Veterinary technician Ann Wortinger has taught pathology, published broadly, and spoken on general medicine, emergency and critical care, and nutrition—and has never stopped learning.

After more than 30 years on the job, it’s not unusual for people to grow complacent about professional development, but that is clearly not the case for Ann Wortinger, BIS, LVT (’83), VTS (ECC, SAIM, Nutrition). Her career demonstrates the breadth of possibilities for a veterinarian technician, and professional development has played a major role in her experience and her contributions.

ann wortinger

A 1983 graduate of Michigan State University’s Veterinary Technology Program, Wortinger earned her first specialty certification, in Emergency and Critical Care, in 2000. She became certified in Small Animal Internal Medicine in 2008, and that same year completed a bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University in interdisciplinary studies. Then, in 2013 she earned her third specialty certification, this one in Nutrition.

Active in state and national organizations, Wortinger is on the Executive Board for the VTS (Nutrition), and serves as president-elect and co-chair of the credentials committee.

The author of more than 45 articles, and the 2007 Nutrition for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses, Wortinger is an invited speaker at local, national, and international conferences. She taught clinical pathology at the Wayne County Community College District Veterinary Technology Program, and now is the hospital administrator for Affiliated Veterinary Emergency Service in Allen Park, Michigan.

In 2012 she was recognized with the Jack Mara Memorial Lecture Award, which is presented annually at the North American Veterinary Conference. The lecture showcase a technician eminent in the field, respected by the veterinary and technician communities, strong scientific and academic credentials, and most of all, a career that demonstrates professional growth and leadership.

Posted: May 2014