Vet Tech Programs in Michigan: Complete 2027 Guide to Becoming a Licensed Veterinary Technician
Compare Michigan vet tech programs by accreditation, tuition, admission requirements, program length, and career outcomes to find the best path to becoming a licensed Veterinary Technician in 2027.
Reviewed by: vettechprograms.org
Last updated: October 2026
What You Need to Know First
Michigan requires a license to practice as a veterinary technician. To qualify for licensure by examination, applicants must meet Michigan’s veterinary technician education requirements and pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). Michigan’s veterinary technician license is renewed every three years, with 15 hours of continuing education required during each renewal cycle.
Michigan currently has six AVMA CVTEA-accredited veterinary technology programs: four Baker College campuses, Macomb Community College, and Michigan State University. Michigan State offers the state’s bachelor’s-level Veterinary Nursing pathway.
Unlike some states, Michigan does not currently list an experience-only alternate route to veterinary technician licensure. This guide covers Michigan’s accredited programs, licensing steps, VTNE requirements, continuing education, salary information, and options for students considering online programs.
Michigan Vet Tech Career at a Glance
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| State Credential | Veterinary technician license, commonly called an LVT |
| License Required to Work? | Yes. Michigan law prohibits an individual from practicing as a veterinary technician without a license |
| Licensing Agency | Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine, Bureau of Professional Licensing (LARA) |
| National Exam | VTNE ($375, applied for through AAVSB) |
| State Exam | None |
| Application + 3-Year License Fee | $140.40 |
| Renewal Fee | $124.80 every 3 years |
| CE Requirement | 15 hours per 3-year cycle |
| Accredited Programs | 6 (four Baker College campuses, Macomb Community College, Michigan State University) |
| Michigan Median Salary | $49,710 (BLS OEWS May 2025) |
Sources: Michigan Public Health Code, Michigan Veterinary Technician General Rules, Michigan LARA, AVMA CVTEA, AAVSB, BLS
Quick Decision Guide
| Your Situation | Best Path in Michigan |
|---|---|
| Live in southeast Michigan | Macomb Community College (Clinton Township) |
| Live in west or northwest Michigan | Baker College of Muskegon or Cadillac |
| Live in south-central Michigan | Baker College of Jackson or Owosso |
| Want a bachelor’s degree | Michigan State University (East Lansing) |
| Already licensed in another state | Apply by endorsement and meet Michigan’s endorsement requirements, including a passing VTNE score |
| Need online flexibility | Consider an AVMA-accredited distance program and confirm Michigan clinical-training and licensure requirements before enrolling |
| Want to work without completing a qualifying program | Michigan does not currently list an experience-only alternate route |
Does Michigan Require a Vet Tech License?
Yes. Michigan’s Public Health Code states that an individual shall not practice as a veterinary technician without a license.
Michigan also limits the scope of veterinary technician practice. A veterinary technician may not independently diagnose animal diseases, prescribe medical or surgical treatment, or perform surgery as a veterinarian would. Veterinary technicians work within the scope permitted by Michigan law and under appropriate veterinary supervision.
If you plan to work as a veterinary technician in Michigan, make sure you understand the state’s licensing requirements before accepting a position.
AVMA-Accredited Vet Tech Programs in Michigan
AVMA’s current program information identifies six Michigan veterinary technology programs: four Baker College campuses, Macomb Community College, and Michigan State University.
Most of Michigan’s programs offer associate-level veterinary technology education. Michigan State University offers a two-year Certificate of Completion and a four-year Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Nursing.
Because accreditation decisions can change, students should verify the program’s current AVMA CVTEA status before enrolling.
Baker College (Four Campuses)
Baker College operates AVMA CVTEA-accredited veterinary technician programs at four Michigan campuses: Cadillac, Jackson, Muskegon, and Owosso.
Baker describes its veterinary technician education as an associate-level program that prepares students for the VTNE and professional veterinary technician practice. Coursework includes veterinary nursing, laboratory procedures, diagnostic imaging, pharmacology, surgical procedures, and other veterinary technology subjects, along with hands-on clinical training.
| Campus | AVMA Status | First Accredited |
|---|---|---|
| Baker College of Cadillac | Accredited | May 2003 |
| Baker College of Jackson | Accredited | March 2006 |
| Baker College of Muskegon | Accredited | October 2002 |
| Baker College of Owosso | Accredited | 2022 |
Accreditation status can change following AVMA CVTEA reviews. Verify the current status directly with AVMA before paying tuition.
Macomb Community College
Location: Center Campus, Clinton Township
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technician
Accreditation: AVMA CVTEA accredited
Macomb Community College provides an associate-level veterinary technician program designed to prepare students for veterinary technician practice and the VTNE.
Michigan State University
Location: East Lansing
Programs: Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Nursing and Certificate of Completion in Veterinary Nursing
Accreditation: AVMA CVTEA accredited
Best for: Students who want a bachelor’s degree or a broader academic pathway into veterinary nursing, research, teaching, specialty practice, or other advanced veterinary-care settings.
Michigan State University’s Veterinary Nursing program provides clinical education and hands-on training through the College of Veterinary Medicine and associated facilities.
Comparing Michigan’s Programs
| Factor | Baker College (4 campuses) | Macomb CC | Michigan State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree | AAS | AAS | BS or certificate |
| Locations | Cadillac, Jackson, Muskegon, Owosso | Clinton Township | East Lansing |
| AVMA Status | Accredited | Accredited | Accredited |
| Best For | Regional access, associate degree | Southeast Michigan, associate degree | Bachelor’s degree |
Michigan program lists can become outdated when campuses open, close, merge, or change accreditation status. Always verify the current AVMA CVTEA directory before enrolling.
Online Options for Michigan Students
Michigan does not currently have an in-state AVMA-accredited distance veterinary technology program.
Students who want to study online can consider an AVMA-accredited distance program based in another state. However, online veterinary technology programs still require hands-on clinical education. Before enrolling, confirm with both the school and Michigan LARA how required clinical training can be completed in Michigan and whether the program will meet Michigan’s licensing requirements.
Ask each program:
- Whether it accepts Michigan residents
- Where clinical training can be completed
- Whether a Michigan veterinary clinic can serve as the clinical site
- Whether the program meets Michigan’s current education requirements
- How its recent VTNE performance compares with other programs
See our online vet tech programs guide.
How to Become a Licensed Vet Tech in Michigan: Step-by-Step Process
These steps are based on Michigan’s Public Health Code, Veterinary Technician General Rules, and current Michigan LARA licensing information. Confirm current requirements before applying.
Step 1: Graduate From a Qualifying Veterinary Technician Program
Michigan requires applicants for licensure by examination to complete veterinary technician education that meets the state’s applicable requirements.
Before enrolling, verify that the program’s current AVMA CVTEA accreditation and educational status meet Michigan’s requirements.
Your school must provide the required official education documentation to the Board.
Step 2: Pass the VTNE
Michigan candidates apply for the Veterinary Technician National Examination through the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).
The current VTNE application fee is $375. The examination contains 170 multiple-choice questions, including 150 scored questions and 20 pilot questions, and the testing time is three hours.
The VTNE is administered through PSI, with in-person testing-center and live remote-proctoring options available.
Michigan began having AAVSB determine VTNE eligibility for Michigan candidates beginning with the July/August 2019 examination windows.
Step 3: Apply Online Through MiPLUS
Submit your veterinary technician license application through Michigan’s MiPLUS licensing system.
- Initial application + three-year license fee: $140.40
- Criminal background check: Applicants may be required to complete fingerprinting and background-check procedures.
- Good moral character: Applicants must meet Michigan’s applicable professional licensing requirements.
Confirm the current fee and application instructions in MiPLUS before submitting your application.
Step 4: Receive Your License
After Michigan LARA reviews your education, VTNE result, background-check information, and other required documentation, the Board can issue your veterinary technician license.
The Michigan veterinary technician license cycle is three years.
Step 5: Renew Every Three Years
Michigan veterinary technician licenses renew every three years.
- Renewal fee: $124.80
- Continuing education: 15 hours during the three-year renewal cycle
- Scientific CE: At least 10 of the 15 hours must be scientific in nature
- Live/in-person CE: At least 5 hours must be completed in person or through live, synchronous contact
- CE records: Keep documentation supporting your continuing education in case the Board requests it
CE Rules, From the Administrative Code
Michigan’s veterinary technician continuing education requirements include:
- At least 10 of the 15 hours must be scientific in nature. Scientific subjects can include diagnosis, treatment, prevention of disease, public veterinary practice, epidemiology, food safety, public animal health, animal welfare, and antimicrobial stewardship.
- At least 5 hours must be completed in person or through live, synchronous contact.
- No more than 12 hours may be earned during one 24-hour period.
- A licensee cannot receive credit more than once during the same renewal cycle for an identical or substantially identical CE program or activity.
- Approved or recognized CE sources include organizations such as AAVSB RACE, AVMA, the World Veterinary Association, Michigan Veterinary Medical Association, Michigan Association of Veterinary Technicians, and veterinary boards of other states, subject to Michigan’s rules.
- Certain activities such as presenting, publishing, teaching clinical students, or other approved activities may be subject to the applicable five-hour combined limit.
- If you need a CE waiver or accommodation, contact Michigan LARA before your license expires.
If Your License Lapses
Michigan provides a 60-day period after expiration during which an expired license may be renewed upon application, payment of the applicable renewal and late fees, and fulfillment of continuing-education or other competency requirements. Michigan’s general renewal-fee guidance states that a licensee may continue to practice during this 60-day period.
Do not assume that a license remains active indefinitely after expiration. Check the current LARA instructions before practicing or using the veterinary technician title.
- Lapsed 3 years or less: Relicensure requirements can include an application, fingerprints, and proof of required continuing education. The current licensing guide lists a $160.40 relicensure fee.
- Lapsed more than 3 years: Additional requirements apply, including passing the VTNE within the applicable period before applying.
Already Licensed in Another State?
Michigan allows veterinary technicians to apply for licensure by endorsement.
Applicants must meet Michigan’s endorsement requirements, which can include:
- An active license in good standing
- A passing VTNE score
- Fingerprints/background-check requirements
- Good moral character requirements
- Disclosure of licenses held in other jurisdictions
- Verification of licensure and disciplinary history
Michigan does not automatically waive the VTNE requirement simply because an applicant is licensed in another state.
What Most Michigan Guides Miss
A license is legally required. Michigan law prohibits individuals from practicing as veterinary technicians without a license.
There is no experience-only alternate route listed for Michigan. Michigan’s standard licensure pathway requires qualifying veterinary technician education and a passing VTNE score.
CE has a live component. Of the 15 hours required for renewal, at least 5 must be completed in person or through live, synchronous contact.
A long lapse can require additional steps. If a Michigan veterinary technician license has been expired for an extended period, relicensure requirements can include additional education and examination requirements.
Keep your CE records. Renewal involves an attestation of compliance, but you should retain documentation supporting your CE in case the Board requests proof.
Older school lists can be misleading. Veterinary technology program accreditation and campus offerings can change. Verify the current AVMA CVTEA list before applying.
Fees can change. Michigan licensing fees are subject to change, so confirm the current amount in MiPLUS and on Michigan LARA’s licensing pages before submitting an application.
Michigan Vet Tech Salary and Job Outlook
Michigan’s veterinary technologists and technicians have a median wage above the current national median.
What the Data Shows
| Measure | Michigan | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $49,710 | $47,380 |
| Employment | 2,550 | 129,140 |
Michigan figures: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. National figures: BLS.
The BLS occupation is Veterinary Technologists and Technicians (SOC 29-2056), so its employment and wage figures include the broader occupational category rather than only Michigan-licensed LVTs.
Michigan’s median wage of $49,710 is about $2,330, or roughly 5%, above the national median of $47,380.
Michigan vs. Its Neighbors
| State | Median Technician Wage (BLS OEWS May 2025) |
|---|---|
| Michigan | $49,710 |
| Indiana | $48,720 |
| Ohio | $47,990 |
| Wisconsin | $47,020 |
| Illinois | $46,440 |
Michigan’s median is higher than the four neighboring states shown above, although the differences are relatively modest. Each state has its own licensing requirements, and statewide wage data does not guarantee a specific starting salary.
How to Read This
- A median is not a starting wage. New graduates may earn below the statewide median.
- Local pay varies. Metro Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and other Michigan labor markets can have different wage levels, so compare local job postings.
- Total compensation matters. Benefits, overtime, scheduling, paid leave, and employer retirement contributions can affect the overall value of an offer.
- Occupation data is broader than LVT data. BLS groups veterinary technologists and technicians together, so the statewide figure should be treated as a general occupation benchmark.
BLS projects national employment for veterinary technologists and technicians to grow 9% from 2025 to 2035, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Financial Aid for Michigan Vet Tech Students
Contact each program’s financial aid office for current award amounts, eligibility rules, and deadlines.
- FAFSA: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and ask each school which federal aid programs are available.
- State and college aid: Ask each school about Michigan state aid, institutional scholarships, grants, and other assistance.
- Michigan Reconnect: Eligible Michigan adults may qualify for tuition assistance under the state’s community-college program. Check current eligibility requirements before relying on this option.
- Employer help: If you already work in a veterinary clinic, ask whether the employer offers tuition assistance or flexible scheduling.
- Professional resources: Veterinary organizations may provide scholarships, educational awards, or other student resources. Check current eligibility and deadlines directly with each organization.
Why Accreditation Matters in Michigan
Michigan’s veterinary technician education requirements incorporate applicable AVMA CVTEA accreditation standards.
If you are choosing a veterinary technology program, verify its current accreditation status before paying tuition. Accreditation status can change after an AVMA CVTEA review, and an old school directory may not reflect the program’s current status.
For Michigan licensure by examination, make sure the program you choose meets the education requirements recognized by Michigan LARA.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Enrolling in Michigan
1. Which campus can you reach?
Four of Michigan’s accredited programs are Baker College campuses spread across the state, while the other major in-state options are in Clinton Township and East Lansing. Consider commuting time, clinical schedules, transportation, and housing before choosing a program.
2. Do you want an associate or a bachelor’s degree?
Most Michigan programs provide an associate-level pathway. Michigan State University offers the state’s bachelor’s-level Veterinary Nursing pathway. A bachelor’s degree may provide additional academic options, although many general-practice veterinary technician positions do not require one.
3. Are you comfortable with a newer program?
If you are considering a newer or recently accredited program, ask the school about its current VTNE performance, clinical opportunities, faculty experience, graduation rates, and student outcomes.
4. Can you keep your license current?
Plan your continuing education from the beginning, especially the requirement that at least 5 of your 15 renewal hours be completed in person or through live, synchronous contact.
Is a Vet Tech Career Right for You in Michigan?
Vet tech work is meaningful but demanding. Before enrolling, honestly assess whether the career suits you.
Strong fit if you:
- Stay calm during animal emergencies and stressful situations
- Handle medical procedures, blood, and injured animals without distress
- Communicate well with worried pet owners
- Have the stamina for long shifts on your feet
- Can handle euthanasia and difficult cases
- Are comfortable learning medical, laboratory, and animal-care procedures
- Can work effectively as part of a veterinary healthcare team
Worth reconsidering if you:
- Cannot tolerate blood, medical procedures, or animal distress
- Prefer administrative or office-only work
- Have physical limitations that make animal handling difficult
- Need a high starting salary immediately
- Do not want to work evenings, weekends, holidays, or irregular schedules when required by an employer
BLS notes that veterinary technologists and technicians can have physically and emotionally demanding jobs and may work evenings, weekends, or holidays.
Volunteer or shadow at a Michigan veterinary clinic before committing to a program if possible. Real-world exposure can help you decide whether veterinary technology is the right career.
If you are not ready for a veterinary technician degree program, working as a veterinary assistant can be one way to gain experience in a veterinary setting. See our vet assistant programs guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Vet Tech Programs
Do I need a license to work as a vet tech in Michigan?
Yes. Michigan’s Public Health Code prohibits an individual from practicing as a veterinary technician without a license. Veterinary technicians must also work within the scope of practice established by Michigan law and applicable veterinary supervision requirements.
How many accredited vet tech programs does Michigan have?
Michigan currently has six AVMA CVTEA-accredited veterinary technology programs: four Baker College campuses (Cadillac, Jackson, Muskegon, and Owosso), Macomb Community College, and Michigan State University. Michigan State offers the state’s bachelor’s-level Veterinary Nursing pathway.
Verify the current AVMA CVTEA directory before enrolling because accreditation status can change.
How much does it cost to get licensed in Michigan?
Michigan’s current veterinary technician licensing guide lists $140.40 for the initial application and three-year license. The VTNE has a separate $375 application fee paid through AAVSB. Fingerprinting and background-check services may involve additional costs. The current renewal fee is $124.80 every three years.
Confirm current fees in MiPLUS before applying.
Does Michigan require a state exam?
No. Michigan does not have a separate state veterinary technician examination. Applicants for licensure by examination must meet Michigan’s education requirements and pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE).
How often does a Michigan license renew, and how much CE is required?
Every three years. Veterinary technicians need 15 hours of continuing education during the renewal cycle. At least 10 hours must be scientific in nature, and at least 5 hours must be completed in person or through live, synchronous contact.
How much do vet techs make in Michigan?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data for May 2025 reports a Michigan median wage of $49,710 for veterinary technologists and technicians. The national median was $47,380.
BLS groups veterinary technologists and technicians together, so the figure should be used as an occupation-level benchmark rather than a guaranteed LVT salary.
Can I transfer an out-of-state license to Michigan?
Yes. Michigan allows veterinary technicians to apply by endorsement. Applicants must meet Michigan’s endorsement requirements, which can include an active license in good standing, a passing VTNE score, fingerprints, good moral character, license verification, and disciplinary-history disclosures.
Can I study vet tech online and work in Michigan?
You can consider an AVMA-accredited distance veterinary technology program based outside Michigan. However, you should confirm with both the school and Michigan LARA how clinical training can be completed in Michigan and whether the program meets Michigan’s current licensing requirements.
Michigan does not currently have an in-state AVMA-accredited distance veterinary technology program.
Vet Tech Programs in Neighboring States
- Ohio Vet Tech Programs
- Indiana Vet Tech Programs
- Wisconsin Vet Tech Programs
- Illinois Vet Tech Programs
Related Vet Tech Resources
- Complete Vet Tech Programs Guide
- Online Vet Tech Programs
- Vet Tech Salary by State
- VTNE Exam Guide
- Vet Assistant Programs
- How to Become a Vet Tech
- VTS Specialty Certifications
Sources
Licensing requirements, fees, accreditation status, examination procedures, and program offerings can change. Verify current details with the Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine through the Bureau of Professional Licensing (LARA) before applying for a license. This content is educational and not legal, career, or licensing advice.