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How to Choose a Vet Tech School near Folsom Pennsylvania

Folsom PA vet tech diagnosing puppy Fulfilling your lifelong dream of working with and caring for animals by enrolling in a veterinary technician college near Folsom PA may at first feel like a daunting task. After all, you must search for and enroll in a school that will provide the proper training to ensure that you can be successful as a vet tech. But just how do you tackle reviewing and contrasting programs so that you can make the best selection? Many future students begin their due diligence process by looking for colleges that are near their homes. Once they have located some local colleges, they determine which ones have the lowest tuition and hone in on those. Although expense and location are important concerns when evaluating veterinary technician schools, they are not the only critical ones when making your assessments. Qualifiers such as accreditation and internship programs need to be looked into also. The point is that there are questions you ought to be asking the veterinary technician programs you are evaluating before you make an ultimate choice. We have presented several in this article in order to help get you started, but before we review them we’ll discuss the various duties of vet techs and the training options available.

The Function of a Veterinary Technician in Folsom PA

cat with cone after surgery in Folsom PA One of the first decisions that you will have to make is if you desire to train as a vet technician, assistant or technologist. Part of your preference may be based on the amount of time and money that you have to invest in your education, but the primary determiner will probably be which specialization appeals to you the most. What techs and assistants share in common is that they all work under the direct supervision of a licensed and practicing veterinarian. And even though there are numerous duties that they can carry out within the Folsom PA veterinary clinic or hospital, they can’t prescribe drugs, diagnose ailments, or carry out surgical procedures. In those areas they can only furnish support to a licensed vet. There are technologists and technicians that work outside of the conventional veterinarian practice, such as for animal shelters, zoos or police departments. Let’s take a look at the duties and training prerequisites for each specialty.

Vet Assistants in most instances will have completed a structured training program, either as an apprentice or intern in a vet clinic or hospital, or by completing a certificate program at a community college or vocational school. As the name implies, their job function is to assist the veterinarians and vet techs in the performance of their duties. Normally they are not associated with more complex tasks, such as assisting with surgeries. Some of their regular functions may include working at the front desk, preparing and cleaning exam rooms and equipment, or controlling pets during examinations.
Vet Technicians get more advanced training compared to assistants and normally acquire a two 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 function is to assist veterinarians with diagnosing and treating animal patients. Where they differ from vet assistants is that they are involved in more complex activities, for instance assisting with surgical procedures or providing medication. All states presently mandate that vet technicians pass a credentialing exam for either registration, certification or licensing.
Vet Technologists are similar to vet technicians and essentially carry out the same job functions. They are mandated to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in veterinary technology, which generally requires four years. Therefore the main difference between a vet technologist and a technician is the technologist’s higher level of education. But with an advanced degree comes more job opportunities, increased salaries and potential management positions. They are additionally required to pass a credentialing examination for either licensing, registration or certification.

Vet techs 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 Folsom PA laboratories or research facilities also.

Vet Tech Online Programs Offered in Folsom

student attending online vet tech school in Folsom PA An alternative that might be a solution for those with a hectic schedule or who are working full-time while going to vet school is to enroll in an online training program. Because the classes are provided over the internet, students can study on their own schedule wherever a computer is available. The course of study is taught using several venues, including videos, slide shows and live streaming webinars. And since most vet tech and technologist degrees require practical training, that segment can typically be carried out as an internship or work study program at a local Folsom PA veterinarian practice or hospital. Distance learning, as it is also called, can in some instances decrease the cost of your education. Tuition and ancillary expenses, for example for commuting and study supplies, may be lower compared to more conventional classroom programs. Just confirm that the online school that you enroll in is accredited, either by the AVMA or another nationally recognized accrediting organization. With the online classes and the clinical training, everything is provided for a complete education. So if you are dedicated enough to learn in this more independent fashion, an online vet tech school may be the right choice for you.

Things to Ask Folsom PA Veterinary Technician Programs

Questions to ask Folsom PA vet tech schools By now you should have selected which veterinarian credential that you wish to earn, and if you intend to study online or attend a school on campus. Since there are an abundance of vet community colleges, technical and vocational schools in the Folsom PA area and across the USA, you should ask some important questions to help narrow down your list of options. As we discussed in our opening, many future students start by prioritizing location and tuition expense. But we have previously mentioned other significant qualifiers, such as accreditation and internship programs. And naturally you want to choose a college that offers the specialty and degree that you would like to earn. These and other factors are reviewed in the checklist of questions that you need to ask the veterinary technician schools that you are looking at.

Is the Vet Program Accredited? It’s essential that you verify that the veterinary technician college you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization. As previously stated, one of the most highly regarded is the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Vocational schools and colleges that are accredited by the AVMA have undergone a thorough review process that verifies you will get a quality education. Also, accreditation is important if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, since numerous programs are not obtainable for non-accredited schools. And finally, having a certificate or degree from an accredited college is often a requirement for employment for a number of Folsom PA area veterinary practices and hospitals.

What is the College’s Reputation? The veterinary college or trade school and program you choose should have an exceptional reputation within the veterinarian community. You can start your due diligence by asking the colleges you are looking at for testimonials from the employers in their job placement network. Other suggestions include checking with internet school rating websites and contacting the school’s accrediting agencies as well. You can ask the Pennsylvania school licensing authority if there have been any grievances or violations involving your specific schools. As a final recommendation, phone some Folsom PA veterinary clinics that you may wish to work for after you receive your training. Ask what they think about your school choices. They may even recommend one or more schools not on your list.

Are Internships Offered? The best means to obtain practical hands on training as a vet tech is to work in a clinical environment. Find out if the programs you are considering have internship programs set up with Folsom PA veterinarians, vet clinics or hospitals. Almost all veterinary medicine programs mandate practical training and a large number provide it by means of internships. Not only will the experience be invaluable relative to the clinical training, but an internship can also help establish relationships in the local veterinarian community and help in the search for employment after graduation.

Is Job Assistance Offered? Getting a job after graduating from a veterinary technician program may be difficult without the help of a job placement program. To begin with, find out what the graduation rates are for the schools you are considering. A low rate might indicate that the instructors were ineffective at teaching the course of study or that a number of students were disappointed with the program and quit. Next, confirm that the colleges have a job assistance program and find out what their placement rates are. A higher placement rate could indicate that the program has an exceptional reputation within the Folsom PA vet community and has a substantial network of contacts for student placements. A lower rate could signify that the training is not well regarded by employers or that the job placement program is a failure at placing students.

How Large are the Classes? If the classes are bigger, you may get little or no individualized instruction from the teachers. Request from the Folsom PA schools you are looking at what their class teacher to student ratios are. You may also decide to sit in on a couple of classes (if practical) to observe the interaction between teachers and students. Get evaluations from students regarding the quality of instruction. Also, speak with the teachers and determine what their qualifications are as well as their methods of teaching.

Where is the College Located? Yes, we already talked about location, but there are a few more points to make on the subject. If you are going to commute to your vet tech classes from your Folsom PA home, you have to make sure that the commuting time is compatible with your schedule. For instance, driving during the weekend to investigate the route won’t be the same as the commute during rush hour traffic, especially if the school is located in or close by a larger city. In addition, if you do choose to attend a school in another state or even outside of your County of residence, there may be increased tuition costs particularly for community and state colleges. Of course taking online classes may be an option that will provide you with more flexibility and decrease the necessity for travel.

Is the Class Schedule Flexible? And last, it’s essential that you find out if the veterinary programs you are looking at offer class times flexible enough to fit your schedule. For example, many students continue to work full time and can only go to classes on the weekends or in the evenings near Folsom PA. Others might only be able to attend class in the morning or in the afternoon. Make certain that the class times you require are available prior to enrolling. Also, determine if you can make-up classes that you might miss due to work, sickness or family emergencies. You may discover that an online program is the ideal way to fit your veterinary training into your active life.

Enrolling in a Vet Tech School near Folsom PA?

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

Folsom, Pennsylvania

Folsom is located in northern Ridley Township at 39°53′31″N 75°19′34″W / 39.89194°N 75.32611°W / 39.89194; -75.32611 (39.891978, -75.326231).[2] It is bordered to the northwest by the borough of Swarthmore, to the north by Springfield Township and the borough of Rutledge, to the east by Pennsylvania Route 420, to the southeast by the borough of Prospect Park, to the south by the borough of Ridley Park, and to the southwest by Woodlyn in Ridley Township. Folsom is 11 miles (18 km) southwest of Center City, Philadelphia.

As of the census[3] of 2000, there were 8,072 people, 3,162 households, and 2,203 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 6,455.1 people per square mile (2,493.3/km²). There were 3,235 housing units at an average density of 2,587.0/sq mi (999.2/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 96.51% White, 1.83% African American, 0.01% Native American, 1.07% Asian, 0.11% from other races, and 0.47% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.59% of the population.

There were 3,162 households, out of which 28.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.6% were married couples living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.3% were non-families. 26.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.12.

Enroll in the Best Vet Tech Program near Folsom PA

Folsom PA vet tech holding dog Choosing the right vet tech school is a critical first step to beginning a rewarding career providing treatment and care for animals. Future students looking into vet tech colleges must make their decision based on several key issues. Veterinary technicians and technologists are employed in veterinary clinics and hospitals and animal shelters. They usually take on administrative tasks and assist the veterinarian with the animals as needed. As we have covered, it’s imperative 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 provided in our checklist for assessing schools, you will be able to narrow down your alternatives so that you can make your final selection. And by choosing the ideal school, you can reach your goal of becoming a vet tech in Folsom PA.