Become a Vet Tech | Vet Tech Schools Jacksonville GA

How to Select a Veterinary Technician School near Jacksonville Georgia

Jacksonville GA vet tech diagnosing puppy Fulfilling your long term aspiration of working with and helping animals by enrolling in a vet tech program near Jacksonville GA might initially seem like an overwhelming endeavor. After all, you must search for and enroll in a program that will deliver the proper training to ensure that you can succeed as a veterinary technician. But just how do you tackle assessing and contrasting colleges so that you can make the correct choice? Many potential students begin their due diligence process by looking for schools that are near their homes. When they have found some area colleges, they ascertain which ones have the lowest tuition and focus on those. Although cost and location are significant factors when assessing vet tech schools, they are not the only critical ones when making your comparisons. Factors such as internship programs and accreditation should be evaluated also. The point is that there are questions you should be asking the vet technician schools you are evaluating before you make a final decision. We have provided several in this article to help get you started, but before we review them we’ll explore the various duties of veterinary technicians and the training alternatives available.

The Function of a Vet Tech in Jacksonville GA

cat with cone after surgery in Jacksonville GA One of the initial decisions that you will have to make is whether you wish to train as a veterinary assistant, technologist or technician. Part of your determination may be based on the amount of time and money that you have to invest in your education, but the main determiner will most likely be which specialization appeals to you the most. What techs and assistants have in common is that they all work under the direct guidance of a licensed and practicing veterinarian. And while there are numerous functions that they can carry out within the Jacksonville GA veterinary clinic or hospital, they can’t prescribe drugs, diagnose health issues, or carry out surgeries. In those areas they may only furnish support to a licensed vet. There are technologists and technicians that work exclusive of the typical veterinarian practice, for example 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 instances will have undergone a structured training program, either as an intern or apprentice in a practice, or by finishing 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. Usually they are not associated with more involved activities, for example assisting with surgical procedures. Some of their usual duties may include working at the front desk, preparing and cleaning exam rooms and equipment, or controlling animals during exams.
Vet Technicians go through more extensive training in contrast to assistants and usually obtain a 2 year Associate Degree, preferably from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program. They are in a sense the vet counterparts of medical nurses, since their basic job function is to assist vets with diagnosing and treating animal patients. Where they vary from vet assistants is that they are engaged in more complex functions, for instance assisting with surgeries or administering medication. All states currently mandate that veterinary technicians pass a credentialing examination for either certification, registration or licensing.
Vet Technologists are similar to vet technicians and basically perform the same job functions. They are mandated to attain a Bachelor’s Degree in veterinary technology, which typically requires 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 career options, increased salaries and potential management positions. They are also required to pass a credentialing examination for either certification, registration or licensing.

Veterinary technicians 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 Jacksonville GA laboratories or research facilities as well.

Vet Tech Online Programs Offered in Jacksonville

student attending online vet tech school in Jacksonville GA An option that may be a solution for those with a busy lifestyle or who are working full-time while attending veterinarian college is to enroll in an online program. Because the classes are provided by means of the internet, students can study on their own schedule wherever a computer is available. The educational program is taught using several methods, including slide shows, videos and live streaming webinars. And since most vet technician and technologist degrees require practical training, that segment can normally be carried out as an internship or work study program at a local Jacksonville GA veterinarian practice or hospital. Distance learning, as it is also called, can in many instances reduce the cost of your education. Tuition and secondary expenses, for example for commuting and study supplies, can be cheaper compared to more conventional classroom programs. Just make sure that the online school that you choose is accredited, either by the AVMA or another nationally certified accrediting agency. With the online courses and the clinical training, everything is provided for a comprehensive education. So if you are disciplined enough to learn in this more independent manner, an online veterinary technician school may be the ideal option for you.

What to Ask Jacksonville GA Vet Tech Programs

Questions to ask Jacksonville GA vet tech schools At this point you probably have decided on which veterinary credential that you wish to obtain, and if you prefer to study online or attend a school on campus. Since there are an abundance of veterinarian community colleges, vocational and technical schools in the Jacksonville GA area as well as across the Country, you must ask some relevant questions in order to narrow down your list of options. As we mentioned in our opening, many prospective students start by prioritizing location and the cost of tuition. But we have previously pointed out other important qualifiers, for example accreditation and internship programs. And of course you want to choose a school that offers the specialty and degree that you are interested in. These and other qualifications are addressed in the checklist of questions that you need to ask the vet tech colleges that you are reviewing.

Is the Veterinary College Accredited? It’s important that you confirm that the veterinary technician school you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization. As previously mentioned, among the most highly respected is the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Trade schools and colleges that are accredited by the AVMA have gone through an extensive review process that verifies you will obtain a quality education. Also, accreditation is necessary if you are requesting a student loan or financial assistance, since a large number of programs are not available for non-accredited schools. Last, having a certificate or degree from an accredited college is frequently a prerequisite for employment for a number of Jacksonville GA area veterinary clinics and hospitals.

What is the College’s Reputation? The veterinary vocational school or college and program you choose should have an outstanding reputation within the vet field. You can start your due diligence by asking the schools you are reviewing for references from the employers in their job assistance network. Other pointers include looking on online school ranking websites and speaking with the school’s accrediting agencies as well. You can ask the Georgia school licensing department if there have been any complaints or infractions relating to your targeted schools. As a final recommendation, get in touch with some Jacksonville GA veterinary clinics that you might want to work for after you go through your training. Ask what they think about your school choices. They may even suggest one or more schools not on your list.

Are there Internship Programs? The best means to get practical hands on training as a vet tech is to work in a medical setting. Ask if the colleges you are looking at have internship programs set up with Jacksonville GA veterinarians, vet clinics or hospitals. Most veterinary medicine programs mandate clinical training and many furnish it by means of internships. Not only will the experience be invaluable as far as the clinical training, but an internship may also help develop relationships in the local veterinarian community and aid in the search for a job after graduation.

Is Job Assistance Offered? Getting a job after graduating from a veterinary technician college can be difficult without the help of a job placement program. To start with, ask what the graduation rates are for the schools you are evaluating. A low rate might indicate that the instructors were unqualified to teach the course of study or that some students were unhappy with the program and quit. Next, check that the colleges 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 Jacksonville GA veterinary community and has a considerable network of contacts for student placements. A low rate might indicate that the training is not highly regarded by employers or that the job assistance program is a failure at placing students.

How Big are the Classes? If the classes are larger sized, you probably will receive little or no personalized instruction from the teachers. Solicit from the Jacksonville GA schools you are looking at what their classroom teacher to student ratios are. You might also decide to participate in some classes (if practical) to monitor the interaction between students and instructors. Get evaluations from students regarding the quality of instruction. Also, talk with the teachers and determine what their qualifications 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 topic. If you are going to drive to your veterinary technician classes from your Jacksonville GA home, you must make certain that the driving time fits into your schedule. For example, driving during the weekend to check out the route won’t be the same as the commute during rush hour traffic, particularly if the campus is located in or close by a large city. Also, if you do opt to attend a school in another state or even outside of your County of residence, there may be increased tuition charges particularly for community and state colleges. Of course taking online classes could 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 imperative that you ascertain if the veterinarian colleges you are exploring offer class times that are sufficiently flexible to accommodate your schedule. For instance, a number of students continue working full time and can only go to classes on the weekends or at night near Jacksonville GA. Some might only be able to go to class in the morning or later in the afternoon. Make sure that the class times you need are offered before enrolling. Also, determine if you can make-up classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies. You might discover that an online program is the best solution to fit your veterinary training into your hectic life.

Enrolling in a Vet Tech School near Jacksonville GA?

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

Jacksonville metropolitan area

The Jacksonville metropolitan area, also called Greater Jacksonville or Metro Jacksonville, is the metropolitan area centered on the principal city of Jacksonville, Florida and including the First Coast of North Florida. According to the 2010 United States Census, the total population was 1,345,596, with a 2017 estimate of 1,504,980.[1] The Jacksonville–St. Marys–Palatka, FL–GA Combined Statistical Area (CSA) had a population of 1,631,488 in 2017 and was the 34th largest CSA in the United States. The Jacksonville metropolitan area is the 40th largest in the country and the fourth largest in the State of Florida, behind the Miami, Tampa, and Orlando metropolitan areas.

The Jacksonville Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is an area designated by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget used for statistical purposes by the United States Census Bureau and other government agencies.[2] The metropolitan statistical area had a total population of approximately 1,504,980 as of 2017 and is the 39th largest in the United States and the fourth largest in the state of Florida. The OMB defines the Jacksonville MSA as consisting of five counties. The components of the metropolitan area with their estimated 2017 populations are listed below:[2]

The OMB also defines a slightly larger region as a Combined Statistical Area (CSA). In 2012 the OMB also defined the Jacksonville–St. Marys–Palatka, FL–GA Combined Statistical Area, which included metropolitan Jacksonville as well as the Palatka, Florida and St. Marys, Georgia Micropolitan Statistical Areas (comprising Putnam County, Florida and Camden County, Georgia). The CSA had a population of 1,631,488 in 2017 and was the 34th largest CSA. The components of the CSA with their estimated 2017 populations are listed below:

Pick the Best Vet Tech School near Jacksonville GA

Jacksonville GA vet tech holding dog Enrolling in the right veterinary technician program is a critical first step to starting a gratifying career delivering treatment and care for animals. Potential students looking into veterinary technician colleges need to make their determination based on several key factors. Veterinary technicians and technologists are employed in veterinary clinics and hospitals and animal shelters. They usually take on administrative responsibilities and support the veterinarian with the animal patients when needed. As we have covered, it’s essential that you enroll in a veterinary medicine program that is both accredited and has an outstanding reputation within the field. This goes for vet tech online schools as well. By asking the questions included in our checklist for reviewing schools, you will be able to reduce your alternatives so that you can make your final choice. And by choosing the best college, you can reach your goal of becoming a veterinary technician in Jacksonville GA.