societies,
• Research facilities,
• Feedlots,
• Pharmaceutical companies

Some good facilities for vet techs in Michigan are:

• Mid-Michigan Veterinary Hospital
• Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners
• Countryside Veterinary Hospital
• Cahill Veterinary Hospital
• Dunckel Veterinary Hospital
• Gaide Veterinary Hospital

Additional Information for Veterinary Technicians in Michigan

The next resources might be of assistance to you when looking for industry updates:

• Michigan Veterinary Technicians Association
• Michigan Veterinary Medical Association
• National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
• Veterinary Career Network
• Vet Tech Life
• Vetcetera