Veterinary Technician Schools in Wisconsin

A veterinary technician – or vet tech – is the animal practice counterpart of a nurse-practitioner or physician assistant. The duties of this occupation are numerous and essential. Eliciting and recording patient case histories from clients are among the many responsibilities of a vet tech.

Obtaining blood, urine and fecal specimens also falls under the vet tech’s purview. Beyond these preliminary procedures, the tech must assist in surgical activities by maintaining clean and functioning instruments, handling animals before and after sedation, monitoring diagnostic equipment and developing x-rays.

Routine tasks include supervising other personnel and maintaining an inventory of medications and supplies. Of the environments where vet techs are employed, the most common are veterinary offices, zoos and laboratories. For those wondering how to become a vet tech, the first step is training. Fortunately, there is no shortage of vet tech schools in Wisconsin.

Accreditation

When evaluating the many vet tech programs available, a prospective student benefits from knowing which schools are accredited. This recognition demonstrates that the program in question has been examined by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities, and recognized for its ability to produce competent vet techs. Under review by the council are:

• financial sustainability
• physical plant and technological capacity
• faculty qualifications
• clinical facilities
• library holdings

Also noted are admissions standards, educational curriculum, test administration and measurement standards. Because of the exhaustive nature of the accreditation process, employers are more likely to select graduates of vet tech programs bearing this designation.

Globe University

Appleton

Globe University was founded in the late 19th century as a business school in Minnesota. It has since proliferated in both degree offerings and physical locations, with campuses in Wisconsin and South Dakota as well. In Wisconsin, Globe operates seven campuses that teach how to become a vet tech, offering both two- and four-year degrees. For example, Globe University – Appleton offers the Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary technology as a two-year program. Here students are trained in:

• animal dentistry
• nursing
• taking x-rays
• drawing blood
• other laboratory tasks

Such instruction gives the prospective vet tech solid grounding in treating companion animals that come through veterinarians’ offices daily.

If a more comprehensive program is calling, Globe – Appleton also grants the four-year Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology Management, which expands the training to include:

• large animal medicine
• laboratory animal management
• emergency and trauma care
• advanced dentistry
• anesthesia

Graduates of this program appeal to research facilities and drug manufacturers, as well as to traditional veterinary practices. However, this four-year course benefits the private practitioner by educating vet techs in office management and software peculiar to veterinarians. Although both programs include hands-on training early and often, the Bachelor of Science degree incorporates an externship which provides intensive clinical experience.

Eau Claire

Globe University’s campus in Eau Claire likewise offers associate and bachelor degree options. Whereas Appleton stresses the skills acquired during training, Eau Claire markets the substance of its course offerings. Anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, hematology, anesthesiology and surgery are all covered by the two-year program, which also allows for an externship.

On the other hand, the Bachelor Degree in Veterinary Technology Management supplements the associate coursework with classes directed to specific settings where animal treatment is practiced. Graduates are prepared to serve as techs at zoological parks and food inspection sites. Furthermore, they are well-versed in the business of veterinary practice, qualifying them for supervisory positions at private practices.

Other Globe Campuses

The Globe curricula and degrees can also be found at campuses in Green Bay, La Crosse, Madison, Middleton and Wausau. Like Appleton and Eau Claire, the other locations conduct two distinct vet tech programs that are based on career goals and market demands. Students must decide which program works best for them. Bachelor degrees, of course, open more doors of opportunity. In addition to the employment settings noted above, graduates of the four-year track have access to Wisconsin’s thriving agricultural sector, including the profitable equine breeding business.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at, http://www.globeuniversity.edu/about-us/consumer-info.aspx

Accreditation: Globe University is accredited by Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).

Madison Area Technical College

One of the vet tech schools in Wisconsin is unaffiliated with Globe. The Madison Area Technical College offers an Associate Degree in Applied Science for those learning how to become a vet tech. At this institution, emphasis is on preparing for the vet tech certification test, known as the Veterinary Technician National Exam.

The VTNE is administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards and is used by many states – Wisconsin included – to award vet tech credentials. MATC tailors its course of instruction according to this exam, covering such issues as animal restraint, stool and blood sample collection, bandage application and catheter use. Administrative courses in record keeping and client communication complement the scientific core curriculum.

MATC promotes the cultivation of personal qualities necessary to be a successful vet tech. Several skills are focused on as desirable outcomes for graduating vet techs:

• 0ffice or facility management
• professional communication in all media
• protocol adherence within limited timeframes
• teamwork and time management
• conforming to state laws and professional ethics
• patient safety
• assessment accuracy
• competence in surgical assistance
• efficient specimen handling
• facility in processing diagnostic images

Summary

Each of these vet tech schools in Wisconsin has proven itself capable of producing quality professionals. Although they vary in terms of what subjects or outcomes are accentuated, their graduates are meeting state standards and employer expectations. If you want to enter this profession, these are the programs at which to apply. Contacting them and learning their entrance requirements are the first steps to attaining your goals.

Schools

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