Animal Technician Academy joins certificate program lineup at KVCC

Kathy Jennings | Thursday, January 30, 2014

The number of career academy classes at Kalamazoo Valley Community College continues to grow. The latest is one that teaches students to be an animal technician.

Students in the six-week program will learn basic anatomy and physiology, identification methods, and humane care. They also will be taught maintenance, health and observation, and handling techniques. Biosecurity, record keeping, and medical terminology also are part of the course. And students will gain skills in effective communication, workplace safety, critical thinking and employability.

Hands-on training is species specific and taught by highly qualified personnel, KVCC says.

Classes will take place Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the KVCC Groves Campus, beginning March 18. Lab training will be based at the MPI Research training facility in partnership with the organization’s training and development department.

Students who successfully complete the academy will be prepared for an entry-level position as a lab-animal technician in a research or laboratory facility. Entry-level wages can range from $19,000 to $25,000 annually. An experienced animal technician can earn from $25,000 to $41,000 per year.

The fee is $900. Financial assistance is available through Michigan job training assistance programs, Kalamazoo Promise, and Veteran’s Benefits.

The first academy will be limited to 12 students.

Before establishing an academy, the college meets with focus groups to determine whether there are jobs to be filled, and a need for trained applicants.

For details about applications, deadlines and other information, cal 269-353-1253, e-mail careeracademies@kvcc.edu or visit the websit here.

Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave Media
Source: Dawn Kemp, Kalamazoo Valley Community College