Become a Vet Tech | Vet Tech Schools Selinsgrove PA

How to Pick a Vet Tech School near Selinsgrove Pennsylvania

Selinsgrove PA vet tech diagnosing puppy Fulfilling your long term goal of working with and helping animals by enrolling in a vet tech school near Selinsgrove PA might at first seem like a daunting endeavor. After all, you must find and enroll in a college that will deliver the proper training to ensure that you can be successful as a vet tech. But just how do you go about analyzing and contrasting programs so that you can make the proper choice? Many aspiring students begin their due diligence process by looking for colleges that are close to their residences. When they have found some nearby schools, they find out which ones have the cheapest tuition and focus on those. Although cost and location are important considerations when comparing veterinary technician programs, they are by no means the only important ones when making your comparisons. Factors such as accreditation and internship programs need to be evaluated as well. The main idea is that there are questions you should be asking the veterinary technician schools you are looking at before you make a final selection. We have presented several within this article in order to help get you started, but before we discuss them we’ll go over the various duties of vet techs and the training alternatives available.

The Job of a Vet Tech in Selinsgrove PA

cat with cone after surgery in Selinsgrove PA Among the first decisions that you will have to make is if you desire 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 training, but the main factor will probably be which specialization appeals to you the most. What techs and assistants share in common is that they all work under the direct supervision of a licensed and practicing veterinarian. And while there are a number of jobs that they can perform within the Selinsgrove PA veterinary clinic or hospital, they can’t prescribe medicines, diagnose conditions, or perform surgical procedures. In those areas they may only furnish support to a licensed vet. There are technicians and technologists that work exclusive of the standard vet practice, for instance for animal shelters, zoos or law enforcement. Let’s take a look at the job functions and education requirements for each specialty.

Vet Assistants in most cases will have completed a formal training program, either as an intern or apprentice in a practice, or by graduating from a certificate program at a vocational school or community college. As the name implies, their job function is to assist the vets and vet techs in the execution of their duties. Generally they are not involved with more complex tasks, such as assisting with surgical procedures. A few of their regular duties may include working at the front desk, cleaning and preparing exam rooms and equipment, or handling pets during examinations.
Vet Technicians undergo more advanced training compared with assistants and usually earn a 2 year Associate Degree, preferably from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program. They are in a fashion the veterinarian counterparts of medical nurses, since their fundamental job function is to assist vets with diagnosing and treating animal patients. Where they differ from vet assistants is that they are involved in more complicated functions, for example assisting with surgical procedures or providing medication. All states presently mandate that veterinary techs pass a credentialing examination for either certification, registration or licensing.
Vet Technologists are similar to vet techs and for the most part carry out the same job functions. They are mandated to attain a Bachelor’s Degree in veterinary technology, which generally takes 4 years. Therefore the only real distinction between a vet technologist and a technician is the technologist’s more advanced level of education. But with an advanced degree comes more career options, higher salaries and possible management positions. They are also required to pass a credentialing exam for either certification, registration or licensing.

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

Online Vet Tech Schools Offered in Selinsgrove

student attending online vet tech school in Selinsgrove PA An approach that may make sense for those with a hectic lifestyle or who are working full-time while going to veterinarian school is to enroll in an online program. Since the classes are made available over the internet, students can study on their own schedule wherever a computer is accessible. The curriculum is taught using several venues, including slide shows, videos and live streaming webinars. And since the majority of vet tech and technologist degrees require clinical training, that segment can normally be fulfilled as an internship or work study program at a local Selinsgrove PA veterinarian practice or hospital. Distance learning, as it is also called, can in some instances lower the cost of your education. Tuition and supplementary expenses, for example for commuting and study materials, may be more affordable compared to more standard classroom programs. 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 practical training, everything is furnished for a complete education. So if you are disciplined enough to learn in this more independent mode, an online veterinary technician program may be the right choice for you.

Things to Ask Selinsgrove PA Veterinary Technician Colleges

Questions to ask Selinsgrove PA vet tech schools At this point you probably have decided on which veterinary credential that you would like to earn, and if you want to study online or attend a college on campus. Since there are an abundance of veterinary community colleges, trade and vocational schools in the Selinsgrove PA area as well as across the United States, you should ask some qualifying questions to help narrow down your list of alternatives. As we mentioned in our introduction, many prospective students start by focusing on location and the cost of tuition. But we have previously touched on other significant qualifiers, for example accreditation and internship programs. And obviously you need to enroll in a school 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 veterinary technician schools that you are considering.

Is the Vet School Accredited? It’s essential that you verify that the veterinary technician college you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization. As previously mentioned, one of 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 confirms you will receive a superior education. Also, accreditation is essential if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, since many programs are not offered for non-accredited colleges. And finally, having a degree or certificate from an accredited school is often a prerequisite for employment for a number of Selinsgrove PA area veterinary clinics and hospitals.

What is the School’s Reputation? The veterinary college or trade school and program you enroll in must have an excellent reputation within the vet field. You can start your due diligence by asking the schools you are looking at for endorsements from the employers in their job assistance network. Other pointers include looking on online school rating websites and contacting the school’s accrediting agencies as well. You can ask the Pennsylvania school licensing department if there have been any grievances or infractions relating to your targeted schools. As a final suggestion, phone some Selinsgrove PA veterinary clinics that you might want to work for after you receive your training. Ask what they think of your school choices. They may even recommend some schools not on your list.

Are there Internship Programs? The most effective means to get practical hands on training as a vet tech is to work in a medical environment. Ask if the colleges you are considering have internship programs arranged with Selinsgrove PA veterinarians, vet hospitals or practices. Almost all veterinary medicine programs require clinical training and many furnish it through internships. Not only will the experience be invaluable relative to the clinical training, but an internship may also help build connections in the local veterinarian community and help in the search for a job after graduation.

Is there a Job Assistance Program? Searching for a job after graduating from a veterinary technician school can be difficult without the help of a job placement program. To start with, find out what the graduation rates are for the schools you are reviewing. A low rate may suggest that the instructors were ineffective at teaching the syllabus or that some students were unhappy with the program and quit. Next, confirm that the schools have a job placement program and ask what their placement rates are. A higher placement rate might mean that the program has an outstanding reputation within the Selinsgrove PA veterinary community and has a significant network of contacts for student placements. A low rate might mean that the training is not highly thought of by employers or that the job assistance program is a failure at placing students.

How Big are the Classes? If the classes are larger sized, you most likely will receive little or no personalized instruction from the teachers. Request from the Selinsgrove PA colleges you are looking at what their class student to teacher ratios are. You might also decide to participate in some classes (if practical) to monitor the interaction between students and instructors. Get evaluations from students relating to the quality of instruction. Also, talk with the instructors and determine what their qualifications are as well as their approaches to teaching.

Where is the Campus Located? Okay, we previously discussed location, but there are a few more points to make on the subject. If you are planning to commute to your veterinary technician classes from your Selinsgrove PA home, you have to make certain that the driving time fits into your schedule. For instance, driving during the weekend to investigate the route won’t be the same as the drive during rush hour traffic, especially if the campus is located near or in a large city. Also, if you do decide to attend a college in another state or even outside of your County of residence, there may be increased tuition charges especially for community and state colleges. On the other hand, taking classes online could be an alternative that will give you more flexibility and minimize the necessity for travel.

Do the Classes Fit Your Schedule? And finally, it’s imperative that you ascertain if the veterinarian colleges you are evaluating offer class times flexible enough to fit your schedule. For example, many students continue working full time and can only attend classes on the weekends or at night near Selinsgrove PA. Some may only be able to attend class in the morning or in the afternoon. Confirm that the class times you require are offered prior to enrolling. Also, determine if you can make-up classes that you might miss as a result of work, sickness or family responsibilities. You may find that an online college is the best way to fit your vet education into your hectic life.

Enrolling in a Vet Tech School near Selinsgrove PA?

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

Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania

Selinsgrove is geographically located in the middle of the Susquehanna River Valley in Central Pennsylvania, along U.S. Routes 11 and 15, 36.4 miles (58.6 km) north of Harrisburg and 5.7 miles (9.2 km) southwest of Sunbury. It is the home of Susquehanna University.

The Penns Creek Massacre on October 16, 1755, was the first Indian hostility event in the region after General Braddock's defeat in the Seven Year War.[6] A marker on the bank of Penns Creek north of Selinsgrove commemorates the massacre of 14 settlers and the capture of 11 more. In response to this and other Indian actions that day, Fort Augusta, Sunbury, Pennsylvania, the largest of Pennsylvania's frontier forts, was built in 1756 as a result of this conflict.[7]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 1.9 square miles (4.9 km2). Selinsgrove borders the Susquehanna River. The portion of the borough that is located between Penns Creek and the Susquehanna River is known locally as the "Isle of Que" (pronounced queue).

Select the Right Veterinary Technician Program near Selinsgrove PA

Selinsgrove PA vet tech holding dog Enrolling in the appropriate vet tech school is an important first step to beginning a rewarding career providing treatment and care for pets and livestock. Potential students considering vet tech programs must make their decision based on several key issues. Veterinary technicians and technologists are employed in vet clinics, animal hospitals and animal shelters. They usually take on administrative duties and support the veterinarian with the animals when needed. As we have covered, it’s very important that you enroll in a veterinary medicine program that is both accredited and has an outstanding reputation within the field. This applies to vet tech online schools as well. By asking the questions provided in our checklist for assessing schools, you will be able to reduce your options so that you can make your final decision. And by selecting the best college, you can reach your goal of becoming a vet tech in Selinsgrove PA.