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How to Pick a Vet Tech School near Erie Pennsylvania

Erie PA vet tech diagnosing puppy Fulfilling your lifelong aspiration of working with and helping pets by enrolling in a veterinary technician school near Erie PA could at first seem like a challenging task. After all, you must search for and enroll in a school that will furnish the necessary training so that you can succeed as a vet tech. But just how do you approach assessing and contrasting colleges so that you can make the right selection? Many future students begin their due diligence process by searching for campuses that are near their residences. When they have located some nearby schools, they determine which ones have the lowest tuition and hone in on those. Although location and cost are important considerations when assessing vet technician programs, they are not the only important ones when making your evaluations. Factors such as accreditation and internship programs should be looked into also. The main idea is that there are questions you should be asking the vet tech schools you are evaluating before you make a final choice. We have furnished several within this article in order to help get you started, but before we review them we’ll talk about the varied roles of vet techs and the training alternatives offered.

The Job of a Veterinary Technician in Erie PA

cat with cone after surgery in Erie PA Among the initial decisions that you will need to make is if you desire to train as a veterinary technician, assistant or technologist. Part of your decision might be predicated on the amount of time and money that you have to commit to your training, but the primary factor will probably be which specialization interests you the most. What techs and assistants share in common is that they both work under the immediate guidance of a practicing and licensed veterinarian. And although there are a number of tasks that they can carry out within the Erie PA veterinary practice or hospital, they can’t prescribe medications, diagnose health issues, or conduct surgical procedures. In those areas they may only provide assistance to a licensed veterinarian. There are technicians and technologists that work exclusive of the standard veterinarian practice, such as for animal shelters, zoos or police departments. Let’s take a look at the duties and education requirements for each specialty.

Vet Assistants in almost all instances will have completed a structured training program, either as an apprentice or intern in a vet clinic or hospital, or by graduating from a certificate program at a vocational school or community college. As the name implies, their job function is to assist the veterinarians and vet techs in the execution of their duties. Usually they are not associated with more complicated tasks, for instance assisting with surgical procedures. A few of their regular duties may include working at the front desk, preparing and cleaning exam rooms and equipment, or handling pets during examinations.
Vet Technicians undergo more advanced training in contrast to assistants and generally obtain a 2 year Associate Degree, preferably from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program. They are in a fashion the veterinary counterparts of medical nurses, since their general job function is to assist veterinarians with diagnosing and treating animal patients. Where they stand apart from veterinary assistants is that they are included in more complex duties, for example assisting with surgical procedures or administering medication. All states currently require vet technicians pass a credentialing exam for either certification, registration or licensing.
Vet Technologists are similar to vet techs and for the most part perform the same work functions. They are required to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in veterinary technology, which generally requires four years. Therefore the only real distinction between a vet technologist and a technician is the technologist’s higher level of education. But with an advanced degree comes more career opportunities, higher salaries and possible management positions. They are additionally required to pass a credentialing exam 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 Erie PA laboratories or research facilities as well.

Online Veterinary Technician Schools Offered in Erie

student attending online vet tech school in Erie PA An option that might be a solution for those with a busy schedule or who are working full time while going to veterinary school is to enroll in an online program. Since the classes are provided through the internet, students can attend on their own schedule wherever a computer is accessible. The educational program is taught using various methods, including slide shows, videos and live streaming webinars. And since many vet tech and technologist degrees require clinical training, that portion can typically be completed as an internship or work study program at a local Erie PA veterinary practice or hospital. Distance learning, as it is also called, may in some instances decrease the cost of your education. Tuition and ancillary expenditures, for instance for commuting and study materials, can be cheaper compared to more standard classroom programs. Just make certain that the online school that you enroll in 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 independent manner, an online vet tech school may be the perfect choice for you.

What to Ask Erie PA Veterinary Technician Programs

Questions to ask Erie PA vet tech schools By now you should have decided on which veterinarian degree that you wish to obtain, and if you want to study online or attend a school on campus. Since there are a large number of vet community colleges, vocational and trade schools in the Erie PA area as well as across the United States, you need to ask some qualifying questions in order to narrow down your list of options. As we discussed in our introduction, many prospective students start by focusing on location and the cost of tuition. But we have previously pointed out other important qualifiers, which include accreditation and internship programs. And naturally you need to select a college that offers the specialty and degree 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 College Accredited? It’s essential that you verify that the veterinary technician college you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization. As previously mentioned, one of the most highly respected is the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Trade schools and colleges that are accredited by the AVMA have gone through a rigorous screening process that verifies you will receive a superior education. Also, accreditation is necessary if you are requesting a student loan or financial assistance, since many programs are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges. And finally, having a degree or certificate from an accredited school is often a precondition for employment for a number of Erie PA area veterinarian practices and hospitals.

What is the School’s Reputation? The veterinarian vocational school or college and program you choose must have an exceptional reputation within the vet field. You can initiate your due diligence by asking the colleges you are looking at for references from the employers in their job assistance network. Other suggestions include looking on online school ranking websites and contacting the school’s accrediting agencies as well. You can ask the Pennsylvania school licensing authority if there have been any complaints or infractions relating to your targeted schools. As a final suggestion, phone some Erie PA veterinary clinics that you might want to work for after you receive your training. Ask what they think of your school selections. They may even suggest some programs not on your list.

Are Internships Offered? The best way to obtain practical hands on experience as a vet tech is to work in a professional setting. Ask if the programs you are considering have internship programs established with Erie PA veterinarians, vet hospitals or clinics. The majority of veterinary medicine programs mandate practical training and many provide it by way of internships. Not only will the experience be valuable as far as the practical training, but an internship may also help build associations in the local vet community and assist in the search for a job after graduation.

Is Job Assistance Provided? Finding a job after graduating from a vet tech program can be difficult without the assistance of a job placement program. To begin with, find out what the graduation rates are for the colleges you are considering. A lower rate may mean that the teachers were ineffective at teaching the curriculum or that some students were disappointed with the program and quit. Next, confirm that the colleges have a job placement program and find out what their placement rates are. A higher placement rate may mean that the school has an excellent reputation within the Erie PA veterinary community and has a substantial network of contacts for student placements. A lower rate may mean that the training is not well 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 probably will receive little or no personalized instruction from the teachers. Request from the Erie PA colleges you are looking at what their class student to teacher ratios are. You might also want to participate in a couple of classes (if practical) to monitor the interaction between instructors and students. Ask for feedback from students concerning the quality of instruction. Also, speak with the teachers and find out what their backgrounds are as well as their approaches to teaching.

Where is the School Located? Yes, we previously covered location, but there are a few more points to make on the topic. If you are planning to drive to your veterinary technician classes from your Erie PA home, you must make certain that the driving time is compatible with 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 in or close by a large city. In addition, if you do decide to attend a college in another state or even outside of your County of residence, there may be increased tuition costs particularly for community and state colleges. On the other hand, attending online classes may be an option that will give you more flexibility and minimize the need for travel.

Is the Class Schedule Flexible? And finally, it’s important that you ascertain if the veterinary colleges you are considering offer class times flexible enough to accommodate your schedule. For instance, many students continue working full time and can only attend classes on the weekends or at night near Erie PA. Some may only be able to go to classes in the morning or later in the afternoon. Make certain that the class times you require are offered before enrolling. In addition, determine if you can make-up classes that you might miss due to work, sickness or family responsibilities. You may discover that an online program is the best solution to fit your veterinary training into your active life.

Enrolling in a Vet Tech School near Erie PA?

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

Erie, Pennsylvania

Erie (/ˈɪəri/; EE-ree) is a city on the south shore of Lake Erie and the county seat of Erie County, Pennsylvania, United States. Named for the lake and the Native American Erie people who lived in the area until the mid-17th century, Erie is the fourth-largest city in Pennsylvania, as well as the largest city in Northwestern Pennsylvania,[5] with a population of 101,786 at the 2010 census.[6] The estimated population in 2016 had decreased to 98,593.[4] The Erie metropolitan area, equivalent to all of Erie County, consists of 276,207 residents. The Erie-Meadville, PA Combined Statistical Area has a population of 369,331, as of the 2010 Census.

Erie is halfway between the cities of Buffalo, New York, and Cleveland, Ohio, and due north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Erie's manufacturing sector remains prominent in the local economy, though health care, higher education, technology, service industries and tourism are emerging as significant economic drivers. Over four million people visit Erie during summer months for recreation at Presque Isle State Park, as well as attractions such as Waldameer Park.

Erie is known as the "Flagship City" because of its status as the home port of Oliver Hazard Perry's flagship Niagara.[7] The city has also been called the "Gem City" because of the sparkling lake.[7] Erie won the All-America City Award in 1972, and in 2012 hosted the Perry 200,[8] a commemoration, celebrating 200 years of peace between England, America and Canada following the War of 1812 and Battle of Lake Erie.

Pick the Ideal Vet Tech College near Erie PA

Erie PA vet tech holding dog Choosing the appropriate vet tech school is a critical first step to beginning a rewarding career delivering care and treatment for pets and livestock. Future students thinking about veterinary technician schools must make their selection based on a number of key factors. Veterinary technicians and technologists are employed in veterinary clinics and 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 imperative that you pick a veterinary medicine program that is both accredited and has an excellent reputation within the field. This goes for vet tech online colleges as well. By asking the questions provided in our checklist for assessing schools, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can make your final choice. And by choosing the right college, you can achieve your goal of becoming a veterinary technician in Erie PA.