Veterinary Technology (VET) Program Information

Associate of Applied Science

CurriculumAccreditationPerformance

A veterinary technician can best be thought of as an animal nurse. By definition, a veterinary technician is a person who has completed a 2-year associate degree in Veterinary Technology from an AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) accredited institution. The Veterinary Practice Act of Michigan allows veterinary technicians to do anything for the care of animals except diagnose disease, prescribe medication, and perform surgery. Besides providing nursing care, veterinary technicians also function as laboratory technicians, radiology technicians, pharmacy technicians, surgical technicians, and anesthesia technicians. In addition, veterinary technicians are often responsible for a majority of the client education that occurs in a veterinary practice, thus this is a profession that requires excellent communication skills. The veterinary technology profession is very diverse and the opportunities for technicians are extremely varied. Career opportunities exist within, but are not limited to the following areas: small animal hospitals, large animal hospitals, research, education, pharmaceuticals, and the military. Once a student has successfully graduated from an AVMA accredited program, he/she can sit for the national licensing exam. If the graduate passes the VTNE exam, he/she will be eligible for licensure as a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) in the state of Michigan.