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How to Find the Right Vet Tech School near Bend Oregon

Bend OR vet tech diagnosing puppy Realizing your long term goal of working with and helping animals by enrolling in a vet tech college near Bend OR might initially seem like a challenging undertaking. After all, you need to find and enroll in a program that will provide the necessary training to ensure that you can be successful as a veterinary technician. But just how do you go about evaluating and contrasting schools so that you can make the best selection? Many potential students start their due diligence process by searching for campuses that are near their homes. After they have found some area colleges, they find out which ones have the most affordable tuition and hone in on those. Although location and cost are significant concerns when comparing vet technician programs, they are by no means the only significant ones when making your comparisons. Qualifiers such as internship programs and accreditation should be evaluated also. The point is that there are questions you should be asking the vet tech programs you are looking at before you make a final choice. We have provided several in this article to help get you started, but before we discuss them we’ll discuss the different roles of vet techs and the training options offered.

The Role of a Vet Tech in Bend OR

cat with cone after surgery in Bend OR One of the first decisions that you will need to make is whether you wish to train as a veterinary assistant, technician or technologist. Part of your preference might be dependent on the amount of time and money that you have to devote to your training, but the primary factor will probably be which specialization interests you the most. What techs and assistants have in common is that they each work under the direct supervision of a practicing and licensed veterinarian. And even though there are many functions that they can perform within the Bend OR veterinary clinic or hospital, they can’t prescribe medications, diagnose health issues, or conduct surgeries. In those areas they may only furnish assistance to a licensed veterinarian. There are technologists and technicians that work outside of the conventional vet practice, such as for zoos, animal shelters or police departments. Let’s take a look at the responsibilities and education prerequisites for each specialization.

Vet Assistants in almost all cases will have gone through a structured training program, either as an apprentice or intern in a practice, or by completing a certificate program at a community college or trade school. As the name implies, their job function is to assist the vets and vet techs in the completion of their duties. Normally they are not involved with more complex undertakings, such as assisting with surgical procedures. A few of their regular functions may include working at the front desk, cleaning and preparing exam rooms and equipment, or controlling pets during examinations.
Vet Technicians undergo more extensive training compared to assistants and typically earn a 2 year Associate Degree, preferably from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program. They are in a fashion the veterinary equivalent of medical nurses, since their general 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 complex functions, for instance assisting with surgeries or providing medicine. All states currently mandate that vet technicians pass a credentialing exam for either registration, certification or licensing.
Vet Technologists are similar to vet technicians and essentially perform the same job functions. They are mandated to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in veterinary technology, which typically requires four years to complete. Therefore the only real distinction 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, increased salaries and potential management positions. They are additionally required to pass a credentialing examination for either licensing, registration or certification.

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

Online Veterinary Technician Schools Offered in Bend

student attending online vet tech school in Bend OR An alternative that might be a solution for those with a hectic lifestyle or who are working full-time while attending veterinary school is to enroll in an online training program. Since the classes are provided over the internet, students can attend on their own timetable wherever a computer is accessible. The educational program is taught using various methods, including videos, slide shows and live streaming webinars. And since the majority of veterinary tech and technologist degrees require practical training, that part can usually be carried out as an internship or work study program at a local Bend OR veterinary clinic or hospital. Distance learning, as it is also called, may in many instances reduce the cost of your education. Tuition and ancillary costs, for example for travel and study supplies, may be cheaper compared to more traditional classroom programs. Just be sure that the online school that you enroll in is accredited, either by the AVMA or another nationally recognized accrediting agency. With the online courses and the clinical training, everything is included for a comprehensive education. So if you are disciplined enough to learn in this more self-reliant fashion, an online veterinary technician school may be the right option for you.

Things to Ask Bend OR Vet Tech Colleges

Questions to ask Bend OR vet tech schools At this point you probably have selected which veterinarian credential that you wish to attain, and if you prefer to study online or attend a school on campus. Since there are a large number of vet community colleges, trade and vocational schools in the Bend OR area and across the USA, you need to ask some relevant questions to help fine tune your list of options. As we mentioned in our opening, many future students start by prioritizing location and tuition expense. But we have already touched on other important qualifiers, for instance accreditation and internship programs. And of course you want to select a college that offers the degree and specialty that you would like to earn. These and other factors are covered in the checklist of questions that you should ask the vet tech schools that you are considering.

Is the Veterinary School Accredited? It’s important that you confirm that the vet tech school you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization. As previously stated, among the most highly respected is the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Vocational schools and colleges that are accredited by the AVMA have undergone a rigorous screening process that verifies you will get a quality education. Also, accreditation is important if you are applying for a student loan or financial assistance, since many programs are not obtainable for non-accredited programs. Last, having a degree or certificate from an accredited school is frequently a prerequisite for employment for many Bend OR area vet practices and hospitals.

What is the College’s Reputation? The veterinarian trade school or college and program you select should have an outstanding reputation within the veterinary community. You can start your due diligence by asking the schools you are reviewing for references from the employers in their job assistance network. Other suggestions include checking with internet school ranking websites and speaking with the school’s accrediting organizations as well. You can ask the Oregon school licensing authority if there have been any grievances or violations relating to your specific schools. As a final pointer, phone some Bend OR veterinary clinics that you might wish to work for after you receive your training. Find out what they think of your school selections. They may even suggest one or more programs not on your list.

Are Internships Offered? The most effective way to get clinical hands on training as a vet tech is to work in a medical environment. Ask if the schools you are looking at have internship programs arranged with Bend OR veterinarians, vet clinics or hospitals. Most veterinary medicine programs require practical training and many furnish it through internships. Not only will the experience be invaluable relative to the clinical training, but an internship can also help build relationships in the local veterinarian community and aid in the search for a job after graduation.

Is there a Job Assistance Program? Finding a job after graduating from a vet tech program can be challenging without the assistance of a job placement program. First, ask what the graduation rates are for the schools you are reviewing. A low rate could indicate that the instructors were ineffective at teaching the syllabus or that a number of students were dissatisfied with the program and quit. Next, verify that the colleges have a job placement program and ask what their placement rates are. A higher placement rate might signify that the program has an outstanding reputation within the Bend OR veterinary community and has a substantial network of contacts for student placements. A lower rate could mean that the training is not highly thought of by employers or that the job assistance program is ineffective at placing students.

How Big are the Classes? If the classes are larger, you may get little or no personalized instruction from the teachers. Solicit from the Bend OR programs you are researching what their classroom teacher to student ratios are. You may also want to participate in a couple of classes (if practical) to monitor the interaction between instructors and students. Get feedback from students concerning the quality of instruction. Also, talk with the instructors and find out what their qualifications are as well as their methods of teaching.

Where is the Campus Located? Yes, we previously talked about location, but there are a few more points to consider on the subject. If you are planning to commute to your veterinary technician classes from your Bend OR home, you need to make certain that the driving time is compatible with 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, particularly if the school is located near or in a larger city. In addition, if you do opt to enroll in 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. Of course attending online classes could be an option that will provide you with more flexibility and minimize the necessity for travel.

Is the Class Schedule Flexible? And last, it’s essential that you determine if the veterinary schools you are looking at 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 Bend OR. Others might only be able to attend class in the morning or in the afternoon. Make sure that the class times you need are offered before enrolling. Also, determine if you can make up classes that you might miss because of sickness, work or family responsibilities. You might find that an online school is the best way to fit your vet training into your busy life.

Enrolling in a Vet Tech School near Bend OR?

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

Bend, Oregon

Bend is a city in, and the county seat of, Deschutes County, Oregon, United States.[8] It is the principal city of the Bend, Oregon, Metropolitan Statistical Area. Bend is Central Oregon's largest city, and despite its modest size, is the de facto metropolis of the region, owing to the low population density of that area. Bend recorded a population of 76,693 at the time of the 2010 U.S. Census,[9] up from 52,029 at the 2000 census. The estimated population of the city as of 2016 is 91,122.[3] Bend's metro population was estimated at 165,954 as of July 1, 2013. The Bend MSA is the fifth largest metropolitan area in Oregon.

Bend is located on the eastern edge of the Cascade Range along the Deschutes River. Here the Ponderosa Pine forest transitions into the high desert, characterized by arid land, junipers, sagebrush, and bitter-brush. Originally a crossing point on the river, settlement began in the early 1900s. Bend was incorporated as a city in 1905. Economically, it started as a logging town but is now identified as a gateway for many outdoor sports, including mountain biking, fishing, hiking, camping, rock climbing, white-water rafting, skiing, paragliding, and golf. In 2015, Men's Journal ranked Bend as one of The 10 Best Places to Live Now.[10] Bend is also home to the last remaining Blockbuster LLC store in the United States.[11]

The name Bend was derived from "Farewell Bend", the designation used by early pioneers to refer to the location along the Deschutes River where the town was eventually platted, one of the few fordable points along the river.

Select the Right Veterinary Technician School near Bend OR

Bend OR vet tech holding dog Selecting the appropriate vet tech program is a crucial first step to beginning a fulfilling career providing treatment and care for pets and livestock. Students thinking about vet tech colleges need to make their selection based on a number of key factors. Veterinary technicians and technologists are employed in animal hospitals, veterinary clinics and animal shelters. They typically take on administrative tasks and assist the veterinarian with the animals when needed. As we have discussed, it’s very important that you enroll in a veterinary medicine program that is both accredited and has an excellent reputation within the field. This goes for online vet tech schools as well. By asking the questions included in our checklist for reviewing schools, you will be able to reduce your options so that you can make your final choice. And by picking the right school, you can reach your goal of becoming a veterinary technician in Bend OR.