Become a Vet Tech | Vet Tech Schools Auburn ME - Find Vet Tech Schools Near You

How to Select a Veterinary Technician School near Auburn Maine

Auburn ME vet tech diagnosing puppy Realizing your lifelong goal of working with and caring for pets by enrolling in a veterinary technician college near Auburn ME may at first feel like an overwhelming task. After all, you must locate and enroll in a program that will deliver the proper training so that you can be successful as a vet tech. But just how do you tackle reviewing and contrasting programs so that you can make the right choice? Many aspiring students start their due diligence process by looking for schools that are near their residences. When they have found some nearby colleges, they find out which ones have the lowest tuition and hone in on those. Although location and expense are significant factors when assessing veterinary technician schools, they are by no means the only important ones when making your comparisons. Qualifications such as accreditation and internship programs need to be considered also. The point is that there are questions you should be asking the vet tech programs you are evaluating before you make a final selection. We have furnished several within this article in order to help get you started, but before we review them we’ll talk about the various duties of vet techs and the training alternatives available.

The Function of a Veterinary Technician in Auburn ME

cat with cone after surgery in Auburn ME Among the first decisions that you will need to make is whether you plan to train as a vet assistant, technician or technologist. Part of your decision may be predicated on the amount of time and money that you have to devote to your education, but the main factor will probably be which specialization appeals to you the most. What technicians and assistants have in common is that they both work under the direct guidance of a practicing and licensed veterinarian. And although there are a number of functions that they can perform within the Auburn ME veterinary practice or hospital, they can’t prescribe medicines, diagnose conditions, or perform surgeries. In those areas they may only provide assistance to a licensed veterinarian. There are technicians and technologists that work exclusive of the typical vet practice, such as for animal shelters, zoos or law enforcement. Let’s take a look at the duties and education requirements for each specialty.

Vet Assistants in most cases will have undergone a structured training program, either as an intern or apprentice in a practice, or by finishing a certificate program at a community college or vocational school. As the name implies, their job function is to assist the veterinarians and vet techs in the performance of their duties. Usually they are not associated with more complicated undertakings, for instance assisting with surgical procedures. A few of their normal duties may include working at the front desk, preparing and cleaning examination rooms and equipment, or handling animals during exams.
Vet Technicians go through more extensive training compared to assistants and generally acquire a two year Associate Degree, preferably from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program. They are in a sense the veterinarian counterparts of medical nurses, since their fundamental job duty is to assist vets with diagnosing and treating animal patients. Where they differ from vet assistants is that they are included in more complicated tasks, such as assisting with surgeries or providing medication. All states currently require veterinary techs pass a credentialing exam for either licensing, registration or certification.
Vet Technologists are similar to veterinary technicians and essentially carry out the same work functions. They are required to attain a Bachelor’s Degree in veterinary technology, which typically 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 opportunities, higher salaries and potential management positions. They are also required to pass a credentialing exam for either registration, certification or licensing.

Vet technicians and technologists may specialize in areas such as anesthesia, internal medicine or emergency care. Some may receive certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) to work in Auburn ME laboratories or research facilities also.

Veterinary Technician Online Programs Offered in Auburn

student attending online vet tech school in Auburn ME An alternative that might make sense for those with a hectic schedule or who are working full-time while attending veterinary school is to enroll in an online training program. Since the classes are provided through the internet, students can study on their own schedule wherever a computer is accessible. The syllabus is taught using various methods, including videos, slide shows and live streaming webinars. And since many vet technician and technologist degrees require practical training, that portion can normally be carried out as an internship or work study program at a local Auburn ME veterinary clinic or hospital. Distance learning, as it is also called, can in some instances lower the cost of your education. Tuition and supplementary expenditures, such as for travel and study supplies, can be lower compared to more traditional classroom courses. Just make certain that the online school that you choose is accredited, either by the AVMA or another nationally certified accrediting organization. With the online courses and the practical training, everything is provided for a comprehensive education. So if you are dedicated enough to learn in this more independent manner, an online veterinary technician school may be the ideal option for you.

What to Ask Auburn ME Vet Tech Schools

Questions to ask Auburn ME vet tech schools By now you should have selected which veterinarian credential that you want to attain, and if you prefer to study online or attend a college on campus. Since there are an abundance of veterinary community colleges, vocational and trade schools in the Auburn ME area as well as across the USA, you need to ask some qualifying questions in order to fine tune your list of alternatives. As we discussed in our opening, many potential students start by prioritizing location and the cost of tuition. But we have already touched on other essential qualifiers, such as internship programs and accreditation. And of course you need to enroll in a college that offers the degree and specialty that you would like to earn. These and other factors are covered in the checklist of questions that you should ask the vet tech colleges that you are considering.

Is the Veterinary College Accredited? It’s important that you verify that the vet tech college you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization. As earlier mentioned, one of the most highly regarded is the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Trade schools and colleges that are accredited by the AVMA have undergone a rigorous screening process that confirms you will receive a superior education. Also, accreditation is important if you are requesting a student loan or financial assistance, since numerous programs are not available for non-accredited colleges. And finally, having a degree or certificate from an accredited college is in many cases a requirement for employment for a number of Auburn ME area veterinarian practices and hospitals.

What is the Program’s Reputation? The veterinary trade school or college and program you choose must have an outstanding reputation within the vet field. You can begin your due diligence by asking the colleges you are reviewing for references from the employers in their job assistance network. Other pointers include looking on online school ranking websites and speaking with the school’s accrediting organizations as well. You can ask the Maine school licensing authority if there have been any complaints or infractions regarding your specific schools. As a final tip, call some Auburn ME veterinarians that you may want to work for after you receive your training. Find out what they think about your school selections. They might even suggest some colleges not on your list.

Are Internships Offered? The most effective approach to obtain practical hands on training as a vet tech is to work in a clinical environment. Ask if the programs you are reviewing have internship programs established with Auburn ME veterinarians, vet hospitals or clinics. The majority of veterinary medicine programs require clinical training and a large number provide it through internships. Not only will the experience be beneficial regarding the clinical training, but an internship may also help develop relationships in the local vet community and aid in the search for a job after graduation.

Is Job Assistance Provided? Finding a job after graduating from a veterinary technician college may be challenging without the assistance of a job placement program. To start with, find out what the graduation rates are for the programs you are considering. A lower rate might indicate that the instructors were unqualified to teach the course of study or that a number of students were disappointed with the program and dropped out. Next, confirm that the schools have a job placement program and ask what their placement rates are. A high placement rate may mean that the program has an excellent reputation within the Auburn ME vet community and has a substantial network of contacts for student placements. A low rate might indicate that the training is not well regarded by employers or that the job placement program is ineffective at placing students.

How Big are the Classes? If the classes are larger, you most likely will receive little or no individualized instruction from the teachers. Solicit from the Auburn ME colleges you are researching what their class student to teacher ratios are. You might also decide to participate in some classes (if practical) to observe the interaction between instructors and students. Ask for evaluations from students relating to the quality of instruction. Also, talk with the instructors and determine what their backgrounds are as well as their methods of teaching.

Where is the College Located? Okay, we previously discussed location, but there are a few more points to make on the subject. If you are planning to drive to your vet tech classes from your Auburn ME home, you have to make sure 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 commute during rush hour traffic, particularly if the college is located in or near a larger city. Also, if you do decide to enroll in a school in another state or even outside of your County of residence, there may be increased tuition fees particularly for community and state colleges. Of course taking online classes might be an alternative that will provide you with more flexibility and minimize the necessity for travel.

Is the Class Schedule Flexible? And last, it’s important that you find out if the veterinarian colleges you are exploring offer class times that are sufficiently flexible to fit your schedule. For instance, many students continue to work full time and can only attend classes on the weekends or at night near Auburn ME. Some might only be able to go to class in the morning or in the afternoon. Make certain that the class times you need are offered before enrolling. In addition, determine if you can make-up classes that you might miss due to work, sickness or family responsibilities. You may find that an online school is the best solution to fit your vet training into your busy life.

Enrolling in a Vet Tech School near Auburn ME?

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

Auburn, Maine

Auburn is a city in and the county seat of Androscoggin County, Maine, United States.[6] The population was 23,055 at the 2010 census. Auburn and Lewiston (directly across the Androscoggin River from each other) are known locally as the Twin Cities or Lewiston–Auburn (L–A).

The area was originally part of the Pejepscot Purchase, land bought in 1714 by an association of people from Boston and Portsmouth following the Treaty of Portsmouth, which brought peace between the Abenaki Indians and the settlers of present-day Maine. In 1736, however, the Massachusetts General Court granted a large section of the land to veterans of the 1690 Battle of Quebec. Conflicting claims led to prolonged litigation; consequently, settlement was delayed until after the French and Indian Wars.[7]

Auburn was first settled in 1786 as part of Bakerstown, renamed Poland when it was incorporated by the Massachusetts General Court in 1795. It was then part of Minot, formed from parts of Poland and incorporated in 1802. Auburn would itself be formed from parts of Minot and incorporated on February 24, 1842. The name was apparently inspired by "Auburn", a village (real or fictitious) featured in the 1770 poem "The Deserted Village" by Oliver Goldsmith.[8] Originally part of Cumberland County, the town became county seat of Androscoggin County at its creation in 1854. By annexing land from towns around it, including part of Poland in 1852, Minot in 1873, and all of Danville (first called Pejepscot) in 1867, Auburn grew geographically into one of Maine's largest municipalities. Incorporated a city on February 22, 1869,[2] Auburn in 1917 would be the first city in the state to adopt a council-manager form of government.[7]

Select the Ideal Vet Tech College near Auburn ME

Auburn ME vet tech holding dog Enrolling in the ideal vet tech program is a critical first step to beginning a gratifying career providing care and treatment for animals. Students considering vet tech colleges need to make their decision based on several key factors. Veterinary technicians and technologists work in veterinary clinics and hospitals and animal shelters. They typically take on administrative tasks and assist the veterinarian with the animal patients as needed. As we have covered, it’s very important that you pick a veterinary medicine program that is both accredited and has an excellent reputation within the field. This goes for vet tech online programs as well. By asking the questions provided in our checklist for assessing schools, you will be able to reduce your alternatives so that you can make your final selection. And by choosing the best program, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a veterinary technician in Auburn ME.