Become a Vet Tech | Vet Tech Schools Steilacoom WA

How to Choose a Veterinary Technician Program near Steilacoom Washington

Steilacoom WA vet tech diagnosing puppy Realizing your lifelong aspiration of working with and caring for pets by enrolling in a veterinary technician college near Steilacoom WA could initially seem like a daunting endeavor. After all, you must search for and enroll in a college that will deliver the appropriate training to ensure that you can be successful as a vet tech. But just how do you go about analyzing and comparing colleges so that you can make the ideal choice? Many future students begin their due diligence process by looking for colleges that are close to their homes. After they have located some local schools, they find out which ones have the lowest tuition and hone in on those. Although cost and location are significant considerations when comparing vet technician programs, they are not the only significant ones when making your evaluations. Qualifications such as internship programs and accreditation should be considered also. The point is that there are questions you need to be asking the vet tech programs you are evaluating before you make a final choice. We have presented several in this article in order to help get you started, but before we review them we’ll explore the various responsibilities of vet techs and the training alternatives available.

The Responsibilities of a Vet Tech in Steilacoom WA

cat with cone after surgery in Steilacoom WA One of the initial decisions that you will need to make is whether you want to train as a veterinary technician, assistant or technologist. Part of your preference may be based on the amount of time and money that you have to devote to your training, but the main factor will undoubtedly be which specialization interests you the most. What techs and assistants share in common is that they each work under the immediate guidance of a practicing and licensed veterinarian. And while there are numerous jobs that they can carry out within the Steilacoom WA veterinary practice or hospital, they can’t prescribe medications, diagnose health issues, or conduct surgical procedures. In those areas they can only provide support to a licensed veterinarian. There are technicians and technologists that work outside of the conventional veterinarian practice, such as for animal shelters, zoos or police departments. Let’s take a look at the responsibilities and training prerequisites for each position.

Vet Assistants in almost all cases will have gone through a structured training program, either as an intern or apprentice in a practice, or by finishing a certificate program at a trade school or community college. As the name implies, their job function is to assist the vets and vet techs in the performance of their duties. Usually they are not associated with more complicated tasks, for instance assisting with surgeries. Some of their typical duties may include working at the front desk, cleaning and preparing examination rooms and equipment, or controlling animals during exams.
Vet Technicians undergo more advanced training compared to assistants and usually acquire a 2 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 fundamental job duty is to assist vets with diagnosing and treating animal patients. Where they stand apart from vet assistants is that they are involved in more complex tasks, such as assisting with surgeries or administering medicine. All states currently mandate that vet techs pass a credentialing exam for either registration, certification or licensing.
Vet Technologists are comparable to vet techs and for the most part carry out the same work functions. They are mandated to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in veterinary technology, which typically requires four years to complete. Therefore the main difference between a vet technologist and a technician is the technologist’s more advanced level of education. But with an advanced degree comes more job opportunities, increased salaries and possible management positions. They are also mandated to pass a credentialing examination for either certification, registration or licensing.

Vet techs and technologists may specialize in areas such as anesthesia, internal medicine or urgent care. A number may acquire certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) to work in Steilacoom WA laboratories or research facilities also.

Online Vet Tech Programs Offered in Steilacoom

student attending online vet tech school in Steilacoom WA An approach that may be a solution for those with a busy lifestyle or who are working full-time while attending vet school is to enroll in an online training program. Because the classes are made available through the internet, students can study on their own timetable wherever a computer is accessible. The syllabus is taught using various methods, including slide shows, videos and live streaming webinars. And since many veterinary technician and technologist degrees require clinical training, that segment can typically be fulfilled as an internship or work study program at a local Steilacoom WA veterinary clinic or hospital. Distance learning, as it is also called, may in some instances decrease the cost of your education. Tuition and secondary costs, such as for traveling and study materials, may be lower compared to more standard classroom courses. Just confirm that the online school that you select is accredited, either by the AVMA or another nationally certified accrediting agency. With the online courses and the clinical training, everything is provided for a comprehensive education. So if you are dedicated enough to learn in this more self-reliant manner, an online veterinary technician school may be the right option for you.

Things to Ask Steilacoom WA Veterinary Technician Schools

Questions to ask Steilacoom WA vet tech schools At this point you probably have decided on which veterinarian degree that you would like to earn, and if you want to study online or attend a program on campus. Since there are an abundance of veterinarian community colleges, vocational and technical schools in the Steilacoom WA area and across the Country, you should 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 tuition expense. But we have already pointed out other significant qualifiers, which include accreditation and internship programs. And obviously you need to enroll in a program that offers the specialty and degree that you are interested in. These and other factors are addressed in the list of questions that you need to ask the veterinary technician programs that you are considering.

Is the Vet College Accredited? It’s imperative that you verify that the veterinary technician college you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization. As previously stated, among the most highly regarded is the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Vocational schools and colleges that are accredited by the AVMA have undergone a rigorous screening process that verifies you will obtain a superior education. Also, accreditation is essential if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, since numerous programs are not obtainable for non-accredited programs. And finally, having a degree or certificate from an accredited program is in many cases a requirement for employment for a number of Steilacoom WA area veterinarian clinics and hospitals.

What is the School’s Reputation? The vet trade school or college and program you choose should have an outstanding reputation within the veterinarian community. You can begin your due diligence by asking the colleges you are interested in for endorsements from the employers in their job placement network. Other tips include looking on online school ranking websites and speaking with the school’s accrediting organizations as well. You can ask the Washington school licensing authority if there have been any complaints or violations relating to your specific schools. As a final tip, contact some Steilacoom WA veterinary clinics that you might wish to work for after you get your training. Find out what they think of your school selections. They may even suggest one or more programs not on your list.

Are there Internship Programs? The best means to obtain practical hands on training as a vet tech is to work in a clinical setting. Find out if the schools you are considering have internship programs arranged with Steilacoom WA veterinarians, vet practices or hospitals. Most veterinary medicine programs require practical training and a large number provide it by way of internships. Not only will the experience be beneficial as far as the practical training, but an internship may also help develop associations in the local vet community and assist in the search for a position after graduation.

Is there a Job Placement Program? Searching for a job after graduating from a vet tech school may be difficult without the help of a job placement program. First, find out what the graduation rates are for the programs you are reviewing. A lower rate might suggest that the instructors were ineffective at teaching the syllabus or that some students were unhappy with the program and quit. Next, verify that the colleges have a job assistance program and ask what their placement rates are. A higher placement rate could signify that the school has an excellent reputation within the Steilacoom WA veterinarian community and has a substantial network of contacts for student placements. A lower rate could indicate that the training is not well thought of by employers or that the job placement program is a failure at placing students.

How Big are the Classes? If the classes are larger sized, you probably will receive little or no individualized instruction from the teachers. Solicit from the Steilacoom WA colleges you are looking at what their classroom teacher to student ratios are. You might also decide to attend a few classes (if practical) to observe the interaction between students and teachers. Get feedback from students concerning the quality of instruction. Also, talk with the teachers and determine what their qualifications are as well as their methods of teaching.

Where is the School Located? Yes, we previously covered location, but there are several more points to make on the topic. If you are planning to drive to your veterinary technician classes from your Steilacoom WA home, you have to confirm that the commuting 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, particularly if the school is located close by or within a large city. In addition, if you do decide to enroll in a college in another state or even outside of your County of residence, there may be increased tuition costs especially for state and community colleges. Of course taking classes online might be an alternative that will provide you with more flexibility and decrease the necessity for travel.

Is the Class Schedule Flexible? And last, it’s imperative that you determine if the veterinary colleges you are evaluating offer class times flexible enough to accommodate your schedule. For example, a number of students continue to work full time and can only attend classes on the weekends or at night near Steilacoom WA. Some might only be able to attend class in the morning or in the afternoon. Make certain that the class times you need are offered before enrolling. Also, determine if you can make-up classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family responsibilities. You may discover that an online college is the best way to fit your vet education into your busy life.

Enrolling in a Vet Tech School near Steilacoom WA?

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

Steilacoom, Washington

Steilacoom (/ˈstɛlkəm, -ləkəm/) is a town in Pierce County, Washington, United States. The population was 5,985 at the 2010 census.[5] Steilacoom is on the coast of Puget Sound, on a branch not visible on the map to the right. Steilacoom incorporated in 1854 and became the first incorporated town in what is now Washington state. It has also become a bedroom community for soldiers stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

The origin of the name "Steilacoom" is unclear. According to the Legacy Washington program, the town’s name is derived from an Indian word meaning “little pink flower.”[6] Another version is that it was named by fur traders with the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) and is an adaptation of Tail-a-Koom, the name of an Indian chief. In 1824 HBC chief factor John Work called it "Chilacoom". Another early spelling was "Chelakom".[7][8] The Town of Steilacoom says it was named after the Steilacoom tribe, especially their main village in the Tacoma area, located on Chambers Bay. This village was called Scht’ləqʷəm, later anglicized as Steilacoom.[9]William Bright says the name comes from the Southern Coast Salish subgroup /č'tílqʷəbš/, anglicized as "Steilacoom".[10]

European-American settlement at Steilacoom was founded by Lafayette Balch, a sea captain from Maine, and it was officially incorporated in 1854. It is the oldest incorporated town in Washington. It has four individual buildings and sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the oldest Catholic Church in the state and the first Protestant Church north of the Columbia River, as well as the Steilacoom Historic District, with 68 contributing properties.

Choose the Best Veterinary Technician Program near Steilacoom WA

Steilacoom WA vet tech holding dog Selecting the ideal veterinary technician program is a crucial first step to beginning a fulfilling career providing treatment and care for animals. Future students considering veterinary technician colleges must make their determination based on a number of key issues. Veterinary technicians and technologists are employed in veterinary clinics and hospitals and animal shelters. They commonly handle administrative tasks and support the veterinarian with the animal patients as needed. As we have discussed, it’s imperative that you select a veterinary medicine program that is both accredited and has an outstanding reputation within the profession. This goes for online vet tech schools 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 choosing the best school, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a veterinary technician in Steilacoom WA.