Become a Vet Tech | Vet Tech Schools West Newton PA

How to Select a Vet Tech School near West Newton Pennsylvania

West Newton PA vet tech diagnosing puppy Realizing your lifelong dream of working with and helping animals by enrolling in a vet tech school near West Newton PA may at first seem like an overwhelming task. After all, you have to search for and enroll in a program that will deliver the necessary training so that you can succeed as a veterinary technician. But just how do you go about assessing and comparing programs so that you can make the best choice? Many potential students begin their due diligence process by looking for schools that are close to their residences. Once they have found some local schools, they determine which ones have the lowest tuition and hone in on those. Although location and expense are important factors when comparing vet tech schools, they are by no means the only important ones when making your evaluations. Qualifiers such as internship programs and accreditation should be considered also. The main idea is that there are questions you should be asking the vet technician schools you are considering before you make a final selection. We have furnished several in this article in order to help get you started, but before we discuss them we’ll explore the varied responsibilities of vet techs and the training options offered.

The Job of a Veterinary Technician in West Newton PA

cat with cone after surgery in West Newton PA Among the first decisions that you will have to make is if you desire to train as a vet assistant, technician or technologist. Part of your decision may be predicated on the amount of time and money that you have to commit to your education, but the principal factor will most likely be which specialization appeals to you the most. What technicians and assistants have in common is that they both work under the direct guidance of a licensed and practicing veterinarian. And even though there are many functions that they can carry out within the West Newton PA veterinary practice or hospital, they can’t prescribe drugs, diagnose conditions, or carry out surgical procedures. In those areas they may only furnish support to a licensed vet. There are technicians and technologists that work exclusive of the typical veterinarian practice, for instance for zoos, animal shelters or law enforcement. Let’s take a look at the job functions and education requirements for each position.

Vet Assistants in almost all instances will have completed a structured training program, either as an apprentice or intern in a practice, or by completing a certificate program at a vocational school or community college. As the name implies, their job function is to assist the vets and vet technicians in the completion of their duties. Usually they are not involved with more complex tasks, for instance assisting with surgeries. Some of their typical responsibilities may include working at the front desk, cleaning and preparing examination rooms and equipment, or handling animals during exams.
Vet Technicians get more advanced training in contrast to assistants and usually acquire a two year Associate Degree, preferably from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program. They are in a sense the veterinary equivalent of medical nurses, since their general job function is to assist vets with diagnosing and treating animal patients. Where they vary from veterinary assistants is that they are engaged in more involved duties, for instance assisting with surgical procedures or administering medication. All states presently require veterinary technicians pass a credentialing exam for either certification, registration or licensing.
Vet Technologists are comparable to veterinary techs and for the most part perform the same job functions. They are required to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in veterinary technology, which typically requires four years to complete. Therefore the main 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 opportunities, higher salaries and possible management positions. They are additionally required to pass a credentialing examination for either certification, registration or licensing.

Veterinary technicians and technologists can specialize in areas such as internal medicine, anesthesia or emergency care. A number may earn certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) to work in West Newton PA laboratories or research facilities as well.

Veterinary Technician Online Programs Offered in West Newton

student attending online vet tech school in West Newton PA An alternative that may make sense for those with a hectic lifestyle or who are working full time while attending vet school is to enroll in an online program. Since the classes are made available via the internet, students can attend on their own timetable wherever a computer is accessible. The course of study is taught using various methods, including videos, slide shows and live streaming webinars. And since the majority of vet technician and technologist degrees require clinical training, that portion can usually be completed as an internship or work study program at a local West Newton PA veterinary practice or hospital. Distance learning, as it is also called, may in some instances decrease the cost of your education. Tuition and secondary expenditures, for instance for commuting and study supplies, may be more affordable compared to more conventional classroom courses. Just be sure that the program that you select is accredited, either by the AVMA or another nationally recognized accrediting organization. With the online classes and the practical training, everything is furnished for a complete education. So if you are dedicated enough to learn in this more independent mode, an online vet tech program may be the ideal option for you.

Things to Ask West Newton PA Veterinary Technician Colleges

Questions to ask West Newton PA vet tech schools By now you probably have determined which veterinarian degree that you wish to earn, and if you intend to study online or attend a school on campus. Since there are an abundance of veterinarian community colleges, trade and vocational schools in the West Newton PA area as well as across the USA, you need to ask some qualifying questions to help fine tune your list of alternatives. As we pointed out in our introduction, many potential students start by prioritizing location and tuition expense. But we have already pointed out other significant qualifiers, for example accreditation and internship programs. And of course you need to select a college that offers the specialty and degree that you want to earn. These and other factors are covered in the list of questions that you should ask the veterinary technician schools that you are looking at.

Is the Veterinary Program Accredited? It’s important that you verify that the vet tech school you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency. As previously stated, one of the most highly respected 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 obtain a superior education. Also, accreditation is important if you are requesting 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 school is often a requirement for employment for many West Newton PA area veterinarian clinics and hospitals.

What is the School’s Reputation? The veterinary vocational school or college and program you enroll in should have an outstanding reputation within the vet community. You can begin your due diligence by asking the colleges you are reviewing for testimonials from the employers in their job placement network. Other pointers include checking with internet 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 grievances or infractions regarding your specific schools. As a final pointer, get in touch with some West Newton PA veterinarians that you might wish to work for after you receive your training. Find out what they think about your school choices. They might even suggest some schools not on your list.

Are there Internship Programs? The best approach to get practical hands on training as a vet tech is to work in a professional setting. Ask if the schools you are considering have internship programs set up with West Newton PA veterinarians, vet clinics or hospitals. Most veterinary medicine programs mandate clinical training and a large number provide it by means of internships. Not only will the experience be invaluable as far as the practical training, but an internship can also help build connections in the local vet community and help in the search for a job after graduation.

Is there a Job Assistance Program? Getting a job after graduating from a veterinary technician school can be difficult without the help of a job placement program. First, ask what the graduation rates are for the programs you are reviewing. A lower rate could mean that the teachers were unqualified to teach the curriculum or that a number of students were dissatisfied with the program and dropped out. Next, check that the colleges have a job assistance program and ask what their placement rates are. A high placement rate might indicate that the program has an excellent reputation within the West Newton PA veterinary community and has a substantial network of contacts for student placements. A low rate might mean that the training is not highly regarded by employers or that the job assistance program is a failure at placing students.

How Big are the Classes? If the classes are larger, you most likely will get little or no personalized instruction from the teachers. Solicit from the West Newton PA schools you are researching what their class student to teacher ratios are. You may also decide to participate in a couple of classes (if practical) to observe the interaction between students and teachers. 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 College Located? Yes, we previously covered location, but there are several more points to consider on the topic. If you are planning to drive to your vet tech classes from your West Newton 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 commute during rush hour traffic, particularly if the school is located in or near a larger city. Also, if you do opt to enroll in a college in another state or even outside of your County of residence, there may be increased tuition fees especially for state and community colleges. On the other hand, attending online classes may be an alternative that will give you more flexibility and decrease the necessity for travel.

Is the Class Schedule Flexible? And last, it’s important that you ascertain if the vet programs you are evaluating offer class times that are sufficiently flexible to accommodate your schedule. For example, many students continue to work full time and can only go to classes on the weekends or at night near West Newton PA. Some may only be able to go to classes in the morning or in the afternoon. Make sure that the class times you require are offered prior to enrolling. Also, find out if you can make up classes that you might miss due to sickness, work or family emergencies. You may find that an online school is the ideal solution to fit your veterinary training into your active life.

Enrolling in a Vet Tech School near West Newton PA?

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

West Newton, Pennsylvania

West Newton, located 24.5 miles (39.4 km) southeast of Pittsburgh, is a borough in Westmoreland County in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. Formerly, the manufacture of radiators and boilers were the chief industries. The population was 2,633 at the 2010 census.

The town traces its roots to 1788, when a group of American pioneers to the Northwest Territory led by Gen. Rufus Putnam traveled overland from Massachusetts and stopped at this location to build boats. They then set out down the Youghiogheny River to the Monogahela and Ohio Rivers, ending their journey and founding the town of Marietta, Ohio. Former names of the town are Simeral's Ferry (also, Sumrill’s Ferry) and Robbstown. Eighteen miners lost their lives in West Newton in 1901 at the Port Royal Mine.[3]

Like many pioneer towns in Western Pennsylvania, West Newton earned its early historical relevance by playing a key role in the westward expansion of the United States. The Simerals were the first family to operate in this area and operated a small ferry on the Youghiogheny River halfway between Connellsville and McKeesport. A New Jersey native and whiskey rebel named Isaac Rob, laid out the town of West Newton, however, it was originally called "Robbstown". The town grew slowly as the community served as a trading outpost where the Old Glades Indian trail met the Youghiogheny River. West Newtons fortunes changed during the mid 19th century. River commerce increased with the construction of slack water dams in the 1830s. The introduction of the Pittsburgh, Connellsvile, and Markles Paper Mill provided early economic developments. Despite facing devastating fires, floods and tragic train wrecks in the 20th century, the people of West Newton persevered, continuing to develop both the infrastructure and economy of their community. As time progressed West Newton eventually transitioned into a bedroom community with a vast majority of residents working outside of the boroughs limits. The community saw new economic life blood, serving as a trail town from visitors around the world.

Select the Right Veterinary Technician Program near West Newton PA

West Newton PA vet tech holding dog Selecting the ideal vet tech college is an important first step to beginning a rewarding career delivering care and treatment for pets and livestock. Students considering veterinary technician schools need to make their determination based on multiple key issues. Veterinary technicians and technologists are employed in animal hospitals, veterinary clinics and animal shelters. They typically handle administrative responsibilities and assist the veterinarian with the animal patients when needed. As we have covered, it’s very important that you enroll in a veterinary medicine program that is both accredited and has an outstanding reputation within the profession. This applies to online vet tech colleges as well. By asking the questions provided in our checklist for evaluating schools, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can make your final decision. And by selecting the right program, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a vet tech in West Newton PA.