Put your love of animals to work.
If you can't stem your love for animals, consider becoming a vet tech. Veterinary offices, hospitals, zoos and research facilities need technicians to assist veterinarians. Your duties might include dental work, drawing blood, sterilizing equipment and preparing animals for surgery. In Wisconsin, you must complete at least a four-semester course from an approved school before you apply for certification as a vet tech. After passing the required exams and getting approval from the Veterinary Examining Board, you will need to continue your education to maintain certification.
Globe University
Originally a business school, Globe University has diversified to offer a variety of degrees, certifications and individual classes. Globe has seven campus locations in Wisconsin. Interested students can receive an associate's degree in Veterinary Technology at its campuses in Appleton, Eau Claire, Green Bay, La Crosse, Madison East, Madison West or Wausau College.
For a four year course of study that includes advanced veterinary courses, Globe University offers bachelor's degrees in Veterinary Technology at the Wausau College and La Crosse campuses. (See Reference 2)
Madison Area Technical College
Madison Area Technical College offers more than 140 certificate, degree and apprenticeship programs ranging from agriculture to cyber security. The college offers an associate's degree program for students interested in veterinary technology. Students learn veterinary medical terminology and accepted abbreviations and laws. Students also learn work with different types of animals, administer drugs safely and many other necessary skills.
In addition to a traditional associate's degree, Madison Area Technical College offers you the opportunity to earn an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Technical Studies. This degree is ideal for students with specific career goals that other programs don't quite meet. You can choose courses from two or more areas of study to design your ideal education. (See Reference 3)
Moraine Park Technical College
Located in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Moraine Park Technical College offers students the opportunity to earn their associate degree as a veterinarian technician using the "FLEx" format. This program combines online, traditional on-campus, accelerated on-campus and blended learning classes. It is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Moraine Park doesn't accept applicants to the Veterinary Technician program who haven't received job shadowing experience in the veterinary field, specifically focused on vet tech work. You have to shadow a veterinarian or a certified vet tech for a total of 50 hours, 25 hours at a small animal practice and 25 at a large animal practice. If you worked at a kennel or vet's office, the work may count towards your job shadowing requirement, provided the work didn't occur more than five years ago.
Wisconsin Continuing Education Requirements
The state legislature passed a law in 2003 requiring certified veterinarians and vet technicians to continue their education in order to maintain their certification. Vet techs have to complete at least 15 hours at an approved school every two years. While the Veterinary Examining Board hasn't absolutely defined which schools are acceptable, you should choose a school accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or other national, state or regional veterinary medical association.
AVMA accredits the veterinary technician programs at Globe University, Madison Area Technical College and Moraine Park Technical College. You can complete classes, stay up to date with changing trends and fulfill your continued education requirements at any of these schools.
Tags: Technical College, Area Technical, Area Technical College, associate degree, Globe University, Madison Area, Madison Area Technical
