Become a Vet Tech | Vet Tech Schools Southborough MA

How to Select a Vet Tech School near Southborough Massachusetts

Southborough MA vet tech diagnosing puppy Achieving your lifelong aspiration of working with and caring for animals by enrolling in a veterinary technician school near Southborough MA may initially seem like a daunting endeavor. After all, you have to search for and enroll in a program that will deliver the necessary training to ensure that you can be successful as a veterinary technician. But just how do you tackle reviewing and contrasting programs so that you can make the proper choice? Many aspiring students begin their due diligence process by searching for schools that are near their residences. When they have identified some local schools, they find out which ones have the lowest tuition and focus on those. Although location and expense are important factors when assessing vet tech schools, they are by no means the only significant ones when making your assessments. Qualifications such as internship programs and accreditation need to be looked into also. The main idea is that there are questions you need to be asking the veterinary technician schools you are reviewing before you make an ultimate decision. We have provided several in this article in order to help get you started, but before we discuss them we’ll go over the various responsibilities of vet techs and the training alternatives offered.

The Responsibilities of a Veterinary Technician in Southborough MA

cat with cone after surgery in Southborough MA One of the initial decisions that you will have to make is if you wish to train as a vet assistant, technician or technologist. Part of your determination may be predicated on the amount of time and money that you have to commit to your training, but the main determiner will undoubtedly be which specialization interests you the most. What technicians and assistants have in common is that they both work under the immediate supervision of a licensed and practicing veterinarian. And while there are numerous tasks that they can perform within the Southborough MA veterinary clinic or hospital, they can’t prescribe medicines, diagnose conditions, or conduct surgical procedures. In those areas they can only provide support to a licensed vet. There are technicians and technologists that work outside of the standard veterinarian practice, such as for zoos, animal shelters or law enforcement. Let’s take a look at the duties and training prerequisites for each specialty.

Vet Assistants in most cases will have completed a structured training program, either as an intern or apprentice in a vet clinic or hospital, or by completing a certificate program at a community college or vocational school. As the name implies, their job function is to assist the vets and vet technicians in the completion of their duties. Normally they are not associated with more complex undertakings, for example assisting with surgical procedures. A few of their normal duties may include working at the front desk, cleaning and preparing examination rooms and equipment, or controlling animals during exams.
Vet Technicians undergo more extensive training compared to assistants and typically acquire a 2 year Associate Degree, ideally from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program. They are in a sense the veterinary counterparts of medical nurses, since their fundamental job function is to assist vets with diagnosing and treating animal patients. Where they differ from veterinary assistants is that they are involved in more involved activities, such as assisting with surgeries or administering medicine. All states presently require vet techs pass a credentialing examination for either registration, certification or licensing.
Vet Technologists are comparable to vet technicians and for the most part carry out the same job functions. They are mandated to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in veterinary technology, which usually requires 4 years to complete. Therefore the only real difference between a vet technologist and a technician is the technologist’s more advanced level of education. But with an advanced degree comes more work options, higher salaries and possible management positions. They are also mandated to pass a credentialing exam for either licensing, registration or certification.

Veterinary techs and technologists may specialize in areas such as anesthesia, internal medicine or emergency care. A number may receive certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) to work in Southborough MA labs or research facilities also.

Vet Tech Online Programs Offered in Southborough

student attending online vet tech school in Southborough MA An alternative that might make sense for those with a hectic lifestyle or who are working full-time while attending veterinary school is to enroll in an online program. Since the classes are made available through the internet, students can attend on their own schedule wherever a computer is accessible. The course of study is taught using multiple venues, including slide shows, videos and live streaming webinars. And since most vet tech and technologist degrees require practical training, that segment can typically be fulfilled as an internship or work study program at a local Southborough MA veterinary clinic or hospital. Distance learning, as it is also called, can in many instances reduce the cost of your education. Tuition and supplementary expenses, such as for commuting and study materials, can be lower compared to more traditional classroom courses. Just make certain that the online school that you select is accredited, either by the AVMA or another nationally recognized accrediting organization. With the online classes and the clinical training, everything is furnished for a comprehensive education. So if you are dedicated enough to learn in this more self-reliant fashion, an online vet tech school may be the right choice for you.

What to Ask Southborough MA Veterinary Technician Schools

Questions to ask Southborough MA vet tech schools At this point you should have determined which veterinary credential that you want to earn, and if you intend to study online or attend a college on campus. Since there are a large number of veterinary community colleges, technical and vocational schools in the Southborough MA area as well as across the United States, you must ask some relevant questions to help fine tune your list of options. As we discussed in our introduction, many prospective students start by concentrating on location and the cost of tuition. But we have previously mentioned other essential qualifiers, such as internship programs and accreditation. And naturally you want to enroll in a program that offers the specialty and degree that you would like to earn. These and other qualifications are addressed in the checklist of questions that you need to ask the veterinary technician colleges that you are considering.

Is the Veterinary Program Accredited? It’s imperative that you confirm that the vet tech program you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency. As earlier discussed, one of the most highly respected is the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Trade schools and colleges that are accredited by the AVMA have undergone an extensive screening process that confirms you will obtain a superior education. Also, accreditation is essential if you are applying for a student loan or financial assistance, since a large number of programs are not offered for non-accredited colleges. And finally, having a degree or certificate from an accredited college is often a precondition for employment for a number of Southborough MA area veterinarian practices and hospitals.

What is the College’s Reputation? The veterinary college or trade school and program you choose must have an outstanding reputation within the veterinarian community. You can begin your due diligence by asking the colleges you are interested in for testimonials from the employers in their job placement network. Other tips include checking with internet school ranking websites and contacting the school’s accrediting organizations as well. You can ask the Massachusetts school licensing department if there have been any grievances or violations involving your targeted schools. As a final suggestion, get in touch with some Southborough MA vet clinics that you might want to work for after you get your training. Ask what they think of your school selections. They might even recommend some colleges not on your list.

Are there Internship Programs? The most effective approach to obtain practical hands on experience as a vet tech is to work in a professional environment. Ask if the schools you are reviewing have internship programs arranged with Southborough MA veterinarians, vet hospitals or practices. The majority of veterinary medicine programs mandate practical training and a large number provide it by way of internships. Not only will the experience be invaluable relative to the clinical training, but an internship can also help establish relationships in the local vet community and aid in the search for a job after graduation.

Is Job Placement Provided? Getting a job after graduating from a vet tech college can be challenging without the assistance of a job placement program. To begin with, ask what the graduation rates are for the programs you are evaluating. A low rate might signify that the teachers were unqualified to teach the course of study or that some students were dissatisfied with the program and quit. Next, check that the schools have a job placement program and ask what their placement rates are. A high placement rate could signify that the college has an exceptional reputation within the Southborough MA veterinarian community and has a significant network of contacts for student placements. A lower rate might mean that the training is not well regarded by employers or that the job assistance program is ineffective at placing students.

How Large are the Classes? If the classes are larger sized, you most likely will get little or no individualized instruction from the teachers. Solicit from the Southborough MA colleges you are considering what their classroom teacher to student ratios are. You might also decide to attend a few classes (if practical) to observe the interaction between instructors and students. Ask for feedback from students relating to the quality of instruction. Also, talk with the instructors and find out what their qualifications are as well as their approaches to teaching.

Where is the Campus Located? Yes, we already covered location, but there are a couple of more points to consider on the topic. If you are planning to drive to your vet tech classes from your Southborough MA home, you need to confirm that the commuting time is compatible with your schedule. For instance, driving during the weekend to investigate the route won’t be the same as the drive during rush hour traffic, particularly if the school is located near or in a large city. In addition, if you do decide to enroll in a college in another state or even outside of your County of residence, there may be higher tuition fees especially for state and community colleges. On the other hand, taking online classes could be an option that will provide you with more flexibility and decrease the necessity for travel.

Is the Class Schedule Flexible? And finally, it’s essential that you determine if the veterinarian schools you are evaluating offer class times flexible enough to fit your schedule. For example, a number of students continue to work full time and can only go to classes on the weekends or at night near Southborough MA. Some may only be able to go to class in the morning or later in the afternoon. Confirm that the class times you require are available prior to enrolling. Also, determine if you can make-up classes that you may miss due to work, sickness or family emergencies. You might find that an online college is the best solution to fit your veterinary training into your hectic life.

Enrolling in a Vet Tech School near Southborough MA?

If you have decided to attend a Veterinary Technician Program in the Southborough Massachusetts area, then you may find the following information about the location of your school campus interesting and informing.

Southborough, Massachusetts

Southborough is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. It incorporates the smaller villages of Cordaville, Fayville, and Southville. Its name is often informally shortened to Southboro, a usage seen on many area signs and maps, though officially rejected by town ordinance. Its population was 9,767 at the 2010 census, in nearly 3,000 households.

Southborough was named Number 31 in the nation on CNN Money's "100 Best Places to Live" in 2009. Southborough consistently ranks #1 as the wealthiest community in Worcester County. It ranked 15th for most million dollar earners among all other Massachusetts communities.[1] Southborough home prices are not only among the most expensive in Massachusetts, but Southborough real estate also consistently ranks among the most expensive in America. Of the town's residents 93.80% are employed in white-collar jobs, well above the nation's average.

First settled in 1660, land use now is primarily residential, with substantial open space. A tenth of the town's area is flooded by the Sudbury Reservoir. Light industrial land use is concentrated along main roads, primarily Massachusetts Route 9, and there are several small business districts in the villages and along Route 9.[2]

Select the Right Veterinary Technician Program near Southborough MA

Southborough MA vet tech holding dog Selecting the appropriate vet tech program is a critical first step to starting a rewarding career delivering care and treatment for animals. Potential students thinking about veterinary technician programs must make their selection based on a number of key factors. Veterinary technicians and technologists are employed in veterinary clinics and hospitals and animal shelters. They typically take on administrative tasks and assist the veterinarian with the animals as needed. As we have discussed, it’s essential that you decide on a veterinary medicine program that is both accredited and has an outstanding reputation within the field. This applies to vet tech online colleges as well. By asking the questions provided in our checklist for reviewing schools, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can make your final decision. And by selecting the right school, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a veterinary technician in Southborough MA.