Become a Vet Tech | Vet Tech Schools Chambersburg PA

How to Select a Veterinary Technician School near Chambersburg Pennsylvania

Chambersburg PA vet tech diagnosing puppy Realizing your lifelong aspiration of working with and helping pets by enrolling in a veterinary technician school near Chambersburg PA could initially seem like a daunting undertaking. After all, you must locate and enroll in a school that will deliver the necessary training to ensure that you can be successful as a vet tech. But just how do you approach analyzing and comparing programs so that you can make the proper selection? Many aspiring students begin their due diligence process by looking for colleges that are near their residences. When they have located some area schools, they find out which ones have the lowest tuition and focus on those. Although location and expense are important considerations when evaluating vet tech schools, they are by no means the only critical ones when making your assessments. Qualifications such as accreditation and internship programs need to be evaluated also. The main idea is that there are questions you ought to be asking the vet technician programs you are reviewing before you make an ultimate selection. We have furnished several within this article to help get you started, but before we review them we’ll go over the varied responsibilities of vet techs and the training alternatives available.

The Function of a Veterinary Technician in Chambersburg PA

cat with cone after surgery in Chambersburg PA Among the first decisions that you will have to make is whether you want to train as a vet technician, assistant or technologist. Part of your preference may be predicated 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 techs and assistants have in common is that they both work under the direct guidance of a practicing and licensed veterinarian. And although there are many duties that they can perform within the Chambersburg PA veterinary clinic or hospital, they can’t prescribe drugs, diagnose conditions, or conduct surgical procedures. In those areas they may only provide support to a licensed veterinarian. There are technicians and technologists that work away from the conventional veterinarian practice, such as for animal shelters, zoos or police departments. Let’s take a look at the duties and education requirements for each specialization.

Vet Assistants in almost all instances will have completed 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 trade school. As the name implies, their job function is to assist the vets and vet technicians in the execution of their duties. Usually they are not associated with more complex tasks, for instance assisting with surgeries. A few of their typical duties may include working at the front desk, preparing and cleaning exam rooms and equipment, or controlling animals during examinations.
Vet Technicians undergo more extensive training compared to assistants and typically obtain a 2 year Associate Degree, ideally from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program. They are in a sense the veterinarian counterparts of medical nurses, since their general job duty is to assist vets with diagnosing and treating animal patients. Where they stand apart from vet assistants is that they are included in more complex activities, such as assisting with surgical procedures or providing medication. All states presently mandate that veterinary techs pass a credentialing exam for either registration, certification or licensing.
Vet Technologists are similar to veterinary technicians and for the most part carry out the same job functions. They are mandated to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in veterinary technology, which generally takes 4 years to complete. So the main distinction between a vet technician and a technologist is the technologist’s higher level of education. But with an advanced degree comes more job options, increased salaries and potential management positions. They are additionally required to pass a credentialing examination for either certification, registration or licensing.

Vet technicians and technologists may specialize in areas such as anesthesia, internal medicine or urgent care. A number may receive certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) to work in Chambersburg PA labs or research facilities as well.

Online Vet Tech Programs Offered in Chambersburg

student attending online vet tech school in Chambersburg PA An alternative that might be a solution for those with a busy 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 schedule wherever a computer is available. The educational program is taught using multiple venues, including videos, slide shows 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 Chambersburg PA veterinarian practice or hospital. Distance learning, as it is also called, may in some instances lower the cost of your education. Tuition and ancillary expenses, such as for traveling and study supplies, can be more affordable compared to more conventional classroom courses. Just confirm that the program that you choose is accredited, either by the AVMA or another nationally recognized accrediting organization. With the online courses and the clinical training, everything is furnished 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 right choice for you.

Questions to Ask Chambersburg PA Veterinary Technician Programs

Questions to ask Chambersburg PA vet tech schools By now you should have selected which veterinarian credential that you would like 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, technical and vocational schools in the Chambersburg PA area as well as across the Country, you must ask some qualifying questions in order to narrow down your list of alternatives. As we discussed in our opening, many potential students start by focusing on location and the cost of tuition. But we have already pointed out other significant qualifiers, for instance accreditation and internship programs. And of course you want to enroll in a college that offers the degree and specialty that you are interested in. These and other qualifications are addressed in the checklist of questions that you need to ask the veterinary technician schools that you are reviewing.

Is the Veterinary Program Accredited? It’s important that you verify that the veterinary technician school you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency. As previously mentioned, 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 rigorous screening process that confirms you will receive a superior education. Also, accreditation is necessary if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, since numerous programs are not obtainable for non-accredited programs. Last, having a degree or certificate from an accredited program is often a requirement for employment for many Chambersburg PA area vet clinics and hospitals.

What is the Program’s Reputation? The veterinary trade school or college and program you enroll in must have an excellent reputation within the veterinary community. You can begin your due diligence by asking the schools you are looking at for endorsements from the employers in their job placement network. Other suggestions include looking on internet school ranking websites and checking with the school’s accrediting organizations as well. You can ask the Pennsylvania school licensing department if there have been any grievances or violations regarding your targeted schools. As a final pointer, phone some Chambersburg PA vet clinics that you may want to work for after you receive your training. Find out what they think about your school selections. They may even suggest some colleges not on your list.

Are there Internship Programs? The most effective approach to obtain practical hands on experience as a vet tech is to work in a professional setting. Find out if the programs you are considering have internship programs established with Chambersburg PA veterinarians, vet clinics or hospitals. Most veterinary medicine programs require practical training and many provide it through internships. Not only will the experience be valuable as far as the practical training, but an internship can also help establish relationships in the local veterinary community and assist in the search for a job after graduation.

Is there a Job Assistance Program? Searching for a job after graduating from a vet tech college can be challenging without the help of a job placement program. First, ask what the graduation rates are for the schools you are reviewing. A lower rate may signify that the instructors were ineffective at teaching the course of study or that some students were unhappy 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 could mean that the school has an excellent reputation within the Chambersburg PA veterinary community and has a significant network of contacts for student placements. A low rate could signify that the training is not highly regarded by employers or that the job placement program is ineffective at placing students.

How Big are the Classes? If the classes are bigger, you may get little or no personalized instruction from the teachers. Solicit from the Chambersburg PA colleges you are looking at what their classroom student to teacher ratios are. You might also decide to sit in on a couple of classes (if practical) to monitor the interaction between teachers and students. Get feedback from students concerning the quality of instruction. Also, speak with the teachers and find out what their qualifications are as well as their methods of teaching.

Where is the Campus Located? Of course, we already talked about 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 Chambersburg PA home, you have to confirm that the commuting time is compatible with your schedule. For example, driving during the weekend to check out the route won’t be the same as the drive during rush hour traffic, especially if the college is located in or close by a large city. In addition, 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 state and community colleges. Of course attending classes online might be an alternative 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 schools you are looking at offer class times flexible enough 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 Chambersburg PA. Some 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. In addition, find out if you can make up classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family responsibilities. You might find that an online college is the best way to fit your vet training into your active life.

Enrolling in a Vet Tech School near Chambersburg PA?

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

Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

Chambersburg is a borough in and the county seat of Franklin County, in the South Central region of Pennsylvania, United States. It is in the Cumberland Valley, which is part of the Great Appalachian Valley, and 13 miles (21 km) north of Maryland and the Mason-Dixon line and 52 miles (84 km) southwest of Harrisburg, the state capital. According to the United States Census Bureau, Chambersburg's 2010 population was 20,268.[5] When combined with the surrounding Greene, Hamilton, and Guilford Townships, the population of Greater Chambersburg is 52,273 people. The Chambersburg, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area includes surrounding Franklin County, and in 2010 included 149,618 people.[6]

Chambersburg's settlement began in 1730 when water mills were built at the confluence of Conococheague Creek and Falling Spring Creek that now run through the center of the town. Its history includes episodes relating to the French and Indian War, the Whiskey Rebellion, John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry, and the American Civil War. The borough was the only major northern community burned down by Confederate forces during the war, which led to accusations of war crimes.[7][8]

Chambersburg is located along the Lincoln Highway, U.S. 30, between McConnellsburg and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and along U.S. 11, the Molly Pitcher Highway, between Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, and Hagerstown, Maryland. Interstate 81 skirts the borough to its east. The town also lies approximately midpoint on US Route 30 between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia with the local geography reflecting both flatter areas like Philadelphia and mountainous areas like Pittsburgh.

Enroll in the Best Vet Tech Program near Chambersburg PA

Chambersburg PA vet tech holding dog Selecting the ideal veterinary technician program is a crucial first step to beginning a rewarding career delivering treatment and care for animals. Potential students considering veterinary technician colleges must make their determination based on several key factors. Veterinary technicians and technologists are employed in animal hospitals, veterinary clinics and animal shelters. They commonly take on administrative responsibilities and support the veterinarian with the animal patients when needed. As we have discussed, it’s imperative that you decide on a veterinary medicine program that is both accredited and has an excellent reputation within the field. This applies to 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 selection. And by selecting the best school, you can reach your goal of becoming a vet tech in Chambersburg PA.