Become a Vet Tech | Vet Tech Schools Hogansville GA

How to Select a Veterinary Technician Program near Hogansville Georgia

Hogansville GA vet tech diagnosing puppy Achieving your lifelong dream of working with and caring for pets by enrolling in a veterinary technician program near Hogansville GA could initially seem like a challenging undertaking. 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 vet tech. But just how do you approach analyzing and comparing programs so that you can make the ideal selection? Many potential students begin their due diligence process by looking for colleges that are near their homes. Once they have located some nearby schools, they determine which ones have the lowest tuition and focus on those. Although expense and location are important concerns when assessing vet tech programs, they are not the only important ones when making your assessments. Qualifiers such as internship programs and accreditation need to be looked into also. The point is that there are questions you need to be asking the veterinary technician programs you are reviewing before you make a final choice. We have presented several within this article in order to help get you started, but before we discuss them we’ll talk about the various roles of veterinary technicians and the training alternatives offered.

The Role of a Vet Tech in Hogansville GA

cat with cone after surgery in Hogansville GA Among the initial decisions that you will have to make is if you plan to train as a vet assistant, technician or technologist. Part of your decision might be dependent on the amount of time and money that you have to invest in your training, but the main factor will most likely be which specialization appeals to you the most. What techs and assistants have in common is that they both work under the immediate supervision of a practicing and licensed veterinarian. And while there are numerous duties that they can perform within the Hogansville GA veterinary practice or hospital, they can’t prescribe medicines, diagnose conditions, or conduct surgeries. In those areas they may only provide assistance to a licensed veterinarian. There are technologists and technicians that work exclusive of the typical vet practice, such as for animal shelters, zoos or law enforcement. Let’s take a look at the job functions and education prerequisites for each specialization.

Vet Assistants in almost all cases will have undergone a formal training program, either as an intern or apprentice in a practice, or by finishing a certificate program at a community college or trade school. 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 involved with more involved tasks, such as assisting with surgeries. A few of their normal functions may include working at the front desk, preparing and cleaning exam rooms and equipment, or controlling pets during examinations.
Vet Technicians go through more extensive training compared with 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 equivalent of medical nurses, since their basic job duty is to assist veterinarians with diagnosing and treating animal patients. Where they stand apart from veterinary assistants is that they are included in more complicated tasks, for example assisting with surgical procedures or providing medication. All states currently require vet technicians pass a credentialing exam for either registration, certification or licensing.
Vet Technologists are similar to veterinary techs and for the most part carry out the same job functions. They are required to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in veterinary technology, which usually takes 4 years. Therefore the main distinction between a vet technologist and a technician is the technologist’s more advanced level of education. But with an advanced degree comes more job options, higher salaries and possible management positions. They are additionally mandated to pass a credentialing exam for either certification, registration or licensing.

Vet technicians and technologists can specialize in areas such as anesthesia, internal medicine or urgent care. Many may acquire certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) to work in Hogansville GA labs or research facilities as well.

Vet Tech Online Schools Offered in Hogansville

student attending online vet tech school in Hogansville GA An option that may make sense for those with a hectic lifestyle or who are working full-time while going to veterinarian college is to enroll in an online training program. Because the classes are made available over the internet, students can study on their own timetable wherever a computer is accessible. The course of study is taught using various venues, including videos, slide shows and live streaming webinars. And since many veterinary tech and technologist degrees require clinical training, that segment can normally be carried out as an internship or work study program at a local Hogansville GA veterinarian clinic 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 traveling and study supplies, may be cheaper compared to more conventional classroom programs. Just make certain that the online school that you enroll in is accredited, either by the AVMA or another nationally certified accrediting agency. 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 manner, an online vet tech school may be the right choice for you.

What to Ask Hogansville GA Vet Tech Schools

Questions to ask Hogansville GA vet tech schools By now you probably have decided on which veterinary degree that you wish to earn, and if you prefer to study online or attend a school on campus. Since there are an abundance of veterinary community colleges, vocational and technical schools in the Hogansville GA area and across the Country, you should ask some important questions to help fine tune your list of alternatives. As we discussed in our opening, many potential students start by prioritizing location and tuition expense. But we have already mentioned other significant qualifiers, for example accreditation and internship programs. And obviously you want to select a college that offers the specialty and degree that you would like to earn. These and other qualifications are addressed in the list of questions that you should ask the veterinary technician schools that you are considering.

Is the Vet Program Accredited? It’s imperative that you confirm that the veterinary technician college you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization. As earlier discussed, one of the most highly regarded is the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Vocational schools and colleges that are accredited by the AVMA have undergone an extensive screening process that confirms you will get a superior education. Also, accreditation is essential if you are requesting a student loan or financial assistance, since many programs are not available for non-accredited colleges. Last, having a certificate or degree from an accredited college is in many cases a requirement for employment for a number of Hogansville GA area vet clinics and hospitals.

What is the College’s Reputation? The vet college or vocational school and program you choose must have an excellent reputation within the veterinarian field. You can initiate your due diligence by asking the colleges you are looking at for references from the employers in their job assistance network. Other suggestions include checking with internet school rating websites and checking with the school’s accrediting organizations as well. You can ask the Georgia school licensing department if there have been any grievances or violations concerning your specific schools. As a final pointer, phone some Hogansville GA veterinary clinics that you may wish to work for after you get your training. Find out what they think about your school selections. They might even recommend one or more schools not on your list.

Are there Internship Programs? The best approach to get practical hands on training as a vet tech is to work in a medical setting. Find out if the schools you are looking at have internship programs established with Hogansville GA veterinarians, vet hospitals or practices. Almost all veterinary medicine programs require clinical training and many furnish it by way of internships. Not only will the experience be invaluable as far as the practical training, but an internship can also help build relationships in the local veterinarian community and aid in the search for a position after graduation.

Is Job Assistance Offered? Searching for a job after graduating from a veterinary technician program can be difficult without the assistance of a job placement program. To begin with, ask what the graduation rates are for the schools you are reviewing. A lower rate might indicate that the teachers were unqualified to teach the syllabus or that some students were unhappy with the program and dropped out. Next, verify that the schools have a job assistance program and ask what their placement rates are. A high placement rate might mean that the school has an excellent reputation within the Hogansville GA veterinarian community and has a considerable network of contacts for student placements. A low rate might indicate that the training is not highly thought of by employers or that the job assistance program is a failure at placing students.

How Large are the Classes? If the classes are larger sized, you probably will receive little or no personalized instruction from the teachers. Request from the Hogansville GA programs you are considering what their class teacher to student ratios are. You might also decide to attend some classes (if practical) to observe the interaction between students and teachers. Get feedback from students relating to the quality of instruction. Also, speak with the instructors and find out what their qualifications are as well as their approaches to teaching.

Where is the Campus Located? Yes, we previously covered location, but there are a few more points to make on the topic. If you are planning to commute to your veterinary technician classes from your Hogansville GA home, you need to make certain 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, particularly if the school is located close by or within a larger 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 costs especially for community and state colleges. Of course attending online classes could be an alternative that will provide you with more flexibility and reduce the need for travel.

Do the Classes Fit Your Schedule? And last, it’s imperative that you ascertain if the veterinary colleges you are evaluating offer class times that are sufficiently flexible to accommodate your schedule. For instance, a number of students continue working full time and can only attend classes on the weekends or at night near Hogansville GA. Others may only be able to attend classes in the morning or later in the afternoon. Verify that the class times you need are available prior to enrolling. Also, find out if you can make up classes that you might miss due to sickness, work or family responsibilities. You may find that an online school is the best solution to fit your veterinary training into your active life.

Enrolling in a Vet Tech School near Hogansville GA?

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

Hogansville, Georgia

When William Hogan settled this land after receiving a State Land Grant in 1826, he built a log home as a base for developing a cotton plantation on his property. It was based on the work of enslaved African Americans. In 1851, he built a 2½ story brick colonial house. The home burned in 1899 and was rebuilt nearby in 1901. Fair Oaks, a private residence at 703 East Main Street, occupies the site.

Hogan's land was crossed by two important transportation routes, the east-west road to Augusta, now Highway 100, and a newly constructed north-south railroad between Atlanta and West Point, Georgia. In his grant of the railway right-of-way, Hogan gave an additional 150 feet (46 m) at the crossroad, with the stipulation that a railroad depot be built there. The depot was catalyst for development of the town, long before it was incorporated in 1870. It became an important cotton market. This historic depot has been restored since the late 20th century.

William Hogan died at 57, after having 6 children by his first wife Mary and 15 by his second wife Suzanna. He is buried in the small family cemetery in front of 705 East Main Street. Many of his numerous descendants still live in the area.

Choose the Ideal Vet Tech School near Hogansville GA

Hogansville GA vet tech holding dog Picking the right vet tech school is a crucial first step to beginning a gratifying career delivering care and treatment for pets and livestock. Potential students thinking about vet tech programs need to make their selection based on a number of key issues. Veterinary technicians and technologists are employed in veterinary clinics and hospitals and animal shelters. They typically handle administrative tasks and support the veterinarian with the animals when needed. As we have discussed, it’s essential that you enroll in a veterinary medicine program that is both accredited and has an outstanding reputation within the profession. This applies to online vet tech schools as well. By asking the questions included in our checklist for assessing schools, you will be able to reduce your alternatives so that you can make your final selection. And by picking the right program, you can achieve your goal of becoming a veterinary technician in Hogansville GA.