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Baker College of Muskegon officials report that 100 percent of its 2008 veterinary technician graduates have passed the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) and the state licensing exam issued by the state of Michigan. Since 2003, when the first group of veterinary technician students graduated, Baker’s Muskegon campus has posted a 100 percent national pass rate every year. To date, 136 students have graduated from the veterinary technician associate degree program at Baker College of Muskegon.

“These positive results are a testimonial to the hard work and perseverance of our students, as well as the dedication of our faculty and staff in providing the skills and training necessary to succeed in the veterinary technology field,” said Mary Ann Herbst, Ph.D., Baker College of Muskegon president.

In 2008, the Baker College of Muskegon graduates achieved a total average score of 586 on the VTNE, while the average score for all U.S. candidates was 459. In addition, the Baker students scored more than 100 points over all other candidates in each of the six exam categories (pharmacology, surgical preparation and assisting, dentistry, laboratory procedures, animal nursing, diagnostic imaging and anesthesia).

“I am so proud of our graduates for all their untiring efforts throughout a challenging curriculum,” said Marcy O’Rourke, DVM, Baker College of Muskegon department chair of veterinary technology. “They have consistently surpassed the 87.24 percent national pass rate, the 82.38 percent Michigan pass rate, and also have the highest cumulative pass rate on the state exam.”

In Michigan, a graduate of an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program must successfully pass a state and national board examination to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT).

Career opportunities for a veterinary technician include the following areas: small and large animal hospitals, research, education, pharmaceuticals, zoos and the military.

The veterinary technology program at Baker College of Muskegon has been accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) since 2002. In 2007, the program was granted continued full accreditation until 2013, at which time another complete evaluation and site visit will be scheduled.