Veterinary technologists and technicians assist veterinarians in diagnosing the ailments of injured and ill animals. They are responsible for administering various tests and are under the direct supervision of certified veterinarians. They may also work in research facilities to ensure animals there are handled and treated humanely. They may also specialize in a single discipline like dentistry or anesthesia but mostly work with small-animal practitioners.

Wisconsin Veterinary Technician Schools

Most veterinary technicians must attend a school or program to help prepare them for the job. And while on-the-job training and experience is also important, some postsecondary schooling could increase your chances of success in the industry. Here are a few examples of Wisconsin vet tech schools that you might consider:

  • Globe University (at Appleton, Eau Claire, Green Bay, La Crosse, Madison East, Madison West, and Wausau): With 7 different campuses spanning the state of Wisconsin, Globe University's wide reaching educational opportunities have been serving the upper Midwest since 1877.

  • Madison Area Technical College: Madison Area Technical College's focus on an affordable, hands-on, and job-focused education platform serves nearly 40,000 students.

  • Milwaukee Career College: Since 2002, Milwaukee Career College has been offering education in computer applications and later medical veterinary occupations as well.

What to Expect from Wisconsin Veterinary Technician Programs

The extent of the veterinary technician program varies depending on where the program is completed. Some schools offer a two-year associate degree in veterinary technology while others are four-year programs. A veterinary technician will typically have a two-year program degree while a veterinary technologist will generally have a four-year degree. Whatever the program, a veterinary technician is required to complete a postsecondary program.

Some skills that might be cultivated in these programs could include:

  • Compassion
  • Being detail oriented
  • Manual dexterity
  • Problem-solving skills

Additionally, technologists and technicians will be trained how to observe animal behavior, provide nursing or emergency care to injured animals, bathe and groom animals, administer anesthesia to animals, collect laboratory samples, perform tests, take and develop x-rays, prepare animals for surgery, administer medications, vaccines, and treatments, etc.

Wisconsin Veterinary Technician License

Most candidates looking to become a licensed technologist or technician in Wisconsin must pass a credentialing exam. A passing score on the VTNE, or Veterinary Technician National Examination is administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards is generally required for credentials. Recertification every two years is also mandatory and requires at least 15 hours of continued education.

Technologists looking to work in a research facility can also choose to get certified by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) with the Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) certification and the Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG) certification. Although neither are mandatory, certifications can demonstrate expertise to employers.

Resources for Veterinary Technicians in Wisconsin

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Metro Areas Rated for Popularity for:
Vet Techs

Listed below are metro areas ranked by the popularity of jobs for Vet Techs relative to the population of the city. Salary data was obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

2019 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2018-28 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov

Metro Area
Jobs
Annual Median Salary
Green Bay110$32,820
Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis560$35,990
Oshkosh-Neenah70$33,910
Sheboygan40$33,370
Wausau50$33,430
Janesville-Beloit60$32,930
Eau Claire30$35,030
Madison380$40,200
Racine60$34,410
Appleton130$33,350

Sources:

  1. Veterinary Technologists and Technicians, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2016-17 Edition, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-technologists-and-technicians.htm accessed September 17, 2016

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