Licensed veterinary technicians (LVTs) are vital members for any veterinary health care team. They have been educated in the care and handling of animals, the basic principles of normal and abnormal life processes, and in routine laboratory and clinical procedures. LVTs are the equivalent of nurses in human medicine. They perform physical exams and radiographs, communicate with the veterinarians about the patient’s status, and help with other key aspects of patient care.

“Licensed techs understand the processes and procedures of services,” said Helen Mayer, co-director of MSU’s Veterinary Technology Program. “They understand if the patient is improving or declining and why. This knowledge allows them to have a professional conversation with veterinarians about patients, which allows the veterinarian to be more efficient.”

The Veterinary Technology Program at Michigan State University is one of only three programs in the country that is fully housed within a college of veterinary medicine. Established in 1968, the Program has been fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association since 1973. During pre-clinical training, students visit university farms where they learn how to handle different species, give vaccinations, and perform physical exams and blood draws. During their clinical rotation, they spend their time in the MSU Veterinary Medical Center.  While most of the required clinical rotations are small animal focused, students may pursue large animal clinical experiences during their electives.

“By using the Veterinary Medical Center and the university farms, we are able to give a consistent education to our students,” said Mayer. “Students spend three weeks in each service area during their rotations, which allows them to gain a broader perspective on the role that veterinary technicians play in a hospital.”

Graduates of the program go on to work in veterinary hospitals, shelter medicine, biomedical research, industry, and government. They also go on to fill roles in practice management and veterinary education.

Becky Rathbun, LVT, graduated from Michigan State’s program and now works for the Rehabilitation Service in the MSU Veterinary Medical Center. She says that MSU’s Program was challenging, but prepared her for her current role. 

“Michigan State’s Vet Tech Program is the best educational experience around for people interested in Veterinary Technology,” Rathbun said. “My instructors were incredibly knowledgeable, and they inspired my classmates and I to become the best veterinary technicians possible. MSU's vet techs graduate with more confidence, knowledge, and hands-on experience than a lot of other programs.”

To learn more about MSU’s Veterinary Technology Program, visit cvm.msu.edu/lvt.