Even though veterinary technician training may not be as comprehensive as the one for doctors of veterinary medicine, the former goes deep enough so that veterinary technicians can carry out many clinical procedures to help make life easier for veterinarians everywhere.
To obtain such training in Wisconsin, candidates must consider a handful of state-approved alternatives, which we look at below. We have also highlighted several other requirements that all aspiring vet technicians in the state must know before they begin their careers.
Among other things, we discuss the steps involved in the process, the certification and licensure requirements, and the possible salary to look forward to at various points of a veterinary technician career in Wisconsin.
Steps to Become a Veterinary Technician in Wisconsin
The following is a pathway to becoming a veterinary technician in Wisconsin.
- High School Requirements - veterinary technicians in Wisconsin are advised to take biology, chemistry, and anatomy classes during high school to prepare for what’s to come.
- Training Program - one of the most important things to consider when choosing a training program from a veterinary technician institute is to choose one that the American Veterinary Medical Association accredits. Usually, candidates also have a chance to select between two-year programs offering an associate of science degree or four-year programs offering a bachelor of science degree.
- VTNE - the Veterinary Technician National Examination is designed to help aspiring veterinary technicians prove their proficiency in several fields.
State Licensure and Certification Requirements
The final step in any journey to become a veterinary technician in Wisconsin is to acquire approval from the state. Previously, the body in charge was the Veterinary Examining Board of Wisconsin. However, these duties have been transferred to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
To obtain approval from the Department, candidates must graduate from an accredited program and work for 2 years under a veterinarian.
It is also possible to obtain education from the Department by having a credential from another state and submitting a verification letter.
Learn about Veterinary Technician licensing and certification in neighboring states:
Top Veterinary Technician Schools in Wisconsin
Wisconsin boasts 5 veterinary technician programs accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. We take a look at all of these below.
Madison College
The Traux campus of Madison College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology degree program that can be completed in two years. Consisting of 64 credits, topics of focus include laboratory animal science, pharmacology, surgical nursing, animal disease, laboratory procedures, and diagnostic imaging.
Historically, Madison College has had a first-time pass rate of 75% in the veterinary technician national exam.
Milwaukee Career College
Another impressive program for veterinary technicians in training can be found at Milwaukee Career College. The program offers highly advanced training in X-rays, patient observation, and animal behavior, among other crucial topics.
Accepted applicants will also have a chance to gain real-world experience through a 12-week internship.
Northwood Technical College
At Northwood Technical College, students get to immerse themselves in the world of veterinary technology thanks to an associate degree program offered by the school. The vet tech program comprises 65 credits and focuses on veterinary pharmacology, medical terminology laboratory procedures, surgical procedures, clinical pathology, and more.
Gateway Technical College
One of the most appealing aspects of studying to become a veterinary technician at Gateway Technical College is that students can work with live animals in state-of-the-art laboratories. Topics of focus include veterinary business practices, laboratory procedures, and clinical pathology.
Between 2018 and 2021, Gateway Technical College had a VTNE pass rate of 67%.
Fox Valley Technical College
Lastly, aspiring veterinary technicians in Wisconsin may also find the veterinary technician program at Fox Valley Technical College appealing. The program is notable for maintaining a small class size and integrating crucial topics such as diagnostic imaging, radiography, veterinary business management, and laboratory procedures into its coursework.
The program consists of 65 total credits with provision for hands-on training.
Consider exploring veterinary technician schools in neighboring states:
Salary and Career Outlook
In Wisconsin, veterinary technicians earn an annual average salary of $34,687. This figure is in line with the national average. Those who have accrued significant experience and work in the best establishment in the state can earn as high as $45,184.
Those who fall on the less favorable end of these factors earn around $26,629 annually.
Location also plays a role in determining just how much a veterinary technician earns in Wisconsin. Currently, the highest-paying cities in the state include Eau Claire, with an annual average salary of $41,956; Monona, with an average yearly salary of $40,296; and Madison, with an average annual wage of $39,704.
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