Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology

Veterinary technicians and technologists are compassionate, highly motivated paraprofessionals dedicated to animal health care. As integral members of the veterinary health care team, they are entrusted with diverse medical responsibilities that include animal nursing care, laboratory specimen analysis, surgical assistance, anesthesia, radiographic imaging (x-ray), nutritional management, dental prophylaxis, physical therapy, and client education. These varied duties afford the veterinary paraprofessional a profound impact on every aspect of animal care. Their involvement enables veterinary hospitals and animal care and research facilities to offer expanded services efficiently and effectively. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recognizes two levels of training for the veterinary paraprofessional: veterinary technician and veterinary technologists. The Certificate of Completion at Michigan State University prepares veterinary technicians and the Bachelor of Science degree prepares veterinary technologists. The Certificate of Completion is two-year training program. After completion of the pre-clinical courses, students complete clinical clerkship training at the Michigan State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Through the clinical clerkships, the students develop and apply their knowledge and problem-solving skills in a functional hospital setting. The level of training of the veterinary technician is most appropriate for individuals who seek employment in privately owned veterinary clinical practices. Veterinary technologists require four years of academic training. In addition to the core curriculum of the Certificate of Completion, the students complete the general education requirements of Michigan State University and elective courses. The elective courses allow the students to focus on potential career paths within the veterinary profession such as production animal medicine, equine and companion animal medicine, pathology, biomedical research, and practice management. Their training offers exposure to clinical specialty areas such as emergency medicine, cardiology, ophthalmology, equine anesthesia, and necropsy. The level of training of the veterinary technologist is linked with employment in research facilities, vivaria, industry, educational institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and large-group or specialty practices.