Become a Vet Tech | Vet Tech Schools Atlantic City NJ

How to Find the Right Vet Tech School near Atlantic City New Jersey

Atlantic City NJ vet tech diagnosing puppy Realizing your long term dream of working with and helping animals by enrolling in a vet tech program near Atlantic City NJ might initially seem like an overwhelming undertaking. After all, you need to 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 comparing schools so that you can make the right selection? Many potential students begin their due diligence process by looking for schools that are close to their homes. When they have located some area colleges, they determine which ones have the lowest tuition and focus on those. Although location and expense are important concerns when assessing vet technician schools, they are not the only significant ones when making your comparisons. Qualifiers such as internship programs and accreditation need to be looked into as well. The point is that there are questions you should be asking the veterinary technician schools you are evaluating before you make a final decision. We have presented several in this article in order to help get you started, but before we discuss them we’ll go over the different responsibilities of vet techs and the training alternatives offered.

The Responsibilities of a Vet Tech in Atlantic City NJ

cat with cone after surgery in Atlantic City NJ Among the initial decisions that you will have to make is if you desire to train as a vet technician, assistant or technologist. Part of your preference might be based on the amount of time and money that you have to devote to your training, but the primary determiner will probably be which specialization appeals to you the most. What techs and assistants share in common is that they both work under the direct supervision of a licensed and practicing veterinarian. And although there are numerous jobs that they can carry out within the Atlantic City NJ veterinary clinic or hospital, they can’t prescribe medicines, diagnose conditions, or perform surgical procedures. In those areas they may only provide assistance to a licensed vet. There are technologists and technicians that work outside of the typical vet practice, for example for zoos, animal shelters or law enforcement. Let’s take a look at the responsibilities and education prerequisites for each specialty.

Vet Assistants in the majority of cases will have undergone a formal training program, either as an intern or apprentice in a vet clinic or hospital, or by finishing a certificate program at a trade school or community college. As the name implies, their job function is to assist the veterinarians and vet techs in the performance of their duties. Generally they are not associated with more complex undertakings, for instance assisting with surgeries. Some of their regular duties may include working at the front desk, preparing and cleaning exam rooms and equipment, or controlling animals during exams.
Vet Technicians undergo more advanced training compared to assistants and normally acquire a two year Associate Degree, preferably from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program. They are in a sense the veterinarian equivalent of medical nurses, since their basic job duty is to assist veterinarians with diagnosing and treating animal patients. Where they differ from veterinary assistants is that they are included in more complicated functions, for example assisting with surgeries or administering medication. All states currently require vet techs pass a credentialing examination for either certification, registration or licensing.
Vet Technologists are similar to vet techs and basically carry out the same work functions. They are required to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in veterinary technology, which usually takes four years to complete. Therefore the main difference between a vet technician and a technologist is the technologist’s higher level of education. But with an advanced degree comes more career opportunities, higher salaries and possible management positions. They are additionally mandated to pass a credentialing exam for either registration, certification or licensing.

Veterinary technicians and technologists may specialize in areas such as anesthesia, internal medicine or urgent care. Some may obtain certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) to work in Atlantic City NJ labs or research facilities as well.

Vet Tech Online Programs Offered in Atlantic City

student attending online vet tech school in Atlantic City NJ An alternative that may be a solution for those with a hectic schedule or who are working full-time while going to veterinarian school is to enroll in an online program. Since the classes are made available via the internet, students can attend on their own timetable wherever a computer is available. The curriculum is taught using multiple venues, including videos, slide shows and live streaming webinars. And since the majority of vet tech and technologist degrees require practical training, that portion can normally be fulfilled as an internship or work study program at a local Atlantic City NJ veterinary practice or hospital. Distance learning, as it is also called, may in some instances decrease the cost of your education. Tuition and supplementary expenditures, for instance for travel and study supplies, may be cheaper compared to more traditional classroom programs. Just make sure that the online school that you select is accredited, either by the AVMA or another nationally certified accrediting agency. With the online classes and the clinical training, everything is included for a complete education. So if you are dedicated enough to learn in this more self-reliant mode, an online vet tech school may be the ideal option for you.

What to Ask Atlantic City NJ Vet Tech Programs

Questions to ask Atlantic City NJ vet tech schools By now you probably have selected which veterinary degree that you wish to attain, and if you prefer to study online or attend a school on campus. Since there are an abundance of vet community colleges, vocational and trade schools in the Atlantic City NJ area and across the United States, you must ask some important questions in order to narrow down your list of alternatives. As we mentioned in our opening, many future students start by prioritizing location and the cost of tuition. But we have previously touched on other significant qualifiers, for example accreditation and internship programs. And naturally you want to choose a college that offers the specialty and degree that you want to earn. These and other factors are addressed in the checklist of questions that you need to ask the veterinary technician programs that you are reviewing.

Is the Veterinary Program Accredited? It’s important that you confirm that the vet tech school you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization. As earlier discussed, among the most highly regarded is the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Vocational schools and colleges that are accredited by the AVMA have gone through a demanding screening process that ensures you will receive a quality education. Also, accreditation is essential if you are applying for a student loan or financial assistance, since numerous programs are not offered for non-accredited colleges. And finally, having a degree or certificate from an accredited school is frequently a prerequisite for employment for many Atlantic City NJ area veterinary clinics and hospitals.

What is the School’s Reputation? The vet trade school or college and program you select must have an outstanding reputation within the veterinarian field. You can initiate your due diligence by asking the schools you are interested in for endorsements from the employers in their job placement network. Other suggestions include checking with online school ranking websites and checking with the school’s accrediting agencies as well. You can ask the New Jersey school licensing department if there have been any grievances or infractions involving your specific schools. As a final recommendation, contact some Atlantic City NJ veterinarians that you might wish to work for after you get your training. Find out what they think about your school choices. They might even recommend some programs not on your list.

Are there Internship Programs? The most effective way to get practical hands on experience as a vet tech is to work in a professional environment. Find out if the programs you are looking at have internship programs established with Atlantic City NJ veterinarians, vet hospitals or clinics. Most veterinary medicine programs require clinical training and many provide it by means of internships. Not only will the experience be beneficial regarding the clinical training, but an internship may also help develop connections in the local vet community and help in the search for a job after graduation.

Is Job Assistance Offered? Finding a job after graduating from a veterinary technician college can be difficult without the assistance of a job placement program. First, find out what the graduation rates are for the colleges you are evaluating. A lower rate might indicate that the teachers were ineffective at teaching the curriculum or that some students were dissatisfied with the program and quit. Next, check that the schools have a job assistance program and find out what their placement rates are. A high placement rate could mean that the school has an outstanding reputation within the Atlantic City NJ vet community and has a significant network of contacts for student placements. A low rate may mean that the training is not highly regarded by employers or that the job placement program is ineffective at placing students.

How Large are the Classes? If the classes are larger sized, you probably will get little or no one-on-one instruction from the teachers. Solicit from the Atlantic City NJ programs you are researching what their classroom student to teacher ratios are. You might also want to participate in a couple of classes (if practical) to monitor the interaction between instructors and students. Get feedback from students regarding the quality of instruction. Also, talk with the teachers and find out what their backgrounds are as well as their approaches to teaching.

Where is the College Located? Okay, we previously talked about location, but there are a couple of more points to consider on the subject. If you are planning to commute to your vet tech classes from your Atlantic City NJ home, you have to make certain that the driving 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 in or near a larger city. Also, if you do choose to attend a college in another state or even outside of your County of residence, there may be higher tuition fees particularly for community and state colleges. On the other hand, taking online classes could be an option that will give you more flexibility and reduce the necessity for travel.

Do the Classes Fit Your Schedule? And last, it’s imperative that you ascertain if the vet schools you are looking at offer class times flexible enough to accommodate your schedule. For instance, a number of students continue to work full time and can only attend classes on the weekends or in the evenings near Atlantic City NJ. Others may only be able to attend class in the morning or later in the afternoon. Verify that the class times you require are available before enrolling. Also, determine if you can make-up classes that you may miss because of work, sickness or family emergencies. You might find that an online school is the best way to fit your vet training into your busy life.

Enrolling in a Vet Tech School near Atlantic City NJ?

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

Atlantic City, New Jersey

Atlantic City is a resort city in Atlantic County, New Jersey, United States, known for its casinos, boardwalk, and beaches. In 2010, it had a population of 39,558.[10][11][12][21][22] The city was incorporated on May 1, 1854, from portions of Egg Harbor Township and Galloway Township.[23] It borders Absecon, Brigantine, Pleasantville, Ventnor City, Egg Harbor Township, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Atlantic City inspired the U.S. version of the board game Monopoly, especially the street names. Since 1921, Atlantic City has been the home of the Miss America pageant. In 1976, New Jersey voters legalized casino gambling in Atlantic City. The first casino opened two years later.

Because of its location in South Jersey, hugging the Atlantic Ocean between marshlands and islands, Atlantic City was viewed by developers as prime real estate and a potential resort town. In 1853, the first commercial hotel, the Belloe House, was built at the intersection of Massachusetts and Atlantic Avenues.[24] The city was incorporated in 1854, the same year in which the Camden and Atlantic Railroad train service began.[25] Built on the edge of the bay, this served as the direct link of this remote parcel of land with Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. That same year, construction of the Absecon Lighthouse, designed by George Meade of the Corps of Topographical Engineers, was approved, with work initiated the next year.[26] By 1874, almost 500,000 passengers a year were coming to Atlantic City by rail. In Boardwalk Empire: The Birth, High Times, and Corruption of Atlantic City, "Atlantic City's Godfather"[27] Nelson Johnson describes the inspiration of Dr. Jonathan Pitney (the "Father of Atlantic City"[28]) to develop Atlantic City as a health resort, his efforts to convince the municipal authorities that a railroad to the beach would be beneficial, his successful alliance with Samuel Richards (entrepreneur and member of the most influential family in southern New Jersey at the time) to achieve that goal, the actual building of the railroad, and the experience of the first 600 riders, who "were chosen carefully by Samuel Richards and Jonathan Pitney":[29]

Select the Ideal Veterinary Technician College near Atlantic City NJ

Atlantic City NJ vet tech holding dog Choosing the right vet tech program is a critical first step to beginning a rewarding career providing treatment and care for animals. Future students looking into veterinary technician programs must make their decision based on multiple key factors. Veterinary technicians and technologists work in veterinary clinics and hospitals and animal shelters. They commonly take on administrative duties and assist the veterinarian with the animal patients when needed. As we have discussed, it’s essential that you decide on a veterinary medicine program that is both accredited and has an excellent reputation within the field. This goes for online vet tech programs as well. By asking the questions included in our checklist for assessing schools, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can make your final choice. And by selecting the best program, you can reach your goal of becoming a vet tech in Atlantic City NJ.