Become a Vet Tech | Vet Tech Schools Kent OH - Find Vet Tech Schools Near You

How to Enroll In a Veterinary Technician Program near Kent Ohio

Kent OH vet tech diagnosing puppy Realizing your lifelong aspiration of working with and caring for pets by enrolling in a vet tech college near Kent OH might initially seem like an overwhelming undertaking. After all, you must find and enroll in a college that will furnish the proper training to ensure that you can succeed as a vet tech. But just how do you go about analyzing and contrasting schools so that you can make the ideal choice? Many aspiring students launch their due diligence process by looking for schools that are near their residences. After they have identified some nearby schools, they find out which ones have the most affordable tuition and focus on those. Although location and expense are important factors when comparing vet tech programs, they are not the only important ones when making your assessments. Qualifiers such as accreditation and internship programs should be considered as well. The point is that there are questions you need to be asking the vet tech programs you are reviewing before you make an ultimate decision. We have presented several within this article in order to help get you started, but before we discuss them we’ll explore the various responsibilities of veterinary technicians and the training alternatives available.

The Responsibilities of a Vet Tech in Kent OH

cat with cone after surgery in Kent OH One of the initial decisions that you will need to make is if you want 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 factor will probably be which specialization appeals to you the most. What technicians and assistants have in common is that they all work under the immediate direction of a licensed and practicing veterinarian. And although there are numerous tasks that they can carry out within the Kent OH veterinary clinic or hospital, they can’t prescribe medications, diagnose ailments, or carry out surgical procedures. In those areas they may only furnish assistance to a licensed veterinarian. There are technicians and technologists that work away from the typical veterinarian practice, for instance for animal shelters, zoos or police departments. Let’s take a look at the responsibilities and training requirements for each position.

Vet Assistants in almost all instances will have undergone a formal training program, either as an intern or apprentice in a practice, or by finishing a certificate program at a trade school or community college. As the name implies, their job function is to assist the veterinarians and vet techs in the completion of their duties. Normally they are not involved with more complicated tasks, for example assisting with surgical procedures. Some of their normal duties may include working at the front desk, cleaning and preparing exam rooms and equipment, or controlling animals during examinations.
Vet Technicians undergo more extensive training compared to assistants and typically obtain a two year Associate Degree, preferably from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program. They are in a sense the veterinarian 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 involved in more involved activities, such as assisting with surgical procedures or providing medicine. All states currently mandate that veterinary technicians pass a credentialing examination for either licensing, registration or certification.
Vet Technologists are similar to veterinary technicians and for the most part perform the same job functions. They are mandated to attain a Bachelor’s Degree in veterinary technology, which generally takes four years to complete. Therefore the only real difference between a vet technologist and a technician is the technologist’s more advanced level of education. But with an advanced degree comes more career options, higher salaries and possible management positions. They are additionally mandated to pass a credentialing examination for either registration, certification or licensing.

Vet technicians and technologists can specialize in areas such as anesthesia, internal medicine or emergency care. Many may receive certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) to work in Kent OH labs or research facilities as well.

Vet Tech Online Schools Offered in Kent

student attending online vet tech school in Kent OH An option that might be a solution for those with a hectic lifestyle or who are working full time while going to veterinarian school is to enroll in an online training program. Because the classes are offered by means of the internet, students can attend on their own timetable wherever a computer is available. The educational program is taught using multiple methods, 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 Kent OH veterinarian practice or hospital. Distance learning, as it is also called, may in some instances reduce the cost of your education. Tuition and supplementary expenditures, such as for commuting and study supplies, can be cheaper compared to more conventional classroom programs. Just be sure that the online school that you select is accredited, either by the AVMA or another nationally certified accrediting organization. With the online courses and the practical training, everything is provided for a complete education. So if you are disciplined enough to learn in this more self-reliant manner, an online veterinary technician school may be the perfect choice for you.

Things to Ask Kent OH Vet Tech Schools

Questions to ask Kent OH vet tech schools By now you probably have determined which veterinary degree that you wish to attain, and if you prefer to study online or attend a program on campus. Since there are an abundance of veterinary community colleges, vocational and technical schools in the Kent OH area and across the USA, you should ask some qualifying questions to help narrow down your list of options. As we discussed in our opening, many future students start by concentrating on location and the cost of tuition. But we have previously touched on other important qualifiers, for example internship programs and accreditation. And of course you need to choose a program that offers the degree and specialty that you are interested in. These and other factors are addressed in the list of questions that you need to ask the vet tech schools that you are reviewing.

Is the Vet School Accredited? It’s imperative that you make sure that the veterinary technician school you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization. As previously mentioned, among 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 confirms you will receive a quality education. Also, accreditation is important if you are applying for a student loan or financial assistance, since a large number of programs are not available for non-accredited programs. Last, having a degree or certificate from an accredited program is often a precondition for employment for many Kent OH area vet practices and hospitals.

What is the School’s Reputation? The veterinary college or vocational school and program you select should have an excellent reputation within the veterinary community. You can begin your due diligence by asking the colleges you are interested in for testimonials from the employers in their job placement network. Other pointers include checking with internet school ranking websites and checking with the school’s accrediting organizations as well. You can ask the Ohio school licensing authority if there have been any complaints or infractions concerning your specific schools. As a final suggestion, get in touch with some Kent OH veterinarians that you may want to work for after you go through your training. Find out what they think about your school selections. They may even recommend one or more schools not on your list.

Are there Internship Programs? The most effective means to obtain clinical hands on experience as a vet tech is to work in a clinical setting. Ask if the schools you are considering have internship programs established with Kent OH veterinarians, vet hospitals or clinics. The majority of veterinary medicine programs require practical training and many furnish it by means of internships. Not only will the experience be valuable regarding the practical training, but an internship may also help establish relationships in the local veterinarian 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 veterinary technician college may be challenging without the assistance of a job placement program. First, ask what the graduation rates are for the colleges you are reviewing. A lower rate might signify that the teachers were ineffective at teaching the course of study or that some students were disappointed with the program and dropped out. Next, verify that the schools have a job assistance program and ask what their placement rates are. A high placement rate might indicate that the program has an outstanding reputation within the Kent OH veterinarian community and has a substantial network of contacts for student placements. A low rate might mean that the training is not highly thought of by employers or that the job placement program is a failure at placing students.

How Big are the Classes? If the classes are larger in size, you most likely will get little or no one-on-one instruction from the teachers. Solicit from the Kent OH schools you are looking at what their class student to teacher ratios are. You may also want to participate in some classes (if practical) to observe the interaction between students and instructors. Get feedback from students regarding the quality of instruction. Also, speak with the teachers and determine what their backgrounds are as well as their methods of teaching.

Where is the School Located? Of course, we previously discussed location, but there are a few more points to consider on the subject. If you are going to commute to your vet tech classes from your Kent OH home, you need to confirm that the driving time fits into your schedule. For instance, driving during the weekend to check out the route won’t be the same as the commute during rush hour traffic, especially if the college is located near or in a large city. Also, if you do choose to attend a school in another state or even outside of your County of residence, there may be higher tuition costs especially for community and state colleges. On the other hand, taking classes online may be an option that will provide you with more flexibility and reduce the necessity for travel.

Do the Classes Fit Your Schedule? And last, it’s essential that you find out if the veterinary schools you are exploring offer class times that are sufficiently flexible to fit your schedule. For instance, many students continue working full time and can only attend classes on the weekends or in the evenings near Kent OH. Some may only be able to go to classes in the morning or in the afternoon. Verify that the class times you require are available prior to enrolling. In addition, 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 college is the ideal way to fit your veterinary education into your busy life.

Enrolling in a Vet Tech School near Kent OH?

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

Kent, Ohio

Kent is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the largest city in Portage County. It is located along the Cuyahoga River in Northeast Ohio on the western edge of the county. The population was 28,904 in the 2010 Census and was estimated at 29,915 in 2017. The city is counted as part of the Akron Metropolitan Statistical Area and the larger Cleveland–Akron–Canton Combined Statistical Area.

Part of the Connecticut Western Reserve, Kent was settled in 1805 and was known for many years as Franklin Mills. Settlers were attracted to the area due to its location along the Cuyahoga River as a place for water-powered mills. Later development came in the 1830s and 1840s as a result of the settlement's position along the route of the Pennsylvania and Ohio Canal. Leading up to the American Civil War, Franklin Mills was noted for its activity in the Underground Railroad. With the decline of the canal and the emergence of the railroad, the town became the home of the Atlantic and Great Western Railroad maintenance shops through the influence of Marvin Kent. In 1864 the town was renamed Kent in honor of and in gratitude for Marvin Kent's efforts. It was incorporated as a village in 1867 and became a city after the 1920 Census. Today Kent is a college town best known as the home of the main campus of Kent State University, founded in 1910, and as the site of the 1970 Kent State shootings.

Historically a manufacturing center, education is the city's largest economic sector with Kent State University the city's, and one of the region's, largest employers. The Kent City School District and the Kent Free Library provide additional education opportunities and resources. Many of Kent's demographic elements are influenced by the presence of the university, particularly the median age, median income, and those living below the poverty level. The city is governed by a council-manager system with a city manager, a nine-member city council, and a mayor. Kent has nearly 20 parks and preserves and hosts a number of annual festivals including ones related to Earth Day, folk music, and the U.S. Independence Day. In addition to the Kent State athletic teams, the city also hosts a number of amateur and local sporting events at various times during the year. Kent is part of the Cleveland-Akron media market and is the city of license for three local radio stations and three television stations and includes the regional affiliates for National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). Local transportation infrastructure includes a public bus service and hike-and-bike trails. As the home of the Davey Tree Expert Company, Kent is known as "The Tree City" while residents are referred to as "Kentites". The city has produced a number of notable individuals, particularly in politics, athletics, and the entertainment industry.

Choose the Right Veterinary Technician School near Kent OH

Kent OH vet tech holding dog Picking the right vet tech college is an important first step to beginning a rewarding career delivering care and treatment for animals. Potential students looking into veterinary technician colleges must make their decision based on a number of key factors. Veterinary technicians and technologists work in animal hospitals, veterinary clinics and animal shelters. They typically handle administrative tasks and support the veterinarian with the animals as needed. As we have discussed, it’s essential that you decide on a veterinary medicine program that is both accredited and has an outstanding reputation within the field. This goes for online vet tech programs as well. By asking the questions included in our checklist for evaluating schools, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can make your final decision. And by selecting the ideal school, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a vet tech in Kent OH.