How to Enroll In a Vet Tech Program near Curtis Arkansas
Achieving your long term goal of working with and helping pets by enrolling in a vet tech program near Curtis AR might at first feel like an overwhelming endeavor. After all, you need to locate and enroll in a program that will furnish the proper training to ensure that you can succeed as a vet tech. But just how do you tackle analyzing and comparing colleges so that you can make the best selection? Many aspiring students launch their due diligence process by searching for colleges that are close to their residences. Once they have identified some area schools, they ascertain which ones have the cheapest tuition and focus on those. Although location and expense are significant concerns when comparing vet tech programs, they are not the only significant ones when making your evaluations. Qualifiers such as accreditation and internship programs should be evaluated also. The main idea is that there are questions you should be asking the vet tech schools you are reviewing before you make an ultimate decision. We have provided several within this article in order to help get you started, but before we discuss them we’ll go over the varied roles of vet techs and the training options offered.
The Job of a Vet Tech in Curtis AR
One of the first decisions that you will need to make is whether you want to train as a vet assistant, technician or technologist. Part of your determination may be predicated on the amount of time and money that you have to devote to your training, but the main determiner will undoubtedly be which specialization interests 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 many jobs that they can perform within the Curtis AR veterinary clinic or hospital, they can’t prescribe medications, diagnose health issues, or conduct surgeries. In those areas they may only provide support to a licensed vet. There are technologists and technicians that work outside of the conventional veterinarian practice, for example for zoos, animal shelters or police departments. Let’s take a look at the job functions and training requirements for each specialization.
- Vet Assistants in most instances will have completed a formal training program, either as an intern or apprentice 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 veterinarians and vet technicians in the performance of their duties. Generally they are not associated with more involved undertakings, for instance assisting with surgical procedures. A few of their normal responsibilities may include working at the front desk, cleaning and preparing exam rooms and equipment, or handling animals during examinations.
- Vet Technicians undergo more advanced training compared to assistants and generally obtain a 2 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 function is to assist veterinarians with diagnosing and treating animal patients. Where they differ from veterinary assistants is that they are engaged in more involved activities, for instance assisting with surgeries or providing medication. All states currently mandate that veterinary technicians pass a credentialing exam for either licensing, registration or certification.
- Vet Technologists are similar to vet technicians and basically perform the same job functions. They are required to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in veterinary technology, which generally takes 4 years to complete. So the only real difference between a vet technologist and a technician is the technologist’s higher level of education. But with an advanced degree comes more work opportunities, increased 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 urgent care. A number may earn certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) to work in Curtis AR laboratories or research facilities also.
Veterinary Technician Online Schools Offered in Curtis
An option that may be a solution for those with a busy lifestyle or who are working full-time while going to vet college is to enroll in an online program. Because the classes are offered over the internet, students can attend on their own timetable wherever a computer is available. The syllabus is taught using various methods, including videos, slide shows and live streaming webinars. And since the majority of vet tech and technologist degrees require clinical training, that part can normally be carried out as an internship or work study program at a local Curtis AR veterinarian practice or hospital. Distance learning, as it is also called, may in many instances reduce the cost of your education. Tuition and secondary costs, for instance for traveling and study materials, may be cheaper compared to more traditional classroom courses. Just be sure that the online school that you enroll in is accredited, either by the AVMA or another nationally recognized accrediting organization. With the online classes and the practical training, everything is included for a complete education. So if you are dedicated enough to learn in this more independent manner, an online veterinary technician school may be the right option for you.
What to Ask Curtis AR Veterinary Technician Colleges
By now you should have selected which veterinary credential that you would like to attain, and if you intend to study online or attend a school on campus. Since there are a large number of vet community colleges, technical and vocational schools in the Curtis AR area and across the Country, you must ask some qualifying questions in order to narrow down your list of options. As we mentioned in our introduction, many potential students start by focusing on location and tuition expense. But we have already mentioned other significant qualifiers, which include accreditation and internship programs. And of course you need to choose a college that offers the specialty and degree that you want to earn. These and other factors are addressed in the list of questions that you should ask the veterinary technician programs that you are reviewing.
Is the Veterinary College Accredited? It’s essential that you make sure that the vet tech program you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency. As earlier 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 thorough review process that confirms you will obtain a superior education. Also, accreditation is essential if you are applying for a student loan or financial assistance, since numerous programs are not obtainable for non-accredited schools. Last, having a certificate or degree from an accredited school is often a precondition for employment for many Curtis AR area vet clinics and hospitals.
What is the College’s Reputation? The veterinary trade school or college and program you choose should have an exceptional reputation within the veterinarian community. You can initiate your due diligence by asking the schools you are looking at for endorsements from the employers in their job assistance network. Other pointers include checking with online school rating websites and speaking with the school’s accrediting organizations as well. You can ask the Arkansas school licensing authority if there have been any complaints or infractions regarding your targeted schools. As a final tip, phone some Curtis AR veterinary clinics that you may wish to work for after you go through your training. Find out what they think of your school selections. They might even recommend one or more colleges not on your list.
Are Internships Offered? The best approach to obtain practical hands on training as a vet tech is to work in a clinical setting. Ask if the colleges you are considering have internship programs arranged with Curtis AR veterinarians, vet hospitals or clinics. Most veterinary medicine programs mandate clinical training and a large number furnish it through internships. Not only will the experience be invaluable as far as the practical training, but an internship can also help establish connections in the local vet community and assist in the search for a position after graduation.
Is there a Job Assistance Program? Getting a job after graduating from a veterinary technician college can be difficult without the assistance of a job placement program. To begin with, find out what the graduation rates are for the programs you are considering. A lower rate might signify that the teachers were unqualified to teach the curriculum or that some students were unhappy with the program and quit. Next, check that the schools have a job assistance program and ask what their placement rates are. A high placement rate may indicate that the college has an excellent reputation within the Curtis AR veterinary community and has a considerable network of contacts for student placements. A low rate could indicate that the training is not highly regarded by employers or that the job placement program is ineffective at placing students.
How Big are the Classes? If the classes are larger in size, you probably will get little or no individualized instruction from the teachers. Solicit from the Curtis AR schools you are researching what their class student to teacher ratios are. You may also want to participate in a couple of classes (if practical) to observe the interaction between students and instructors. Get evaluations from students regarding the quality of instruction. Also, speak with the instructors and find out what their backgrounds are as well as their approaches to teaching.
Where is the Campus Located? Of course, we already talked about location, but there are several more points to consider on the topic. If you are planning to commute to your vet tech classes from your Curtis AR home, you must confirm that the commuting time is compatible with your schedule. For instance, driving during the weekend to check out the route won’t be the same as the drive during rush hour traffic, particularly if the school is located near or in a larger city. Also, 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 particularly for community and state colleges. On the other hand, taking classes online might be an option that will give you more flexibility and minimize the need for travel.
Do the Classes Fit Your Schedule? And last, it’s important that you find out if the veterinarian programs you are exploring offer class times that are sufficiently flexible to fit your schedule. For instance, many students continue working full time and can only attend classes on the weekends or at night near Curtis AR. Some may only be able to go to classes in the morning or in the afternoon. Make sure that the class times you need are available prior to enrolling. Also, determine if you can make up classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family issues. You might find that an online school is the ideal way to fit your vet training into your active life.
Enrolling in a Vet Tech School near Curtis AR?
If you have decided to attend a Veterinary Technician Program in the Curtis Arkansas area, then you may find the following information about the location of your school campus interesting and informing.
Ken Curtis
Ken Curtis (born Curtis Wain Gates, July 2, 1916 – April 28, 1991) was an American singer and actor best known for his role as Festus Haggen on the CBS western television series Gunsmoke. Although he appeared on Gunsmoke earlier, in other roles, he was first cast in his role in season 8 episode 13, "Us Haggens". His next appearance was Season 9, episode 2 as Kyle Kelly, in "Lover Boy" as a charming drifter who romances an elderly rancher's young wife.
Born in Lamar in Prowers County in southeastern Colorado, Curtis lived his first ten years on a ranch on Muddy Creek in eastern Bent County. In 1926, the family moved to Las Animas, the county seat of Bent County, so that his father, Dan Sullivan Gates, could run for sheriff. The campaign was successful, and Gates served from 1927 to 1931 as Bent County sheriff.[1] The family lived below the jail, since the jail was the whole second floor and his mother, Nellie Sneed Gates, cooked for the prisoners. The jail is located for historical preservation purposes on the grounds of the Bent County Courthouse in Las Animas.
Curtis was the quarterback of his Bent County High School football team and played clarinet in the school band. He graduated in 1935. During World War II, Curtis served in the United States Army from 1943 to 1945.[2]
Choose the Best Vet Tech School near Curtis AR
Picking the appropriate vet tech school is a crucial first step to starting a rewarding career delivering treatment and care for pets and livestock. Potential students looking into vet tech programs need to make their determination based on multiple key factors. Veterinary technicians and technologists are employed in vet clinics, animal hospitals and animal shelters. They typically handle administrative duties 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 goes for vet tech online schools as well. By asking the questions included in our checklist for evaluating schools, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can make your final decision. And by picking the ideal college, you can reach your goal of becoming a veterinary technician in Curtis AR.
Other Doggone Good Cities in Arkansas
Business Results 1 - 10 of 2
3 Reviews 
2 Reviews 