Become a Vet Tech | Vet Tech Schools Newton Highlands MA

How to Find the Right Veterinary Technician School near Newton Highlands Massachusetts

Newton Highlands MA vet tech diagnosing puppy Fulfilling your long term aspiration of working with and caring for pets by enrolling in a vet tech program near Newton Highlands MA may initially feel like a daunting endeavor. After all, you must locate and enroll in a school that will provide the proper training to ensure that you can be successful as a veterinary technician. But just how do you approach assessing and comparing colleges so that you can make the correct selection? Many potential students begin their due diligence process by searching for campuses that are close to their homes. When they have found some nearby schools, they find out which ones have the cheapest tuition and focus on those. Although cost and location are significant concerns when assessing vet tech programs, they are by no means the only important ones when making your evaluations. Factors such as internship programs and accreditation need to be considered also. The point is that there are questions you need to be asking the veterinary technician schools you are considering before you make an ultimate choice. We have presented several within this article to help get you started, but before we discuss them we’ll explore the various roles of vet techs and the training alternatives available.

The Role of a Veterinary Technician in Newton Highlands MA

cat with cone after surgery in Newton Highlands MA Among the initial decisions that you will need to make is whether you desire to train as a vet technician, assistant or technologist. Part of your determination may be dependent on the amount of time and money that you have to commit to your education, but the principal factor will most likely be which specialization interests you the most. What technicians and assistants have in common is that they all work under the direct guidance of a practicing and licensed veterinarian. And although there are numerous functions that they can perform within the Newton Highlands MA veterinary practice or hospital, they can’t prescribe drugs, diagnose ailments, or perform surgeries. In those areas they may only furnish assistance to a licensed vet. There are technicians and technologists that work away from the typical vet practice, for instance for animal shelters, zoos or law enforcement. Let’s take a look at the responsibilities and education prerequisites for each specialty.

Vet Assistants in most 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 vocational school or community college. As the name implies, their job function is to assist the vets and vet techs in the execution of their duties. Usually they are not associated with more complicated undertakings, for example assisting with surgeries. 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 undergo more extensive training compared with assistants and normally obtain a two year Associate Degree, preferably from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program. They are in a sense the veterinarian equivalent of medical nurses, since their general job function is to assist veterinarians with diagnosing and treating animal patients. Where they stand apart from veterinary assistants is that they are included in more complex tasks, such as assisting with surgical procedures or administering medication. All states currently mandate that veterinary technicians pass a credentialing exam for either registration, certification or licensing.
Vet Technologists are comparable to vet technicians and basically carry out the same work functions. They are mandated to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in veterinary technology, which generally requires four years. Therefore the main distinction between a vet technician and a technologist is the technologist’s more advanced level of education. But with an advanced degree comes more career options, increased salaries and potential management positions. They are additionally required to pass a credentialing examination for either certification, registration or licensing.

Veterinary techs and technologists can specialize in areas such as anesthesia, internal medicine or urgent care. Some may receive certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) to work in Newton Highlands MA laboratories or research facilities also.

Online Vet Tech Programs Offered in Newton Highlands

student attending online vet tech school in Newton Highlands MA An approach that may make sense for those with a hectic lifestyle or who are working full-time while going to veterinary college is to enroll in an online training program. Because the classes are provided via the internet, students can attend on their own timetable wherever a computer is available. The syllabus is taught using several venues, including videos, slide shows and live streaming webinars. And since the majority of veterinary technician and technologist degrees require practical training, that segment can usually be carried out as an internship or work study program at a local Newton Highlands MA veterinarian clinic or hospital. Distance learning, as it is also called, can in many instances reduce the cost of your education. Tuition and secondary expenditures, for example for traveling and study supplies, can be lower compared to more traditional classroom courses. Just make sure that the online school that you select is accredited, either by the AVMA or another nationally certified accrediting agency. With the online classes and the clinical training, everything is provided for a comprehensive education. So if you are dedicated enough to learn in this more self-reliant mode, an online veterinary technician program may be the right option for you.

Questions to Ask Newton Highlands MA Vet Tech Schools

Questions to ask Newton Highlands MA vet tech schools At this point you probably have selected which veterinary degree that you would like to obtain, and if you prefer to study online or attend a program on campus. Since there are a large number of veterinary community colleges, vocational and technical schools in the Newton Highlands MA area as well as across the United States, you need to ask some important questions to help narrow down your list of options. As we mentioned in our introduction, many prospective students start by prioritizing location and the cost of tuition. But we have already touched on other significant qualifiers, such as 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 factors are reviewed in the checklist of questions that you need to ask the veterinary technician programs that you are considering.

Is the Vet School Accredited? It’s imperative that you make sure that the vet tech program you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency. As previously mentioned, one of the most highly regarded is the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Trade schools and colleges that are accredited by the AVMA have gone through a thorough screening process that confirms you will receive a quality education. Also, accreditation is necessary if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, since a large number of programs are not obtainable for non-accredited programs. Last, having a degree or certificate from an accredited program is frequently a precondition for employment for many Newton Highlands MA area vet practices and hospitals.

What is the School’s Reputation? The veterinary college or trade school and program you enroll in should have an exceptional reputation within the veterinary community. You can initiate your due diligence by asking the colleges you are interested in for testimonials from the employers in their job placement network. Other tips include checking with internet school ranking websites and speaking with the school’s accrediting organizations as well. You can ask the Massachusetts school licensing authority if there have been any complaints or violations involving your specific schools. As a final recommendation, phone some Newton Highlands MA veterinarians that you might want to work for after you receive your training. Ask what they think of your school selections. They may even suggest one or more colleges not on your list.

Are there Internship Programs? The most effective way to obtain practical hands on experience as a vet tech is to work in a clinical environment. Ask if the colleges you are considering have internship programs established with Newton Highlands MA veterinarians, vet hospitals or clinics. The majority of veterinary medicine programs mandate practical training and a large number provide it through internships. Not only will the experience be beneficial relative to the practical training, but an internship may also help establish relationships in the local vet community and assist in the search for a position after graduation.

Is there a Job Assistance Program? Searching for a job after graduating from a vet tech college can be challenging without the assistance of a job placement program. First, find out what the graduation rates are for the schools you are considering. A low rate could suggest that the teachers were unqualified to teach the course of study or that a number of students were disappointed with the program and quit. Next, confirm that the colleges have a job assistance program and find out what their placement rates are. A higher placement rate might signify that the program has an outstanding reputation within the Newton Highlands MA veterinarian community and has a significant network of contacts for student placements. A lower rate may signify that the training is not well 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 in size, you most likely will get little or no personalized instruction from the teachers. Request from the Newton Highlands MA programs you are looking at what their classroom teacher to student ratios are. You may also want to participate in a few classes (if practical) to monitor the interaction between students and teachers. Get evaluations from students relating to 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 Campus Located? Of course, we previously covered location, but there are several more points to make on the topic. If you are planning to drive to your veterinary technician classes from your Newton Highlands MA home, you must make certain that the driving time is compatible with your schedule. For instance, driving during the weekend to investigate the route won’t be the same as the commute during rush hour traffic, especially if the campus is located in or close by a large city. In addition, if you do decide to attend a school in another state or even outside of your County of residence, there may be increased tuition fees especially for state and community colleges. On the other hand, attending classes online could be an option that will give you more flexibility and reduce the need for travel.

Do the Classes Fit Your Schedule? And finally, it’s important that you ascertain if the vet schools 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 go to classes on the weekends or in the evenings near Newton Highlands MA. Others may only be able to attend class in the morning or in the afternoon. Confirm that the class times you need are offered before enrolling. Also, find out if you can make-up classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family issues. You might discover that an online program is the best solution to fit your vet education into your busy life.

Enrolling in a Vet Tech School near Newton Highlands MA?

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

Newton Highlands, Massachusetts

Newton Highlands' small commercial district runs along Lincoln St., perpendicular to Walnut St. This area, along with a stretch of fine 19th and early 20th century residences, are part of the Newton Highlands Historic District.

Since 1959 the neighborhood has had its own MBTA Green Line station, Newton Highlands Station, close to this commercial center. There also is an annual celebration in June called Village Day, a general celebration for the Newton Highlands community. There is a 5 kilometer road race, crafts and local food is sold, a small carnival is set up, and local bands and musicians often entertain the crowds.

Pick the Right Vet Tech School near Newton Highlands MA

Newton Highlands MA vet tech holding dog Picking the right vet tech school is an important first step to starting a gratifying career delivering care and treatment for pets and livestock. Students looking into veterinary technician colleges must make their selection based on multiple key issues. Veterinary technicians and technologists are employed in vet clinics, animal hospitals and animal shelters. They usually handle administrative responsibilities and support the veterinarian with the animals when needed. As we have discussed, it’s very important that you choose a veterinary medicine program that is both accredited and has an outstanding reputation within the field. This applies to online vet tech colleges as well. By asking the questions provided in our checklist for reviewing schools, you will be able to narrow down your alternatives so that you can make your final selection. And by selecting the ideal program, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a vet tech in Newton Highlands MA.