Job opportunities in this field outstrip numbers being trained. While most graduates take jobs in small animal clinics, there are opportunities to do research, to open pet-sitting businesses and enter specialty practices like work in zoos. In addition to course work in anatomy, physiology and chemistry, students at the college's center campus in Clinton Township get plenty of hands-on experience with animals borrowed from a local shelter. These homeless patients are lovingly cared for while students learn everything from ear cleaning to running tests for heartworm. Restored to good health, most of the animals are subsequently placed in homes.
Internships increase skills.
Each student is required to complete 200 hours in each of two different locations before graduation. Continuing education, though not yet required of veterinary technicians, is built into the budget at Madison Veterinary Hospital. Technicians now are learning how to use new ultrasound equipment, Isaacson said. Licensed technicians are really moving up. We provide full benefits, including health insurance, paid vacations and retirement packages.