How to Select a Veterinary Technician School near Auburn Alabama

Realizing your lifelong aspiration of working with and caring for animals by enrolling in a veterinary technician college near Auburn AL could at first feel like an overwhelming endeavor. After all, you have to locate and enroll in a program 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 schools so that you can make the ideal choice? Many aspiring students start their due diligence process by looking for campuses that are close to their homes. After they have identified some local colleges, they determine which ones have the cheapest tuition and hone in on those. Although cost and location are important considerations when comparing vet technician schools, they are by no means the only important ones when making your comparisons. Qualifications such as accreditation and internship programs should be looked into as well. The main idea is that there are questions you should be asking the vet technician schools you are reviewing before you make an ultimate selection. We have provided several within this article in order to help get you started, but before we review them we’ll talk about the various roles of vet techs and the training alternatives available.

The Role of a Veterinary Technician in Auburn AL 

Among the initial decisions that you will have to make is if you plan to train as a vet technician, assistant or technologist. Part of your decision might be dependent on the amount of time and money that you have to commit to your training, but the primary factor will undoubtedly be which specialization interests you the most. What techs and assistants share in common is that they both work under the direct guidance of a practicing and licensed veterinarian. And although there are many functions that they can perform within the Auburn AL veterinary clinic or hospital, they can’t prescribe medications, diagnose ailments, or perform surgical procedures. In those areas they can only furnish assistance to a licensed vet. There are technologists and technicians that work away from the conventional vet practice, for example for zoos, animal shelters or police departments. Let’s take a look at the responsibilities and training requirements for each position.

• Vet Assistants in the majority of instances will have undergone a structured training program, either as an apprentice or intern in a vet clinic or hospital, or by completing a certificate program at a community college or vocational school. As the name implies, their job function is to assist the vets and vet technicians in the performance of their duties. Normally they are not involved with more complicated tasks, such as assisting with surgical procedures. A few of their typical responsibilities may include working at the front desk, preparing and cleaning exam rooms and equipment, or controlling pets during exams.
• Vet Technicians receive more advanced training compared with assistants and usually earn a two year Associate Degree, ideally from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program. They are in a sense the veterinary counterparts of medical nurses, since their fundamental job duty is to assist vets with diagnosing and treating animal patients. Where they differ from veterinary assistants is that they are involved in more complex tasks, for instance assisting with surgical procedures or providing medication. All states currently mandate that veterinary technicians pass a credentialing examination for either licensing, registration or certification.
• Vet Technologists are similar to vet technicians and for the most part perform the same work functions. They are required to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in veterinary technology, which typically requires four years. So the only real distinction between a vet technician and a technologist is the technologist’s higher level of education. But with an advanced degree comes more work opportunities, increased salaries and potential management positions. They are additionally required to pass a credentialing exam for either registration, certification or licensing.

Vet technicians and technologists can specialize in areas such as anesthesia, internal medicine or emergency care. A number may receive certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) to work in  Auburn AL labs or research facilities as well.

Online Vet Tech Schools Offered in Auburn

An alternative that may make sense for those with a busy schedule or who are working full-time while going to vet college is to enroll in an online program. Because the classes are made available through the internet, students can study on their own schedule wherever a computer is available. The educational program is taught using multiple venues, including videos, slide shows and live streaming webinars. And since many veterinary tech and technologist degrees require clinical training, that part can normally be completed as an internship or work study program at a local Auburn AL veterinarian clinic or hospital. Distance learning, as it is also called, may in many instances lower the cost of your education. Tuition and ancillary expenditures, for instance for commuting and study supplies, can be cheaper compared to more traditional classroom courses. Just make sure that the program that you choose is accredited, either by the AVMA or another nationally certified accrediting organization. With the online courses and the practical training, everything is furnished for a complete education. So if you are disciplined enough to learn in this more self-reliant fashion, an online veterinary technician school may be the perfect option for you.

What to Ask Auburn AL Vet Tech Colleges

By now you should have selected which veterinarian degree that you wish to attain, and if you intend to study online or attend a program on campus. Since there are a large number of veterinary community colleges, technical and vocational schools in the Auburn AL area as well as across the Country, you need to ask some important questions to help narrow down your list of options. As we pointed out in our introduction, many prospective students start by prioritizing location and tuition expense. But we have previously touched on other significant qualifiers, which include internship programs and accreditation. And naturally you need to choose a program that offers the degree and specialty that you are interested in. These and other qualifications are addressed in the list of questions that you need to ask the vet tech programs that you are considering.

Is the Vet College Accredited?  It’s imperative that you make sure that the veterinary technician school you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization. As previously discussed, 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 demanding screening process that ensures you will obtain a quality education. Also, accreditation is essential if you are applying for a student loan or financial assistance, since a large number of programs are not offered for non-accredited schools. Last, having a certificate or degree from an accredited college is frequently a precondition for employment for a number of Auburn AL area veterinarian practices and hospitals.

What is the College’s Reputation?  The veterinary vocational school or college and program you enroll in must have an outstanding reputation within the veterinary field. You can initiate your due diligence by asking the colleges you are looking at for endorsements from the employers in their job assistance network. Other pointers include checking with online school rating websites and contacting the school’s accrediting organizations as well. You can ask the Alabama school licensing department if there have been any complaints or infractions regarding your specific schools. As a final tip, contact some Auburn AL veterinarians that you may wish to work for after you receive your training. Ask what they think of your school selections. They may even suggest some schools not on your list.

Are Internships Offered?  The most effective approach to obtain clinical hands on experience as a vet tech is to work in a professional environment. Find out if the programs you are considering have internship programs established with Auburn AL veterinarians, vet practices or hospitals. The majority of veterinary medicine programs mandate clinical training and many provide it through internships. Not only will the experience be invaluable as far as the practical training, but an internship may also help build associations in the local veterinarian community and aid in the search for employment after graduation.

Is Job Assistance Offered?  Searching for a job after graduating from a veterinary technician school may be difficult without the help of a job placement program. To begin with, ask what the graduation rates are for the programs you are considering. A lower rate may indicate that the instructors were ineffective at teaching the curriculum or that some students were unhappy with the program and quit. Next, verify that the colleges have a job assistance program and find out what their placement rates are. A high placement rate may mean that the program has an excellent reputation within the Auburn AL veterinary community and has a substantial network of contacts for student placements. A lower rate could indicate 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 larger sized, you may get little or no one-on-one instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Auburn AL colleges you are considering what their class student to teacher ratios are. You may also want to sit in on some classes (if practical) to monitor the interaction between instructors and students. Ask for evaluations from students regarding the quality of instruction. Also, speak with the instructors and determine what their qualifications are as well as their methods of teaching.

Where is the Campus Located?  Of course, we already talked about location, but there are a few more points to make on the subject. If you are going to drive to your vet tech classes from your Auburn AL home, you must confirm that the commuting time fits into your schedule. For example, driving during the weekend to investigate the route won’t be the same as the commute during rush hour traffic, especially if the school is located near or in a larger city. In addition, if you do opt to attend a school 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, attending online classes could be an alternative that will provide you with more flexibility and decrease the need for travel.

Is the Class Schedule Flexible?  And last, it’s essential that you find out if the vet colleges you are exploring 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 Auburn AL. Some may only be able to go to class in the morning or in the afternoon. Make certain that the class times you need are available before enrolling. Also, determine if you can make-up classes that you may miss because of work, sickness or family issues. You may find that an online program is the ideal way to fit your veterinary training into your active life.

Enrolling in a Vet Tech School near Auburn AL?

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

Choose the Right Veterinary Technician Program near Auburn AL

Choosing the ideal vet tech program is a critical first step to starting a gratifying career delivering treatment and care for animals. Potential students looking into vet tech colleges must make their determination based on multiple key issues. Veterinary technicians and technologists work in animal hospitals, veterinary clinics and animal shelters. They commonly take on administrative duties and support the veterinarian with the animal patients when needed. As we have discussed, it’s imperative that you pick a veterinary medicine program that is both accredited and has an excellent reputation within the field. This applies to vet tech online colleges 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 selecting the ideal college, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a vet tech in Auburn AL.

Other Doggone Good Cities in Alabama

Business Results 1 - 10 of 18

East University Veterinary Hospital

2 Reviews

Veterinarians, Pet Groomers, Pet Sitting

Phone:

1675 E University Dr, Auburn, AL 36830

Village Veterinary Clinic

6 Reviews

Veterinarians, Pet Groomers, Pet Boarding

Phone:

100 Pinnacle Dr, Auburn, AL 36830

South College Veterinary Clinic

4 Reviews

Veterinarians, Pet Sitting

Phone:

1946 S College St, Auburn, AL 36832

PetVet Animal Health Center

8 Reviews

Veterinarians, Pet Sitting

Phone:

130 W Longleaf Dr, Auburn, AL 36832

Opelika Animal Hospital

2 Reviews

Veterinarians, Pet Sitting, Pet Groomers

Phone:

1615 2nd Ave, Opelika, AL 36801

Moores Mill Animal Hospital

3 Reviews

Veterinarians

Phone:

2120 Moores Mill Rd, Auburn, AL 36830

Parkway Animal Hospital

2 Reviews

Veterinarians, Pet Sitting

Phone:

1935 Opelika Rd, Auburn, AL 36830

The Dog Coach

3 Reviews

Pet Training, Pet Boarding

Phone:

2300 Dorsey St, Opelika, AL 36801

All Creatures Veterinary Clinic

3 Reviews

Veterinarians, Pet Boarding

Phone:

2050 Wire Rd, Auburn, AL 36832

Fur Buds After Hours Veterinary Clinic

3 Reviews

Pets

Phone:

3600 Pepperell Pkwy, Opelika, AL 36801