Become a Vet Tech | Vet Tech Schools Silverlake WA

How to Find the Right Vet Tech School near Silverlake Washington

Silverlake WA vet tech diagnosing puppy Fulfilling your long term goal of working with and helping animals by enrolling in a veterinary technician school near Silverlake WA might initially feel like a challenging task. After all, you need to 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 approach analyzing and comparing programs so that you can make the ideal selection? Many potential students launch their due diligence process by searching for campuses that are close to their homes. After they have identified some area colleges, they determine which ones have the lowest tuition and focus on those. Although cost and location are important considerations when comparing vet technician schools, they are by no means the only important ones when making your comparisons. Qualifiers such as accreditation and internship programs need to be evaluated as well. The point is that there are questions you need to be asking the vet tech programs you are looking at before you make a final selection. We have provided several within this article to help get you started, but before we discuss them we’ll go over the different roles of vet techs and the training alternatives available.

The Responsibilities of a Vet Tech in Silverlake WA

cat with cone after surgery in Silverlake WA Among the first decisions that you will need to make is whether you want to train as a veterinary assistant, technologist or technician. Part of your preference may be based on the amount of time and money that you have to commit to your training, but the principal factor will most likely be which specialization interests you the most. What techs and assistants share in common is that they both work under the immediate direction of a practicing and licensed veterinarian. And although there are a number of duties that they can perform within the Silverlake WA veterinary clinic or hospital, they can’t prescribe medications, diagnose health issues, or perform surgical procedures. In those areas they can only provide assistance to a licensed vet. There are technicians and technologists that work away from the typical veterinarian practice, for instance for animal shelters, zoos or law enforcement. Let’s take a look at the job functions and training requirements for each specialty.

Vet Assistants in the majority of cases will have gone through a formal training program, either as an intern or apprentice in a practice, or by graduating from a certificate program at a community college or vocational school. As the name implies, their job function is to assist the veterinarians and vet technicians in the performance of their duties. Normally they are not involved with more complicated undertakings, such as assisting with surgeries. A few of their usual duties may include working at the front desk, preparing and cleaning examination rooms and equipment, or controlling animals during exams.
Vet Technicians receive more advanced training in contrast to assistants and normally earn a two year Associate Degree, ideally from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program. They are in a sense the veterinary equivalent of medical nurses, since their general job duty is to assist vets with diagnosing and treating animal patients. Where they vary from veterinary assistants is that they are included in more complex functions, for example assisting with surgeries or providing medicine. All states currently require vet techs pass a credentialing exam for either registration, certification or licensing.
Vet Technologists are similar to veterinary techs and essentially perform the same job functions. They are mandated to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in veterinary technology, which generally takes four years. So the main difference between a vet technician and a technologist is the technologist’s more advanced level of education. But with an advanced degree comes more work opportunities, increased salaries and potential management positions. They are additionally mandated to pass a credentialing exam for either licensing, registration or certification.

Vet technicians and technologists can specialize in areas such as anesthesia, internal medicine or emergency care. Many may obtain certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) to work in Silverlake WA laboratories or research facilities as well.

Vet Tech Online Programs Offered in Silverlake

student attending online vet tech school in Silverlake WA An approach that might be a solution for those with a busy schedule or who are working full-time while attending veterinary college is to enroll in an online program. Since the classes are offered via the internet, students can attend on their own timetable wherever a computer is available. The syllabus is taught using multiple venues, including slide shows, videos and live streaming webinars. And since the majority of vet technician and technologist degrees require clinical training, that segment can normally be fulfilled as an internship or work study program at a local Silverlake WA veterinary practice or hospital. Distance learning, as it is also called, may in some instances lower the cost of your education. Tuition and supplementary costs, such as for commuting and study materials, can be more affordable compared to more standard classroom programs. Just make sure 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 practical training, everything is provided for a comprehensive 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 Silverlake WA Vet Tech Programs

Questions to ask Silverlake WA vet tech schools At this point you probably have decided on which veterinary credential that you wish to attain, and if you intend 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 Silverlake WA area and across the Country, you need to ask some important questions in order to fine tune your list of alternatives. As we discussed in our opening, many future students start by concentrating on location and the cost of tuition. But we have already pointed out other essential qualifiers, for example accreditation and internship programs. And of course you need to select a college that offers the degree and specialty that you want to earn. These and other qualifications are covered in the list of questions that you need to ask the vet tech schools that you are reviewing.

Is the Vet Program Accredited? It’s essential that you verify that the vet tech 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). Vocational schools and colleges that are accredited by the AVMA have undergone a thorough screening process that confirms you will receive a superior education. Also, accreditation is important if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, since a large number of programs are not obtainable for non-accredited schools. Last, having a certificate or degree from an accredited program is often a requirement for employment for a number of Silverlake WA area veterinary clinics and hospitals.

What is the School’s Reputation? The veterinary trade school or college and program you select must have an excellent reputation within the veterinarian community. You can initiate your due diligence by asking the schools you are interested in for references from the employers in their job placement network. Other tips include checking with internet school rating websites and speaking with the school’s accrediting organizations as well. You can ask the Washington school licensing authority if there have been any grievances or infractions regarding your specific schools. As a final recommendation, get in touch with some Silverlake WA veterinarians that you may wish to work for after you go through your training. Ask what they think about your school choices. They may even recommend some schools not on your list.

Are there Internship Programs? The most effective means to obtain practical hands on training as a vet tech is to work in a clinical setting. Find out if the programs you are reviewing have internship programs arranged with Silverlake WA veterinarians, vet practices or hospitals. The majority of veterinary medicine programs require practical training and a large number furnish it by means of internships. Not only will the experience be invaluable regarding the clinical training, but an internship can also help establish associations in the local veterinary community and aid in the search for employment after graduation.

Is there a Job Assistance Program? Finding a job after graduating from a veterinary technician college may be challenging without the help of a job placement program. To begin with, ask what the graduation rates are for the programs you are reviewing. A lower rate could suggest that the instructors were ineffective at teaching the course of study or that some students were disappointed with the program and quit. Next, verify that the colleges have a job placement program and find out what their placement rates are. A high placement rate may signify that the college has an exceptional reputation within the Silverlake WA veterinarian community and has a considerable network of contacts for student placements. A lower rate might mean that the training is not well thought of by employers or that the job placement program is a failure at placing students.

How Large are the Classes? If the classes are larger in size, you probably will receive little or no personalized instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Silverlake WA programs you are researching what their classroom teacher to student ratios are. You might also decide to participate in a couple of classes (if practical) to monitor the interaction between students and teachers. Ask for evaluations from students relating to the quality of instruction. Also, talk with the instructors and find out what their backgrounds are as well as their methods of teaching.

Where is the School Located? Of course, we already discussed 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 Silverlake WA home, you need to confirm 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 drive during rush hour traffic, especially if the school is located close by or within a larger city. Also, if you do opt to attend a college in another state or even outside of your County of residence, there may be increased tuition charges especially for state and community colleges. On the other hand, attending classes online may be an option that will provide you with more flexibility and reduce the necessity for travel.

Do the Classes Fit Your Schedule? And finally, it’s essential that you determine if the veterinary colleges you are looking at offer class times flexible enough to fit your schedule. For instance, a number of students continue working full time and can only attend classes on the weekends or in the evenings near Silverlake WA. Some might only be able to go to classes in the morning or in the afternoon. Make certain that the class times you require are offered prior to enrolling. Also, find out if you can make up classes that you may miss due to sickness, work or family responsibilities. You may find that an online college is the ideal way to fit your vet education into your hectic life.

Enrolling in a Vet Tech School near Silverlake WA?

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

Silver Lake, Washington

Silver Lake, sometimes Silverlake, is an unincorporated community in Cowlitz County, Washington, in the southwestern portion of the state. Silver Lake is located 6 miles (9.7 km) east of Castle Rock along Washington State Route 504, which is also known as the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway.[2] The area considered Silverlake is about 6 miles (10 km) east of Interstate 5 (I-5) and is approximately 50 miles (80 km) from Portland, Oregon, to the south and Seattle about 110 miles (180 km) to the north. The closest cities to the subject property are Castle Rock, six miles (10 km) to the west, and Toutle, four miles (6 km) east.

The Silver Lake community takes its name from the lake of the same name, which it lies on the northwest shore of. The Silver Lake community is part of the Toutle Lake School District, a K-12 school district of about 600 students. Silver Lake is about 30 miles (48 km) west of Mount St. Helens and near the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, which lies at the end of the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway. The eruption of Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980 was the deadliest and most economically destructive volcanic event in the history of the United States. The WDFW has planted Grass Carp in this lake, however it is illegal to fish for or retain grass carp.[3]

Employment in the area is primarily centered on the cities of Longview, Kelso, and Castle Rock, which are all situated along the Interstate-5 freeway. The area in general relies on an economy that is largely based around the timber and tourism industry, but tourism has taken precedence since the declining timber industry. Local economic growth has remained stable due to the plethora of outdoor activities take place in the scenic Silverlake area, including camping, hunting, and fishing. Additionally, the Pacific Ocean is approximately 90 minutes west and skiing and other wilderness activities are all within an hour away.

Pick the Ideal Veterinary Technician School near Silverlake WA

Silverlake WA vet tech holding dog Selecting the appropriate veterinary technician program is a crucial first step to beginning a fulfilling career providing care and treatment for animals. Future students looking into vet tech schools need to make their decision based on a number of key issues. Veterinary technicians and technologists work in animal hospitals, veterinary clinics and animal shelters. They usually take on administrative responsibilities and assist the veterinarian with the animal patients as needed. As we have discussed, it’s very important that you enroll in a veterinary medicine program that is both accredited and has an excellent reputation within the profession. This applies to vet tech online programs as well. By asking the questions provided in our checklist for evaluating schools, you will be able to reduce your choices so that you can make your final decision. And by choosing the ideal college, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a veterinary technician in Silverlake WA.