密歇根州立大学

Veterinary nurses are compassionate, highly motivated paraprofessionals dedicated to animal health care. As integral members of the veterinary health care team, they are entrusted with diverse medical responsibilities that include animal nursing care, laboratory specimen analysis, surgical assistance, anesthesia, radiographic imaging (x-ray), nutritional management, dental prophylaxis, physical therapy, and client education. These varied duties afford the veterinary paraprofessional a profound impact on every aspect of animal care. Their involvement enables veterinary hospitals and animal care and research facilities to offer expanded services efficiently and effectively.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recognizes two levels of training for the veterinary paraprofessional: a two-year certification and a four-year bachelor's degree. The Certificate of Completion at Michigan State University is a two-year training program. After completion of the pre-clinical courses, student’s complete clinical clerkship training at the Michigan State University Veterinary Medical Center. Through the clinical clerkships, the students develop and apply their knowledge and problem-solving skills in a functional hospital setting. The two-year level of training is most appropriate for individuals who seek employment in privately owned veterinary clinical practices.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary Nursing requires four years of academic training. In addition to the core curriculum of the Certificate of Completion, the students complete the general education requirements of Michigan State University and elective courses. The elective courses allow the students to focus on potential career paths within the veterinary profession such as production animal medicine, equine and companion animal medicine, pathology, biomedical research, and practice management. Their training offers exposure to clinical specialty areas such as emergency medicine, cardiology, ophthalmology, equine anesthesia, and necropsy. The four-year bachelor's degree level of training is linked with employment in research facilities, vivaria, industry, educational institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and large-group or specialty practices.

The state of Michigan requires that any person practicing as a veterinary professional must be licensed and registered with the state. Regulation of veterinary professionals is the responsibility of the Veterinary Board of Examiners in the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulation. The credentialing examination is only available to qualified graduates of accredited training programs. The Veterinary Nursing Program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and graduates of the Certificate of Completion or Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Nursing are eligible to take the National Board Examinations for licensure.