Become a Vet Tech | Vet Tech Schools Granite Falls NC

How to Select a Vet Tech Program near Granite Falls North Carolina

Granite Falls NC vet tech diagnosing puppy Fulfilling your long term goal of working with and helping pets by enrolling in a vet tech program near Granite Falls NC might at first feel like an overwhelming undertaking. After all, you must find and enroll in a school that will furnish the appropriate training so that you can succeed as a veterinary technician. But just how do you approach reviewing and comparing schools so that you can make the proper choice? Many future students start their due diligence process by looking for colleges that are close to their residences. When they have identified some area schools, they determine which ones have the lowest tuition and hone in on those. Although expense and location are significant considerations when comparing vet technician schools, they are by no means the only critical ones when making your evaluations. Qualifiers such as accreditation and internship programs need to be looked into as well. The main idea is that there are questions you need to be asking the vet technician schools you are looking at before you make an ultimate choice. We have presented several within this article in order to help get you started, but before we discuss them we’ll explore the different duties of vet techs and the training alternatives available.

The Function of a Vet Tech in Granite Falls NC

cat with cone after surgery in Granite Falls NC One of the initial decisions that you will have to make is if you desire to train as a vet assistant, technician or technologist. Part of your determination may be dependent on the amount of time and money that you have to devote to your education, but the principal factor will most likely be which specialization appeals to you the most. What technicians and assistants share in common is that they each work under the immediate direction of a practicing and licensed veterinarian. And while there are many functions that they can carry out within the Granite Falls NC veterinary clinic or hospital, they can’t prescribe drugs, diagnose conditions, or carry out surgeries. In those areas they can only furnish assistance to a licensed vet. There are technologists and technicians that work outside of the standard vet practice, for instance for zoos, animal shelters or law enforcement. Let’s take a look at the responsibilities and training requirements for each specialty.

Vet Assistants in most cases will have undergone a structured training program, either as an intern or apprentice in a vet clinic or hospital, or by graduating from a certificate program at a community college or vocational school. As the name implies, their job function is to assist the vets and vet techs in the completion of their duties. Generally they are not involved with more complicated tasks, for example assisting with surgical procedures. Some of their normal responsibilities may include working at the front desk, preparing and cleaning examination rooms and equipment, or handling animals during exams.
Vet Technicians undergo more advanced training compared with assistants and normally obtain a 2 year Associate Degree, preferably from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program. They are in a fashion the vet counterparts of medical nurses, since their basic job function is to assist veterinarians with diagnosing and treating animal patients. Where they differ from vet assistants is that they are included in more complicated duties, for instance assisting with surgeries or administering medicine. All states currently require vet technicians pass a credentialing examination for either licensing, registration or certification.
Vet Technologists are similar to veterinary techs and basically perform the same work functions. They are mandated to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in veterinary technology, which normally takes 4 years to complete. So the only real difference between a vet technician and a technologist is the technologist’s more advanced level of education. But with an advanced degree comes more work opportunities, higher salaries and potential management positions. They are also required to pass a credentialing examination for either licensing, registration or certification.

Veterinary techs and technologists may specialize in areas such as internal medicine, anesthesia or emergency care. Some may acquire certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) to work in Granite Falls NC laboratories or research facilities also.

Vet Tech Online Programs Offered in Granite Falls

student attending online vet tech school in Granite Falls NC An option that might be a solution for those with a busy schedule or who are working full time while going to veterinary college is to enroll in an online training program. Because the classes are made available by means of the internet, students can attend on their own schedule wherever a computer is available. The curriculum is taught using various venues, including slide shows, videos and live streaming webinars. And since most veterinary tech and technologist degrees require clinical training, that portion can typically be completed as an internship or work study program at a local Granite Falls NC veterinary practice or hospital. Distance learning, as it is also called, can in many instances lower the cost of your education. Tuition and ancillary costs, for example for traveling and study materials, can be more affordable compared to more traditional classroom courses. Just be sure that the program that you choose is accredited, either by the AVMA or another nationally recognized accrediting organization. With the online courses 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 vet tech school may be the ideal option for you.

Things to Ask Granite Falls NC Vet Tech Programs

Questions to ask Granite Falls NC vet tech schools At this point you probably have determined which veterinarian degree that you would like to obtain, and if you want to study online or attend a school on campus. Since there are a large number of vet community colleges, vocational and technical schools in the Granite Falls NC area and across the Country, you should ask some important questions to help narrow down your list of options. As we pointed out in our opening, many prospective students start by prioritizing location and tuition expense. But we have already pointed out other essential qualifiers, which include accreditation and internship programs. And of course you want to enroll in a college that offers the degree and specialty that you want to earn. These and other factors are covered in the list of questions that you should ask the veterinary technician schools that you are considering.

Is the Vet College Accredited? It’s important that you make sure that the veterinary technician program you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency. As previously discussed, one of the most highly respected is the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Vocational schools and colleges that are accredited by the AVMA have gone through a demanding screening process that ensures you will get a superior education. Also, accreditation is important if you are applying for a student loan or financial assistance, since many programs are not available for non-accredited colleges. Last, having a degree or certificate from an accredited program is in many cases a precondition for employment for a number of Granite Falls NC area veterinary clinics and hospitals.

What is the School’s Reputation? The vet college or vocational school and program you enroll in should have an outstanding reputation within the veterinary community. You can initiate your due diligence by asking the colleges you are interested in for endorsements from the employers in their job assistance network. Other tips include looking on online school ranking websites and contacting the school’s accrediting organizations as well. You can ask the North Carolina school licensing authority if there have been any complaints or violations relating to your specific schools. As a final recommendation, phone some Granite Falls NC vet clinics that you might want to work for after you receive your training. Find out what they think about your school selections. They might even recommend some schools not on your list.

Are there Internship Programs? The most effective approach to get practical hands on training as a vet tech is to work in a clinical environment. Find out if the programs you are considering have internship programs set up with Granite Falls NC veterinarians, vet hospitals or clinics. Most veterinary medicine programs mandate practical training and a large number provide it through internships. Not only will the experience be invaluable regarding the clinical 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 Job Placement Provided? Searching for a job after graduating from a vet tech college can be difficult without the assistance of a job placement program. First, ask what the graduation rates are for the programs you are reviewing. A low rate may signify that the instructors were unqualified to teach the syllabus or that a number of students were unhappy with the program and dropped out. Next, confirm that the colleges have a job placement program and find out what their placement rates are. A higher placement rate might mean that the school has an exceptional reputation within the Granite Falls NC veterinary community and has a substantial network of contacts for student placements. A lower rate could indicate that the training is not highly regarded by employers or that the job assistance program is ineffective at placing students.

How Big are the Classes? If the classes are bigger, you may get little or no individualized instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Granite Falls NC schools you are considering what their class teacher to student ratios are. You may also want to participate in some classes (if practical) to monitor the interaction between teachers and students. Ask for feedback 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 School Located? Okay, we already talked about location, but there are a couple of more points to consider on the topic. If you are going to drive to your veterinary technician classes from your Granite Falls NC home, you need to confirm 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 college is located in or close by a large city. Also, if you do choose 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 online classes may be an alternative that will provide you with more flexibility and reduce the necessity for travel.

Is the Class Schedule Flexible? And last, it’s imperative that you find out if the vet schools you are evaluating offer class times flexible enough to accommodate your schedule. For instance, many students continue working full time and can only go to classes on the weekends or in the evenings near Granite Falls NC. Some may only be able to go to classes in the morning or in the afternoon. Verify that the class times you need are available prior to enrolling. In addition, determine if you can make up classes that you might miss because of sickness, work or family emergencies. You may discover that an online school is the best solution to fit your veterinary education into your busy life.

Enrolling in a Vet Tech School near Granite Falls NC?

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

Granite Falls, North Carolina

Granite Falls is a town in Caldwell County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 4,722 at the 2010 census.[4] It is part of the Hickory–Lenoir–Morganton Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Granite Falls is located near the southern border of Caldwell County at 35°48′1″N 81°25′59″W / 35.80028°N 81.43306°W / 35.80028; -81.43306 (35.800345, -81.432929).[5] It is bordered to the south by the town of Rhodhiss, to the southwest by Rhodhiss Lake on the Catawba River (Lake Hickory), and to the west by the town of Sawmills. The center of town is located on a ridge between the Catawba River to the west and Gunpowder Creek, a tributary of the Catawba, to the east.

U.S. Route 321 (Hickory Boulevard) is a four-lane highway that passes through the east side of town; it leads 6 miles (10 km) southeast to the center of Hickory and 10 miles (16 km) northwest to Lenoir, the Caldwell County seat. US 321 Alternate runs through the center of Granite Falls as North and South Main Street.

Pick the Ideal Vet Tech School near Granite Falls NC

Granite Falls NC vet tech holding dog Picking the right veterinary technician program is a critical first step to beginning a rewarding career providing treatment and care for animals. Potential students considering veterinary technician schools must make their selection based on a number of key factors. Veterinary technicians and technologists are employed in vet clinics, animal hospitals and animal shelters. They typically handle administrative responsibilities and support the veterinarian with the animal patients when needed. As we have covered, it’s very important that you select a veterinary medicine program that is both accredited and has an outstanding reputation within the profession. This applies to online vet tech colleges as well. By asking the questions provided in our checklist for assessing schools, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can make your final selection. And by selecting the right college, you can achieve your goal of becoming a vet tech in Granite Falls NC.