Home History Courses Accreditation Location Cost Licensure Employment Associations Application SPECIAL EVENTS
History
In the early 1970's, a need for trained veterinary technicians was perceived in the Detroit area for both the research and private aspects of veterinary medicine. The program was instituted in 1973 to train technicians in all phases of veterinary assisting. Wayne State University looked upon the program as a pool of trained personnel from which to select employees. Today, many of our graduates and students continue to find employment within Wayne State University and the Detroit Medical Center. Our graduates are also an integral part of veterinary medical teams in numerous private veterinary hospitals in the area as well as nature centers, zoos and other research facilities nationwide.
The Wayne County Community College program in Veterinary Technology is unique in its organization. The community college registers the students, teaches the non-animal courses and confers an Associate of Applied Science degree when the student completes the program of study. The contract between the institutions states that the direction of the program, the major portion of the faculty, facilities and supplies are to be provided by Wayne State University with funding from the community college.
What is Veterinary Technology?
Veterinary Technology is a relatively new field in the area of veterinary medicine. The technician is an essential member of the veterinary medical team providing such services as preparing patients, instruments and equipment for surgery, obtaining and recording information about cases, collecting specimens and performing laboratory procedures, dressing wounds, assisting in diagnostic, medical and surgical procedures, exposing and developing diagnostic radiographs, communicating with animal owners, record keeping, animal care and feeding, equipment and product maintenance. The technical field covers a wide expanse of employment areas including small and large animal veterinary clinics, research, meat inspection, nature centers, zoos and quarantine stations. The number and variety of job opportunities is on the increase with a challenging future ahead.
THE ROLE OF THE VETERINARY TECHNICIAN
The role of a veterinary technician is to assist in the practice of veterinary medicine under the direction, supervision, and responsibility of veterinarians and in compliance with state and federal laws.
The duties of the veterinary technician shall NOT include:
DIAGNOSING
PRESCRIBING MEDICATION
INITIATING SURGERY
VETERINARY TECHNICIANS OATH
I solemnly dedicate myself to aiding animals and society by providing excellent care and services for animals, by alleviating animal suffering, and by promoting public health.
I accept my obligations to practice my profession conscientiously and with sensitivity, adhering to the profession's Code of Ethics, and furthering my knowledge and competence through a commitment to lifelong learning.
NAVTA