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How to Select a Veterinary Technician School near Dublin New Hampshire

Dublin NH vet tech diagnosing puppy Fulfilling your lifelong aspiration of working with and caring for pets by enrolling in a veterinary technician college near Dublin NH may initially feel like a daunting endeavor. After all, you must search for and enroll in a program that will provide the necessary training to ensure that you can succeed as a vet tech. But just how do you approach evaluating and comparing colleges so that you can make the right choice? Many potential students begin their due diligence process by searching for colleges that are close to their residences. When they have found some local colleges, they ascertain which ones have the cheapest tuition and focus on those. Although location and cost are important factors when evaluating vet technician programs, they are not the only significant ones when making your assessments. Factors such as internship programs and accreditation need to be considered also. The main idea is that there are questions you should be asking the vet technician schools you are reviewing before you make an ultimate decision. We have provided several within this article to help get you started, but before we discuss them we’ll talk about the various responsibilities of vet techs and the training alternatives available.

The Role of a Vet Tech in Dublin NH

cat with cone after surgery in Dublin NH Among the first decisions that you will have to make is if you plan to train as a vet assistant, technologist or technician. Part of your preference may be based on the amount of time and money that you have to commit to your training, but the principal determiner will undoubtedly be which specialization appeals to you the most. What techs and assistants have in common is that they both work under the direct supervision of a practicing and licensed veterinarian. And while there are a number of tasks that they can perform within the Dublin NH veterinary clinic or hospital, they can’t prescribe medicines, diagnose conditions, or carry out surgical procedures. In those areas they can only provide support to a licensed veterinarian. There are technicians and technologists that work exclusive of the standard veterinarian practice, for example for zoos, animal shelters or law enforcement. Let’s take a look at the duties and training requirements for each position.

Vet Assistants in almost all instances will have undergone a structured training program, either as an intern or apprentice in a practice, or by completing a certificate program at a trade school or community college. As the name implies, their job function is to assist the veterinarians and vet technicians in the completion of their duties. Generally they are not involved with more complex tasks, such as assisting with surgical procedures. Some of their normal duties may include working at the front desk, preparing and cleaning examination rooms and equipment, or controlling pets during examinations.
Vet Technicians go through more advanced training in contrast to assistants and typically earn a two year Associate Degree, ideally from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program. They are in a fashion the veterinarian counterparts of medical nurses, since their fundamental job duty is to assist veterinarians with diagnosing and treating animal patients. Where they differ from vet assistants is that they are involved in more complex duties, for example assisting with surgeries or administering medication. All states currently mandate that vet techs pass a credentialing exam for either registration, certification or licensing.
Vet Technologists are similar to veterinary techs and essentially carry out the same work functions. They are required to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in veterinary technology, which usually takes 4 years. Therefore the main difference between a vet technician and a technologist is the technologist’s higher level of education. But with an advanced degree comes more work options, increased salaries and possible management positions. They are additionally mandated to pass a credentialing exam for either registration, certification or licensing.

Vet technicians and technologists can specialize in areas such as internal medicine, anesthesia or emergency care. Many may obtain certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) to work in Dublin NH laboratories or research facilities also.

Vet Tech Online Programs Offered in Dublin

student attending online vet tech school in Dublin NH An alternative that may be a solution for those with a hectic schedule or who are working full-time while attending veterinary school is to enroll in an online program. Because the classes are offered through the internet, students can study on their own schedule wherever a computer is accessible. The course of study is taught using multiple venues, including videos, slide shows and live streaming webinars. And since the majority of vet technician and technologist degrees require clinical training, that part can typically be completed as an internship or work study program at a local Dublin NH veterinarian clinic or hospital. Distance learning, as it is also called, may in many instances decrease the cost of your education. Tuition and ancillary costs, such as for traveling and study supplies, can be more affordable compared to more standard classroom courses. Just confirm that the program that you select is accredited, either by the AVMA or another nationally certified accrediting organization. With the online classes and the practical training, everything is furnished 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 Dublin NH Veterinary Technician Programs

Questions to ask Dublin NH vet tech schools At this point you probably have decided on which veterinary credential that you wish to attain, and if you prefer to study online or attend a college on campus. Since there are a large number of vet community colleges, trade and vocational schools in the Dublin NH area as well as across the Country, you need to ask some relevant questions to help fine tune your list of options. As we discussed in our introduction, many prospective students start by concentrating on location and the cost of tuition. But we have previously pointed out other important qualifiers, which include accreditation and internship programs. And of course you need to enroll in a college that offers the degree and specialty that you would like to earn. These and other qualifications are reviewed in the checklist of questions that you should ask the vet tech colleges that you are looking at.

Is the Veterinary Program Accredited? It’s essential that you confirm that the veterinary technician program you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency. As earlier discussed, one of the most highly regarded is the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Trade schools and colleges that are accredited by the AVMA have undergone an extensive review process that ensures you will obtain a superior education. Also, accreditation is essential if you are requesting a student loan or financial assistance, since a large number of programs are not available for non-accredited schools. And finally, having a degree or certificate from an accredited program is frequently a requirement for employment for a number of Dublin NH area vet clinics and hospitals.

What is the Program’s Reputation? The vet trade school or college and program you choose should have an outstanding reputation within the veterinarian community. You can start your due diligence by asking the schools you are looking at for testimonials from the employers in their job placement network. Other suggestions include looking on internet school ranking websites and checking with the school’s accrediting agencies as well. You can ask the New Hampshire school licensing department if there have been any grievances or infractions relating to your targeted schools. As a final suggestion, contact some Dublin NH vet 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 schools not on your list.

Are Internships Offered? The most effective way to obtain clinical hands on experience as a vet tech is to work in a medical environment. Ask if the colleges you are considering have internship programs set up with Dublin NH veterinarians, vet hospitals or clinics. Almost all veterinary medicine programs require clinical training and a large number provide it by means of internships. Not only will the experience be beneficial as far as the practical training, but an internship can also help establish relationships in the local vet community and aid in the search for employment after graduation.

Is Job Placement Provided? Searching for a job after graduating from a veterinary technician college may be difficult without the help of a job placement program. To begin with, ask what the graduation rates are for the schools you are reviewing. A lower rate could mean that the teachers were unqualified to teach the course of study or that some students were dissatisfied with the program and dropped out. Next, confirm that the colleges have a job assistance program and find out what their placement rates are. A higher placement rate could mean that the program has an excellent reputation within the Dublin NH veterinary community and has a considerable network of contacts for student placements. A lower rate may signify that the training is not highly thought of by employers or that the job placement program is a failure at placing students.

How Large are the Classes? If the classes are larger, you may get little or no individualized instruction from the teachers. Solicit from the Dublin NH colleges you are considering what their class teacher to student ratios are. You might also want to attend some classes (if practical) to monitor the interaction between teachers and students. Ask for evaluations from students relating to 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 College Located? Okay, we previously covered location, but there are a couple of more points to make on the subject. If you are going to drive to your vet tech classes from your Dublin NH home, you need to make sure that the commuting time fits into 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 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 fees particularly for state and community colleges. On the other hand, taking classes online might be an option that will provide you with more flexibility and reduce the need for travel.

Is the Class Schedule Flexible? And last, it’s essential that you ascertain if the veterinarian programs you are exploring offer class times that are sufficiently flexible to fit your schedule. For instance, many students continue to work full time and can only go to classes on the weekends or in the evenings near Dublin NH. Some may only be able to go to classes in the morning or later in the afternoon. Verify that the class times you require are available before enrolling. Also, find out if you can make-up classes that you may miss due to work, illness or family issues. You might find that an online program is the ideal solution to fit your vet training into your busy life.

Enrolling in a Vet Tech School near Dublin NH?

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

Dublin, New Hampshire

In 1749, the Masonian proprietors granted the town as Monadnock No. 3 (or North Monadnock) to Matthew Thornton and 39 others. But the French and Indian War thwarted permanent settlement until the 1760s, when Henry Strongman moved from Peterborough. Other early settlers arrived from Sherborn, Massachusetts. In 1771, Governor John Wentworth incorporated the town, naming it after Strongman's birthplace: Dublin, Ireland.[2]

Like all towns in this area, the terrain features hills and valleys. Farmers found the soil hard and rocky, but with effort it yielded maize, oats, barley and potatoes, with some wheat and rye. Orchards were common. The first census, taken in 1790, reported 901 residents.[3] By 1859, there were 1,088.[2] Then in 1870, the small mill town of Harrisville voted to separate from Dublin, leaving the latter with only 455 residents during the 1880 census.[4]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 29.1 square miles (75 km2), of which 28.0 sq mi (73 km2) is land and 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km2) is water, comprising 3.78% of the town. The northern slopes of Mount Monadnock occupy the southern part of town. The highest point in Dublin is along Monadnock's northeast ridge, where the elevation reaches 2,834 feet (864 m) above sea level at the town line. Roughly the western half of Dublin lies within the Connecticut River watershed, drained by tributaries of the Ashuelot River, with the eastern half located in the Merrimack River watershed, drained by tributaries of the Contoocook River.[5]

Select the Right Vet Tech College near Dublin NH

Dublin NH vet tech holding dog Selecting the ideal veterinary technician school is an important first step to starting a rewarding career providing care and treatment for pets and livestock. Future students looking into vet tech programs must make their selection based on a number of key factors. Veterinary technicians and technologists work in vet clinics, animal hospitals and animal shelters. They usually handle administrative tasks and support the veterinarian with the animals as needed. As we have discussed, it’s essential that you enroll in a veterinary medicine program that is both accredited and has an outstanding reputation within the field. This applies to vet tech online colleges as well. By asking the questions provided in our checklist for assessing schools, you will be able to reduce your alternatives so that you can make your final choice. And by selecting the ideal school, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a vet tech in Dublin NH.