Become a Vet Tech | Vet Tech Schools Custer City PA

How to Pick a Veterinary Technician School near Custer City Pennsylvania

Custer City PA vet tech diagnosing puppy Fulfilling your lifelong dream of working with and caring for animals by enrolling in a veterinary technician school near Custer City PA could initially seem like a daunting task. After all, you need to locate and enroll in a college that will provide the proper training to ensure that you can be successful as a vet tech. But just how do you approach analyzing and contrasting programs so that you can make the ideal choice? Many aspiring students start their due diligence process by looking for campuses that are close to their residences. Once they have located some area schools, they determine which ones have the cheapest tuition and focus on those. Although cost and location are important concerns when assessing vet tech programs, they are not the only critical ones when making your evaluations. Factors such as accreditation and internship programs need to be looked into also. The point is that there are questions you should be asking the vet tech programs you are considering before you make a final choice. We have furnished several within this article to help get you started, but before we discuss them we’ll go over the varied responsibilities of vet techs and the training options available.

The Function of a Veterinary Technician in Custer City PA

cat with cone after surgery in Custer City PA One of the first decisions that you will need to make is if you wish to train as a veterinary assistant, technologist or technician. Part of your determination might be based on the amount of time and money that you have to invest in your training, but the primary factor will probably be which specialty appeals to you the most. What techs and assistants have in common is that they all work under the direct supervision of a practicing and licensed veterinarian. And although there are numerous jobs that they can carry out within the Custer City PA veterinary clinic or hospital, they can’t prescribe medications, diagnose conditions, or perform surgeries. In those areas they can only provide assistance to a licensed veterinarian. There are technicians and technologists that work exclusive of the conventional veterinarian practice, for example for zoos, animal shelters or police departments. Let’s take a look at the job functions and education requirements for each specialization.

Vet Assistants in most cases will have gone through a formal training program, either as an apprentice or intern in a vet clinic or hospital, or by completing a certificate program at a vocational school or community college. As the name implies, their job function is to assist the veterinarians and vet technicians in the execution of their duties. Normally they are not involved with more involved activities, for instance assisting with surgeries. Some of their normal duties may include working at the front desk, preparing and cleaning exam rooms and equipment, or handling animals during examinations.
Vet Technicians get more extensive training compared with assistants and generally earn a 2 year Associate Degree, ideally from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program. They are in a sense the vet counterparts of medical nurses, since their general job function is to assist vets with diagnosing and treating animal patients. Where they differ from vet assistants is that they are engaged in more complicated activities, for example assisting with surgical procedures or administering medication. All states currently require vet technicians pass a credentialing exam for either licensing, registration or certification.
Vet Technologists are similar to veterinary technicians and basically carry out the same job functions. They are mandated to attain a Bachelor’s Degree in veterinary technology, which normally requires four years. Therefore the only real distinction between a vet technician and a technologist is the technologist’s more advanced level of education. But with an advanced degree comes more job opportunities, higher salaries and potential management positions. They are also required to pass a credentialing exam for either certification, registration or licensing.

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

Veterinary Technician Online Programs Offered in Custer City

student attending online vet tech school in Custer City PA An option that might be a solution for those with a hectic schedule or who are working full-time while attending vet college is to enroll in an online training program. Because the classes are offered by means of the internet, students can study on their own timetable wherever a computer is available. The syllabus is taught using several venues, including slide shows, videos and live streaming webinars. And since the majority of veterinary tech and technologist degrees require clinical training, that segment can typically be completed as an internship or work study program at a local Custer City PA veterinary clinic or hospital. Distance learning, as it is also called, may in some instances reduce the cost of your education. Tuition and supplementary costs, for example for travel and study supplies, can be lower compared to more traditional classroom courses. Just make certain 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 disciplined enough to learn in this more self-reliant fashion, an online vet tech program may be the right choice for you.

Questions to Ask Custer City PA Vet Tech Programs

Questions to ask Custer City PA vet tech schools At this point you probably have decided on which veterinary credential that you would like to earn, and if you prefer to study online or attend a college on campus. Since there are an abundance of veterinarian community colleges, technical and vocational schools in the Custer City PA area as well as across the USA, you must ask some qualifying questions in order to narrow down your list of options. As we discussed in our introduction, many future students start by prioritizing location and tuition expense. But we have already touched on other important qualifiers, such as internship programs and accreditation. And obviously you want to enroll in a college that offers the degree and specialty that you would like to earn. These and other qualifications are reviewed in the list of questions that you should ask the veterinary technician colleges that you are considering.

Is the Vet School 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, among the most highly respected is the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Trade schools and colleges that are accredited by the AVMA have gone through an extensive screening process that ensures you will get a quality education. Also, accreditation is essential if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, since many programs are not available for non-accredited programs. Last, having a certificate or degree from an accredited program is frequently a prerequisite for employment for many Custer City PA area veterinary clinics and hospitals.

What is the School’s Reputation? The veterinary trade school or college and program you choose must have an outstanding reputation within the veterinarian community. You can initiate your due diligence by asking the schools you are reviewing for endorsements from the employers in their job placement network. Other pointers include checking with online school rating websites and contacting the school’s accrediting agencies as well. You can ask the Pennsylvania school licensing department if there have been any grievances or violations involving your targeted schools. As a final pointer, contact some Custer City PA vet clinics that you may wish to work for after you get your training. Ask what they think of your school choices. They may even suggest some colleges not on your list.

Are Internships Offered? The most effective approach to get practical hands on training as a vet tech is to work in a professional setting. Ask if the colleges you are considering have internship programs established with Custer City PA veterinarians, vet clinics or hospitals. Most veterinary medicine programs mandate clinical training and a large number furnish it by means of internships. Not only will the experience be beneficial as far as the clinical training, but an internship can also help build associations in the local vet community and aid in the search for employment after graduation.

Is there a Job Placement Program? Searching for a job after graduating from a vet tech program can be difficult without the help of a job placement program. First, find out what the graduation rates are for the colleges you are evaluating. A lower rate may suggest that the instructors were ineffective at teaching the syllabus or that some students were unhappy with the program and dropped out. Next, verify that the colleges have a job placement program and ask what their placement rates are. A higher placement rate may mean that the college has an excellent reputation within the Custer City PA veterinarian community and has a considerable network of contacts for student placements. A lower rate might indicate that the training is not highly regarded by employers or that the job assistance program is a failure at placing students.

How Large are the Classes? If the classes are larger in size, you most likely will receive little or no individualized instruction from the teachers. Solicit from the Custer City PA colleges you are considering what their class student to teacher ratios are. You might also want to participate in a couple of classes (if practical) to observe the interaction between teachers and students. Get evaluations from students concerning 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 Campus Located? Okay, we already talked about location, but there are a couple of more points to consider on the subject. If you are planning to drive to your vet tech classes from your Custer City PA home, you must confirm that the driving time fits into 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 close by or within a large city. In addition, if you do choose to attend a college in another state or even outside of your County of residence, there may be higher tuition costs especially for state and community colleges. On the other hand, taking classes online 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 essential that you ascertain if the veterinarian schools you are looking at offer class times that are sufficiently flexible to fit your schedule. For instance, a number of students continue to work full time and can only attend classes on the weekends or at night near Custer City PA. Others might only be able to go to class in the morning or in the afternoon. Verify that the class times you need are offered before enrolling. Also, find out 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 Custer City PA?

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

George Armstrong Custer

George Armstrong Custer (December 5, 1839 – June 25, 1876) was a United States Army officer and cavalry commander in the American Civil War and the American Indian Wars. Raised in Michigan and Ohio, Custer was admitted to West Point in 1857, where he graduated last in his class in 1861. With the outbreak of the Civil War, Custer was called to serve with the Union Army.

Custer developed a strong reputation during the Civil War. He participated in the first major engagement, the First Battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861, near Washington, D.C. His association with several important officers helped his career as did his success as a highly effective cavalry commander. Custer was brevetted to brigadier general at age 23, less than a week before the Battle of Gettysburg, where he personally led cavalry charges that prevented Confederate cavalry from attacking the Union rear in support of Pickett's Charge. He was wounded in the Battle of Culpeper Court House in Virginia on September 13, 1863. In 1864, Custer was awarded another star and brevetted to major general rank. At the conclusion of the Appomattox Campaign, in which he and his troops played a decisive role, Custer was present at General Robert E. Lee's surrender to General Ulysses S. Grant, on April 9, 1865.

After the Civil War, Custer remained a major general in the United States Volunteers until they were mustered out in February 1866. He reverted to his permanent rank of captain and was appointed a lieutenant colonel in the 7th Cavalry Regiment in July 1866. He was dispatched to the west in 1867 to fight in the American Indian Wars. On June 25, 1876, while leading the 7th Cavalry Regiment at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in Montana Territory against a coalition of Native American tribes, he and all of his detachment—which included two of his brothers—were killed. The battle is popularly known in American history as "Custer's Last Stand."

Select the Right Veterinary Technician Program near Custer City PA

Custer City PA vet tech holding dog Selecting the right vet tech program is a crucial first step to starting a rewarding career providing treatment and care for pets and livestock. Potential students looking into vet tech programs must make their selection based on several key issues. Veterinary technicians and technologists are employed in vet clinics, animal hospitals and animal shelters. They usually take on administrative duties and assist the veterinarian with the animals when needed. As we have covered, 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 vet tech online programs as well. By asking the questions included in our checklist for evaluating schools, you will be able to reduce your choices so that you can make your final choice. And by choosing the best program, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a veterinary technician in Custer City PA.