Become a Vet Tech | Vet Tech Schools Bridgewater MA

How to Find the Right Veterinary Technician School near Bridgewater Massachusetts

Bridgewater MA vet tech diagnosing puppy Fulfilling your long term goal of working with and helping pets by enrolling in a veterinary technician school near Bridgewater MA could initially seem like a daunting undertaking. After all, you need to search for and enroll in a school that will deliver the appropriate training so that you can be successful as a vet tech. But just how do you go about assessing and contrasting programs so that you can make the correct choice? Many potential students start their due diligence process by looking for campuses that are near their residences. When they have identified some nearby colleges, they determine which ones have the cheapest tuition and focus on those. Although location and cost are significant factors when assessing vet technician schools, they are by no means the only significant ones when making your comparisons. Qualifications such as accreditation and internship programs should be considered as well. The point is that there are questions you need to be asking the vet tech schools you are considering before you make a final decision. We have presented several within this article to help get you started, but before we discuss them we’ll explore the varied duties of vet techs and the training options offered.

The Responsibilities of a Vet Tech in Bridgewater MA

cat with cone after surgery in Bridgewater MA Among the first decisions that you will need to make is if you want to train as a vet technician, assistant or technologist. Part of your preference may be predicated on the amount of time and money that you have to commit to your education, but the main factor will probably be which specialty appeals to you the most. What techs and assistants share in common is that they each work under the immediate direction of a licensed and practicing veterinarian. And although there are a number of jobs that they can perform within the Bridgewater MA veterinary clinic or hospital, they can’t prescribe medicines, diagnose ailments, or carry out surgeries. In those areas they can only provide assistance to a licensed vet. There are technologists and technicians that work outside of the typical vet practice, such as for animal shelters, zoos or law enforcement. Let’s take a look at the responsibilities and education prerequisites for each specialization.

Vet Assistants in the majority of instances will have completed a structured training program, either as an apprentice or intern in a vet clinic or hospital, 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 veterinarians and vet technicians in the execution of their duties. Usually they are not involved with more complicated tasks, for instance assisting with surgical procedures. Some of their normal responsibilities may include working at the front desk, preparing and cleaning exam rooms and equipment, or controlling animals during examinations.
Vet Technicians get more advanced training compared with assistants and generally earn a 2 year Associate Degree, preferably 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 vets with diagnosing and treating animal patients. Where they stand apart from veterinary assistants is that they are involved in more complex tasks, such as assisting with surgical procedures or administering medication. All states presently mandate that vet technicians pass a credentialing examination for either licensing, registration or certification.
Vet Technologists are similar to vet techs and essentially carry out the same work functions. They are required to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in veterinary technology, which typically requires four years to complete. So the only real distinction between a vet technologist and a technician is the technologist’s higher level of education. But with an advanced degree comes more career options, increased salaries and potential management positions. They are also mandated to pass a credentialing examination for either licensing, registration or certification.

Veterinary technicians and technologists can specialize in areas such as internal medicine, anesthesia or emergency care. Some may acquire certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) to work in Bridgewater MA labs or research facilities also.

Vet Tech Online Programs Offered in Bridgewater

student attending online vet tech school in Bridgewater MA An approach that might be a solution for those with a busy lifestyle or who are working full time while attending vet school is to enroll in an online training program. Since the classes are offered via the internet, students can study on their own schedule wherever a computer is available. The course of study is taught using various venues, including videos, slide shows and live streaming webinars. And since the majority of vet tech and technologist degrees require practical training, that segment can normally be fulfilled as an internship or work study program at a local Bridgewater MA veterinary practice or hospital. Distance learning, as it is also called, may in some instances lower the cost of your education. Tuition and ancillary expenses, such as for commuting and study supplies, can be lower compared to more conventional classroom programs. Just confirm 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 provided for a complete education. So if you are dedicated enough to learn in this more self-reliant mode, an online veterinary technician program may be the perfect option for you.

Things to Ask Bridgewater MA Vet Tech Programs

Questions to ask Bridgewater MA vet tech schools By now you should have selected which veterinary degree that you wish to obtain, and if you want to study online or attend a college on campus. Since there are a large number of veterinarian community colleges, vocational and technical schools in the Bridgewater MA area as well as across the Country, you need to ask some relevant questions to help narrow down your list of alternatives. As we mentioned in our opening, many potential students start by focusing on location and the cost of tuition. But we have already pointed out other essential qualifiers, which include internship programs and accreditation. And of course you want to choose a school 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 reviewing.

Is the Veterinary College Accredited? It’s imperative that you confirm that the vet tech program you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency. As previously mentioned, among the most highly respected is the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Vocational schools and colleges that are accredited by the AVMA have undergone an extensive screening process that verifies you will get a superior education. Also, accreditation is necessary if you are requesting a student loan or financial assistance, since many programs are not offered for non-accredited schools. And finally, having a degree or certificate from an accredited college is often a precondition for employment for a number of Bridgewater MA area veterinary clinics and hospitals.

What is the School’s Reputation? The vet college or trade school and program you enroll in must have an excellent reputation within the veterinary field. You can begin your due diligence by asking the schools you are reviewing for testimonials from the employers in their job placement network. Other suggestions include looking on online school ranking websites and checking with the school’s accrediting agencies as well. You can ask the Massachusetts school licensing department if there have been any grievances or infractions relating to your specific schools. As a final recommendation, call some Bridgewater MA veterinarians that you might want to work for after you receive your training. Find out what they think of your school choices. They might even suggest one or more programs 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 setting. Ask if the programs you are looking at have internship programs arranged with Bridgewater MA veterinarians, vet practices or hospitals. Almost all veterinary medicine programs mandate clinical training and many furnish it by way of internships. Not only will the experience be beneficial as far as the practical training, but an internship can also help develop relationships in the local vet community and assist in the search for employment after graduation.

Is there a Job Assistance Program? Getting a job after graduating from a vet tech school can be challenging without the assistance of a job placement program. First, ask what the graduation rates are for the schools you are evaluating. A low rate may indicate that the teachers were ineffective at teaching the course of study or that some students were unhappy with the program and quit. Next, check that the schools have a job assistance program and find out what their placement rates are. A higher placement rate might mean that the program has an excellent reputation within the Bridgewater MA vet community and has a significant network of contacts for student placements. A lower rate might signify that the training is not well regarded by employers or that the job assistance program is ineffective at placing students.

How Big are the Classes? If the classes are bigger, you most likely will get little or no individualized instruction from the teachers. Solicit from the Bridgewater MA programs you are looking at what their classroom teacher to student ratios are. You may also decide to participate in a few classes (if practical) to monitor the interaction between students and instructors. Get evaluations from students relating to the quality of instruction. Also, speak with the instructors and determine what their qualifications are as well as their approaches to teaching.

Where is the Campus Located? Okay, we already discussed location, but there are a couple of more points to consider on the topic. If you are going to drive to your vet tech classes from your Bridgewater MA home, you must make certain that the driving time fits into 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 college is located close by or within a larger city. In addition, if you do opt 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. Of course attending classes online may be an option that will provide you with more flexibility and decrease the need for travel.

Is the Class Schedule Flexible? And finally, it’s imperative that you find out if the veterinary colleges you are considering offer class times that are sufficiently flexible to accommodate your schedule. For example, many students continue to work full time and can only go to classes on the weekends or in the evenings near Bridgewater MA. Others might only be able to go to class 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 may miss because of sickness, work or family responsibilities. You might find that an online school is the ideal way to fit your veterinary training into your busy life.

Enrolling in a Vet Tech School near Bridgewater MA?

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

Bridgewater, Massachusetts

Bridgewater is a town located in Plymouth County, in the state of Massachusetts, United States.[1] As of the 2010 U.S. Census, the town's population was 26,563. Bridgewater is located approximately 25 miles (40 km) south of Boston and approximately 35 miles east of Providence, Rhode Island.[2]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 28.2 square miles (73 km2), of which 27.5 square miles (71 km2) is land and 0.7 square miles (1.8 km2) (2.62%) is water. Bridgewater is 99th out of the 351 communities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and eighth out of the twenty-seven municipalities in Plymouth County in terms of land area. The town is bordered by West Bridgewater to the northwest, East Bridgewater to the northeast, Halifax to the east, Middleborough to the south, and Raynham to the west. Bridgewater is approximately 5 miles south of Brockton, 10 miles northeast of Taunton, and 25 miles south of Boston, of which it is a suburb.

Bridgewater lies along the Taunton River, which has several other rivers and brooks which branch off the main waterway. There are also several ponds, the largest of which is Lake Nippenicket along the western edge of the town. There is a state forest, a town forest, several conservation areas and a large portion of the Hockomock Swamp Wildlife Management Area, in the western part of town. Parts of this swamp give rise to the so-called Bridgewater Triangle, a small area of concentrated reports of strange Fortean phenomena, colonial "dark days", Bigfoot and mysterious black panthers, UFO sightings, and other weird encounters, a phrase coined by Loren Coleman, author of Mysterious America, often compared to the Bermuda Triangle.[3]

Enroll in the Right Veterinary Technician School near Bridgewater MA

Bridgewater MA vet tech holding dog Selecting the ideal vet tech college is a critical first step to beginning a gratifying career delivering care and treatment for pets and livestock. Future students thinking about vet tech programs must make their decision based on multiple key issues. Veterinary technicians and technologists are employed in vet clinics, animal hospitals and animal shelters. They commonly take on administrative tasks and assist the veterinarian with the animals when needed. As we have discussed, it’s imperative that you choose a veterinary medicine program that is both accredited and has an outstanding reputation within the profession. This goes for online vet tech schools as well. By asking the questions included in our checklist for evaluating schools, you will be able to narrow down your alternatives so that you can make your final choice. And by choosing the right school, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a vet tech in Bridgewater MA.