Become a Vet Tech | Vet Tech Schools Smithfield PA

How to Find the Right Vet Tech School near Smithfield Pennsylvania

Smithfield PA vet tech diagnosing puppy Fulfilling your long term dream of working with and helping pets by enrolling in a veterinary technician program near Smithfield PA could at first seem like an overwhelming endeavor. After all, you need to locate and enroll in a program that will deliver the appropriate training so that you can succeed as a veterinary technician. But just how do you go about analyzing and contrasting schools so that you can make the proper choice? Many future students start their due diligence process by looking for schools that are close to their homes. When they have identified some nearby schools, they determine which ones have the cheapest tuition and hone in on those. Although expense and location are significant concerns when comparing veterinary technician schools, they are not the only significant ones when making your evaluations. Qualifiers such as internship programs and accreditation should be evaluated also. The main idea is that there are questions you need to be asking the veterinary technician schools you are looking at before you make a final decision. We have furnished several in this article in order to help get you started, but before we discuss them we’ll explore the different responsibilities of veterinary technicians and the training alternatives available.

The Function of a Vet Tech in Smithfield PA

cat with cone after surgery in Smithfield PA Among the first decisions that you will need to make is whether you desire to train as a veterinary assistant, technologist or technician. Part of your decision may be predicated on the amount of time and money that you have to invest in your training, but the principal factor will undoubtedly be which specialization interests you the most. What technicians and assistants share in common is that they each work under the direct direction of a licensed and practicing veterinarian. And although there are numerous functions that they can carry out within the Smithfield PA veterinary clinic or hospital, they can’t prescribe medications, diagnose ailments, or carry out surgeries. In those areas they can only provide support to a licensed vet. There are technologists and technicians that work exclusive of the standard veterinarian practice, for example for zoos, animal shelters or police departments. Let’s take a look at the duties and education prerequisites for each specialization.

Vet Assistants in almost all cases will have gone through a formal training program, either as an intern or apprentice in a vet clinic or hospital, or by graduating from a certificate program at a community college or vocational school. As the name implies, their job function is to assist the veterinarians and vet technicians in the execution of their duties. Generally they are not involved with more complex activities, for instance assisting with surgeries. A few of their regular responsibilities may include working at the front desk, preparing and cleaning exam rooms and equipment, or controlling pets during examinations.
Vet Technicians get more extensive training in contrast to assistants and normally obtain a 2 year Associate Degree, ideally from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program. They are in a fashion the veterinary counterparts of medical nurses, since their general job duty is to assist veterinarians with diagnosing and treating animal patients. Where they vary from vet assistants is that they are involved in more complex functions, for example assisting with surgeries or administering medicine. All states currently require veterinary technicians pass a credentialing exam for either licensing, registration or certification.
Vet Technologists are comparable to vet techs and for the most part carry out the same work functions. They are required to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in veterinary technology, which usually takes four years. So the main difference between a vet technologist and a technician is the technologist’s higher level of education. But with an advanced degree comes more career options, higher salaries and potential management positions. They are also mandated to pass a credentialing exam for either certification, registration or licensing.

Vet techs and technologists can specialize in areas such as anesthesia, internal medicine or urgent care. A number may obtain certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) to work in Smithfield PA labs or research facilities also.

Online Vet Tech Programs Offered in Smithfield

student attending online vet tech school in Smithfield PA An option that might make sense for those with a hectic schedule or who are working full-time while going to veterinary school is to enroll in an online program. Since the classes are provided by means of the internet, students can attend on their own schedule wherever a computer is available. The curriculum is taught using multiple methods, including slide shows, videos and live streaming webinars. And since most veterinary technician and technologist degrees require practical training, that portion can normally be completed as an internship or work study program at a local Smithfield PA veterinary clinic or hospital. Distance learning, as it is also called, may in many instances lower the cost of your education. Tuition and supplementary costs, such as for commuting and study materials, can be cheaper compared to more conventional classroom courses. Just make sure that the program that you enroll in is accredited, either by the AVMA or another nationally recognized accrediting organization. With the online courses and the practical training, everything is included for a comprehensive education. So if you are dedicated enough to learn in this more independent mode, an online veterinary technician school may be the ideal choice for you.

Things to Ask Smithfield PA Vet Tech Colleges

Questions to ask Smithfield PA vet tech schools By now you probably have determined which veterinary degree that you want to attain, and if you prefer to study online or attend a college on campus. Since there are a large number of veterinarian community colleges, vocational and trade schools in the Smithfield PA area and across the USA, you need to ask some relevant questions in order to fine tune your list of alternatives. As we mentioned in our opening, many future students start by focusing on location and tuition expense. But we have already mentioned other significant qualifiers, for instance accreditation and internship programs. 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 qualifications are addressed in the list of questions that you should ask the veterinary technician programs that you are looking at.

Is the Vet School Accredited? It’s essential that you verify that the veterinary technician college you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency. As previously mentioned, 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 a thorough screening process that confirms you will get a superior education. Also, accreditation is essential if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, since many programs are not available for non-accredited schools. And finally, having a certificate or degree from an accredited school is in many cases a requirement for employment for a number of Smithfield PA area veterinary clinics and hospitals.

What is the Program’s Reputation? The vet college or vocational school and program you choose should have an excellent reputation within the veterinarian field. You can initiate your due diligence by asking the colleges you are interested in for references from the employers in their job assistance network. Other pointers include checking with online school ranking websites and checking with the school’s accrediting agencies as well. You can ask the Pennsylvania school licensing department if there have been any complaints or violations regarding your targeted schools. As a final tip, contact some Smithfield PA veterinarians that you might want to work for after you go through your training. Find out what they think about your school selections. They may even recommend some programs not on your list.

Are Internships Offered? The most effective way to obtain practical hands on experience as a vet tech is to work in a clinical environment. Ask if the colleges you are considering have internship programs established with Smithfield PA veterinarians, vet clinics or hospitals. Almost all veterinary medicine programs mandate clinical training and a large number provide it by way of internships. Not only will the experience be beneficial as far as the practical training, but an internship may also help establish connections in the local veterinary community and assist in the search for employment after graduation.

Is there a Job Assistance Program? Searching for a job after graduating from a veterinary technician program may be difficult without the help of a job placement program. To start with, ask what the graduation rates are for the colleges you are evaluating. A low rate could mean that the teachers were ineffective at teaching the curriculum or that some students were dissatisfied with the program and quit. Next, verify that the schools have a job assistance program and find out what their placement rates are. A high placement rate may mean that the college has an outstanding reputation within the Smithfield PA vet community and has a considerable network of contacts for student placements. A low rate could signify that the training is not well thought of by employers or that the job placement program is a failure at placing students.

How Big are the Classes? If the classes are larger sized, you probably will get little or no personalized instruction from the teachers. Request from the Smithfield PA schools you are looking at what their class student to teacher ratios are. You might also decide to attend some classes (if practical) to monitor the interaction between teachers and students. Get feedback from students regarding the quality of instruction. Also, talk with the teachers and determine what their backgrounds are as well as their approaches to teaching.

Where is the College Located? Okay, we already talked about location, but there are a few more points to consider on the subject. If you are going to drive to your veterinary technician classes from your Smithfield PA home, you have to confirm that the driving time is compatible with your schedule. For example, driving during the weekend to investigate the route won’t be the same as the drive during rush hour traffic, especially if the school is located close by or within a large city. In addition, if you do opt to enroll in a college in another state or even outside of your County of residence, there may be higher tuition charges especially for community and state colleges. Of course attending online classes could be an option that will give you more flexibility and minimize the need for travel.

Is the Class Schedule Flexible? And last, it’s imperative that you ascertain if the vet colleges you are exploring offer class times flexible enough to fit your schedule. For instance, a number of students continue to work full time and can only go to classes on the weekends or at night near Smithfield PA. Others may only be able to attend classes in the morning or in the afternoon. Make sure that the class times you require are offered prior to enrolling. Also, determine if you can make up classes that you may miss due to work, sickness or family responsibilities. You might discover that an online college is the best solution to fit your veterinary education into your hectic life.

Enrolling in a Vet Tech School near Smithfield PA?

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

Smithfield, Pennsylvania

Smithfield is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 875 at the 2010 census.[3] It is served by the Albert Gallatin Area School District. The town's largest employer is a small wire producing plant run by Nelson Steel.

Smithfield is located in southwestern Fayette County at 39°47′59″N 79°48′30″W / 39.79972°N 79.80833°W / 39.79972; -79.80833 (39.799664, -79.808197).[4] According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 0.71 square miles (1.84 km2), all of it land.[3]

As of the census[6] of 2000, there were 854 people, 363 households, and 234 families residing in the borough. The population density was 1,196.5 people per square mile (464.4/km²). There were 384 housing units at an average density of 538.0 per square mile (208.8/km²). The racial makeup of the borough was 99.65% White, 0.23% African American and 0.12% Pacific Islander.

Choose the Right Veterinary Technician Program near Smithfield PA

Smithfield PA vet tech holding dog Choosing the right veterinary technician college is a critical first step to starting a fulfilling career delivering treatment and care for pets and livestock. Potential students looking into vet tech programs must make their decision based on multiple key factors. Veterinary technicians and technologists are employed in veterinary clinics and hospitals and animal shelters. They commonly handle administrative tasks and support the veterinarian with the animal patients when needed. As we have discussed, it’s essential that you choose a veterinary medicine program that is both accredited and has an outstanding reputation within the profession. This applies to vet tech online programs as well. By asking the questions included 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 school, you can reach your goal of becoming a veterinary technician in Smithfield PA.