Become a Vet Tech | Vet Tech Schools High Shoals NC

How to Choose a Vet Tech Program near High Shoals North Carolina

High Shoals NC vet tech diagnosing puppy Realizing your lifelong dream of working with and caring for pets by enrolling in a veterinary technician program near High Shoals NC might at first feel like a challenging endeavor. After all, you must find and enroll in a program that will provide the proper training to ensure that you can be successful as a vet tech. But just how do you go about analyzing and contrasting programs so that you can make the right selection? Many aspiring students begin their due diligence process by searching for schools that are close to their residences. When they have located some area colleges, they find out which ones have the cheapest tuition and hone in on those. Although location and expense are important factors when comparing vet technician schools, they are not the only important ones when making your evaluations. Qualifiers such as internship programs and accreditation should be evaluated also. The main idea is that there are questions you ought to be asking the veterinary technician programs you are evaluating before you make an ultimate selection. We have furnished several in this article in order to help get you started, but before we discuss them we’ll discuss the different responsibilities of veterinary technicians and the training options available.

The Responsibilities of a Vet Tech in High Shoals NC

cat with cone after surgery in High Shoals NC Among the initial decisions that you will have to make is whether you desire to train as a veterinary assistant, technologist or technician. Part of your decision may be based on the amount of time and money that you have to invest in your education, but the main determiner will undoubtedly be which specialization appeals to you the most. What techs and assistants share in common is that they all work under the direct direction of a licensed and practicing veterinarian. And although there are many functions that they can perform within the High Shoals NC veterinary clinic or hospital, they can’t prescribe medications, diagnose health issues, or conduct surgeries. In those areas they may only furnish support to a licensed vet. There are technologists and technicians that work outside of the standard vet practice, for instance for zoos, animal shelters or police departments. Let’s take a look at the job functions and training prerequisites for each specialty.

Vet Assistants in almost all instances will have gone through a formal 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 complex undertakings, such as assisting with surgical procedures. A few of their usual duties may include working at the front desk, cleaning and preparing exam rooms and equipment, or controlling animals during exams.
Vet Technicians receive more extensive training compared with assistants and typically acquire a two year Associate Degree, preferably from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program. They are in a sense the veterinary counterparts of medical nurses, since their general job duty is to assist veterinarians with diagnosing and treating animal patients. Where they vary from veterinary assistants is that they are involved in more complicated duties, for example assisting with surgical procedures or providing medicine. All states currently require veterinary technicians pass a credentialing exam for either certification, registration or licensing.
Vet Technologists are comparable to vet technicians and for the most part carry out the same work functions. They are required to attain a Bachelor’s Degree in veterinary technology, which usually takes four years to complete. Therefore the main difference between a vet technologist and a technician is the technologist’s higher level of education. But with an advanced degree comes more work options, higher salaries and possible management positions. They are also required to pass a credentialing exam for either licensing, registration or certification.

Veterinary technicians and technologists can 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 High Shoals NC laboratories or research facilities as well.

Online Vet Tech Schools Offered in High Shoals

student attending online vet tech school in High Shoals NC An alternative that might make sense for those with a busy schedule or who are working full time while attending veterinary school is to enroll in an online training program. Because the classes are made available over the internet, students can study on their own schedule wherever a computer is accessible. The educational program is taught using multiple venues, including slide shows, videos and live streaming webinars. And since many veterinary tech and technologist degrees require practical training, that portion can usually be fulfilled as an internship or work study program at a local High Shoals NC veterinary practice or hospital. Distance learning, as it is also called, may in many instances lower the cost of your education. Tuition and ancillary expenditures, such as for commuting and study supplies, can be more affordable 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 organization. With the online classes and the practical training, everything is furnished for a comprehensive education. So if you are dedicated enough to learn in this more independent mode, an online veterinary technician school may be the right option for you.

What to Ask High Shoals NC Vet Tech Colleges

Questions to ask High Shoals NC vet tech schools By now you probably have selected which veterinary credential that you wish to earn, and if you prefer to study online or attend a college on campus. Since there are an abundance of vet community colleges, vocational and technical schools in the High Shoals NC area and across the Country, you must ask some important questions in order to narrow down your list of options. As we pointed out in our introduction, many potential students start by concentrating on location and tuition expense. But we have previously mentioned other significant qualifiers, such as accreditation and internship programs. And of course you want to enroll in a program 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 vet tech colleges that you are considering.

Is the Vet College Accredited? It’s imperative that you make sure that the veterinary technician school you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization. As earlier stated, 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 a demanding screening process that confirms 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 offered for non-accredited schools. And finally, having a degree or certificate from an accredited program is in many cases a requirement for employment for many High Shoals NC area veterinary clinics and hospitals.

What is the School’s Reputation? The veterinarian trade school or college and program you enroll in should have an exceptional reputation within the veterinarian community. You can initiate your due diligence by asking the schools you are looking at for testimonials from the employers in their job assistance network. Other suggestions include checking with internet school ranking websites and checking with the school’s accrediting agencies as well. You can ask the North Carolina school licensing authority if there have been any grievances or infractions concerning your targeted schools. As a final tip, call some High Shoals 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 may even recommend some schools not on your list.

Are there Internship Programs? The best means to get practical hands on experience as a vet tech is to work in a clinical setting. Ask if the programs you are looking at have internship programs established with High Shoals NC veterinarians, vet hospitals or practices. Most veterinary medicine programs mandate clinical training and a large number provide it by way of internships. Not only will the experience be beneficial regarding the practical training, but an internship can also help establish connections in the local veterinary community and help in the search for a job after graduation.

Is there a Job Placement Program? Searching for a job after graduating from a veterinary technician college may be challenging without the assistance of a job placement program. To start with, ask what the graduation rates are for the schools you are evaluating. A lower rate could suggest that the instructors were ineffective at teaching the course of study or that some students were disappointed with the program and dropped out. Next, check that the schools have a job placement program and ask what their placement rates are. A high placement rate may signify that the college has an exceptional reputation within the High Shoals NC vet community and has a considerable network of contacts for student placements. A lower rate may indicate that the training is not highly regarded by employers or that the job assistance program is ineffective at placing students.

How Large are the Classes? If the classes are larger sized, you most likely will receive little or no one-on-one instruction from the teachers. Request from the High Shoals NC colleges you are considering what their classroom student to teacher ratios are. You might also decide to sit in on a few classes (if practical) to observe the interaction between students and instructors. Ask for feedback from students regarding the quality of instruction. Also, talk with the teachers and find out what their backgrounds are as well as their approaches to teaching.

Where is the School Located? Of course, we previously discussed location, but there are a few more points to consider on the topic. If you are going to commute to your vet tech classes from your High Shoals NC home, you have to confirm that the driving time fits into your schedule. For example, driving during the weekend to investigate the route won’t be the same as the drive during rush hour traffic, especially if the school is located close by or within a large city. Also, if you do decide to enroll in a school in another state or even outside of your County of residence, there may be increased tuition fees particularly for community and state colleges. Of course attending classes online might be an alternative that will provide you with more flexibility and minimize the necessity for travel.

Is the Class Schedule Flexible? And finally, it’s important that you determine if the veterinarian programs you are considering offer class times flexible enough to fit your schedule. For example, a number of students continue working full time and can only go to classes on the weekends or at night near High Shoals NC. Others might only be able to go to classes in the morning or in the afternoon. Make certain that the class times you need are available prior to enrolling. In addition, find out if you can make up classes that you might miss because of work, illness or family responsibilities. You might discover that an online college is the ideal way to fit your vet training into your busy life.

Enrolling in a Vet Tech School near High Shoals NC?

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

High Shoals, North Carolina

High Shoals was the location of the High Shoals Iron Works, founded by Swiss-born John Fulenwider in about 1795. Fulenwider developed one of the earliest methods of making pig iron with the charcoal process. During the War of 1812, his High Shoals ironworks produced cannonballs for use by the United States Army. Fulenwider died in 1826 and is buried at High Shoals cemetery. The ironworks he developed remained in operation until 1875.[6]

High Shoals is located at 35°23′49″N 81°12′16″W / 35.39694°N 81.20444°W / 35.39694; -81.20444 (35.397043, -81.204313).[9] According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 2.7 square miles (6.9 km2), of which 2.6 square miles (6.7 km2) is land and 0.04 square miles (0.1 km2), or 2.10%, is water.[5]

The South Fork Catawba River flows through High Shoals. Areas northeast of the river are assigned to the Hoyle Creek watershed, while those southwest of the river are in the Beaverdam Creek watershed. Sulfur Branch flows through western High Shoals (including Briarcreek Golf Course) and enters the South Fork at the south end of town.

Choose the Best Veterinary Technician Program near High Shoals NC

High Shoals NC vet tech holding dog Picking the right veterinary technician school is an important first step to beginning a gratifying career delivering care and treatment for pets and livestock. Future students thinking about veterinary technician schools need to make their determination based on several key issues. Veterinary technicians and technologists are employed in veterinary clinics and hospitals and animal shelters. They typically handle administrative tasks and assist the veterinarian with the animals when needed. As we have covered, it’s very important that you pick a veterinary medicine program that is both accredited and has an outstanding reputation within the field. This applies to online vet tech schools as well. By asking the questions provided in our checklist for evaluating schools, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can make your final decision. And by selecting the right college, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a vet tech in High Shoals NC.