Become a Vet Tech | Vet Tech Schools Moorefield WV

How to Choose a Veterinary Technician School near Moorefield West Virginia

Moorefield WV vet tech diagnosing puppy Achieving your long term aspiration of working with and caring for pets by enrolling in a vet tech program near Moorefield WV may initially seem like an overwhelming task. After all, you need to find and enroll in a program that will deliver the appropriate training to ensure that you can be successful as a veterinary technician. But just how do you approach reviewing and contrasting colleges so that you can make the right choice? Many future students launch their due diligence process by looking for campuses that are close to their residences. Once they have identified some area schools, they ascertain which ones have the most affordable tuition and hone in on those. Although location and expense are important considerations when assessing veterinary technician schools, they are by no means the only significant ones when making your assessments. Qualifiers such as accreditation and internship programs should be looked into as well. The point is that there are questions you need to be asking the vet technician programs you are looking at 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 go over the varied roles of vet techs and the training options available.

The Job of a Vet Tech in Moorefield WV

cat with cone after surgery in Moorefield WV One of the initial decisions that you will need to make is if you want to train as a vet technician, assistant or technologist. Part of your preference might be based on the amount of time and money that you have to invest in your training, but the principal determiner will most likely be which specialty interests you the most. What techs and assistants have in common is that they both work under the direct guidance of a practicing and licensed veterinarian. And although there are a number of jobs that they can perform within the Moorefield WV veterinary practice or hospital, they can’t prescribe medications, diagnose conditions, or conduct surgeries. In those areas they may only provide support to a licensed veterinarian. There are technicians and technologists that work outside of the standard veterinarian practice, such as for zoos, animal shelters or police departments. Let’s take a look at the responsibilities and training prerequisites for each specialization.

Vet Assistants in the majority of cases will have completed a formal training program, either as an apprentice or intern in a vet clinic or hospital, or by graduating from a certificate program at a community college or trade 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 activities, for example assisting with surgical procedures. A few of their typical duties may include working at the front desk, preparing and cleaning examination rooms and equipment, or controlling animals during exams.
Vet Technicians undergo more advanced training compared to assistants and normally acquire a 2 year Associate Degree, preferably from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program. They are in a fashion the veterinarian equivalent of medical nurses, since their general job function is to assist vets with diagnosing and treating animal patients. Where they differ from vet assistants is that they are included in more complex tasks, such as assisting with surgeries or administering medication. All states currently require vet technicians pass a credentialing exam for either certification, registration or licensing.
Vet Technologists are similar to veterinary techs and essentially carry out the same work functions. They are required to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in veterinary technology, which typically takes four years. So the only real distinction between a vet technician and a technologist is the technologist’s higher level of education. But with an advanced degree comes more career options, increased salaries and possible management positions. They are additionally required to pass a credentialing exam for either registration, certification or licensing.

Veterinary techs and technologists may 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 Moorefield WV labs or research facilities also.

Veterinary Technician Online Programs Offered in Moorefield

student attending online vet tech school in Moorefield WV An alternative that may make sense for those with a hectic lifestyle or who are working full time while going to veterinary college is to enroll in an online training program. Because the classes are made available via the internet, students can attend on their own timetable wherever a computer is accessible. The curriculum is taught using several methods, including videos, slide shows and live streaming webinars. And since many veterinary technician and technologist degrees require practical training, that part can usually be completed as an internship or work study program at a local Moorefield WV veterinarian 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 example for travel and study materials, can be more affordable compared to more conventional classroom programs. Just make sure that the online school that you choose 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 program may be the perfect option for you.

What to Ask Moorefield WV Veterinary Technician Programs

Questions to ask Moorefield WV vet tech schools At this point you probably have decided on which veterinary credential that you wish to earn, and if you intend to study online or attend a program on campus. Since there are a large number of veterinarian community colleges, trade and vocational schools in the Moorefield WV area and across the Country, you need to ask some relevant questions in order to fine tune your list of alternatives. As we discussed in our opening, many potential students start by focusing on location and tuition expense. But we have already pointed out other essential qualifiers, such as internship programs and accreditation. And obviously you want to enroll in a school that offers the specialty and degree that you are interested in. These and other qualifications are covered in the list of questions that you need to ask the veterinary technician programs that you are reviewing.

Is the Vet School Accredited? It’s important that you confirm that the vet tech program you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency. As earlier mentioned, among the most highly regarded is the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Trade schools and colleges that are accredited by the AVMA have undergone a rigorous review process that verifies you will receive a quality education. Also, accreditation is essential if you are applying for a student loan or financial assistance, since a large number of programs are not available for non-accredited programs. Last, having a degree or certificate from an accredited program is often a precondition for employment for many Moorefield WV area veterinarian clinics and hospitals.

What is the School’s Reputation? The veterinary trade school or college and program you choose must have an excellent reputation within the veterinary field. You can begin your due diligence by asking the colleges you are reviewing for testimonials from the employers in their job assistance network. Other pointers include checking with internet school ranking websites and checking with the school’s accrediting agencies as well. You can ask the West Virginia school licensing department if there have been any complaints or infractions concerning your targeted schools. As a final tip, get in touch with some Moorefield WV veterinary clinics that you might want to work for after you go through your training. Ask what they think about your school selections. They may even recommend some schools not on your list.

Are there Internship Programs? The most effective approach to get clinical hands on experience as a vet tech is to work in a medical environment. Ask if the colleges you are considering have internship programs arranged with Moorefield WV veterinarians, vet practices or hospitals. Almost all veterinary medicine programs require practical training and many furnish it by way of internships. Not only will the experience be beneficial relative to the practical training, but an internship can also help develop associations in the local vet community and aid in the search for a position after graduation.

Is Job Assistance Offered? Finding a job after graduating from a veterinary technician program may be difficult without the assistance of a job placement program. First, ask what the graduation rates are for the colleges you are evaluating. A lower rate may suggest that the teachers were unqualified to teach the curriculum or that some students were dissatisfied with the program and quit. Next, verify that the schools have a job placement program and ask what their placement rates are. A high placement rate might signify that the program has an excellent reputation within the Moorefield WV veterinary community and has a substantial network of contacts for student placements. A low rate could mean that the training is not highly thought of by employers or that the job assistance program is ineffective at placing students.

How Big are the Classes? If the classes are bigger, you may get little or no personalized instruction from the teachers. Request from the Moorefield WV colleges you are looking at what their classroom student to teacher ratios are. You may also decide to participate in some 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 instructors and find out what their qualifications are as well as their methods of teaching.

Where is the Campus Located? Yes, we already talked about location, but there are a couple of more points to make on the subject. If you are going to drive to your veterinary technician classes from your Moorefield WV home, you must confirm that the commuting time is compatible with your schedule. For example, driving during the weekend to investigate the route won’t be the same as the commute during rush hour traffic, particularly if the school is located near or in 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 higher tuition fees particularly for community and state colleges. Of course attending classes online might be an option that will give you more flexibility and minimize the necessity for travel.

Is the Class Schedule Flexible? And last, it’s essential that you determine if the veterinarian colleges you are exploring offer class times that are sufficiently flexible to fit your schedule. For example, a number of students continue to work full time and can only go to classes on the weekends or at night near Moorefield WV. Some may only be able to attend class in the morning or later in the afternoon. Make sure that the class times you need are available prior to enrolling. In addition, find out if you can make up classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies. You may discover that an online college is the best solution to fit your veterinary training into your busy life.

Enrolling in a Vet Tech School near Moorefield WV?

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

Moorefield, West Virginia

Moorefield is a town in Hardy County, West Virginia, USA. Moorefield is the county seat of Hardy County. It was originally chartered in 1777 and named for Conrad Moore, who owned the land upon which the town was laid out. The population was 2,544 at the 2010 census. Moorefield is located at the confluence of the South Branch Potomac River and the South Fork South Branch Potomac River.

Moorefield is situated in the South Branch Valley along the South Branch of the Potomac River. Native Americans populated this area for centuries, farming along the river and hunting in the surrounding mountains. English settlers began arriving in the early 18th century, attracted by the fertile land. This early settlement was centered on the community of Old Fields, which is located about five miles to the north of present-day Moorefield. Conflict between the settlers and Native American populations broke out during the French and Indian War. Two fortifications guarded the South Branch Valley in the vicinity of Moorefield. Fort Buttermilk was erected in 1756 and garrisoned by Captain Thomas Waggoner's Virginia Regiment Company.[6] A second fortress, Fort Pleasant, situated at Henry Van Meter's Farm at Old Fields, guarded the northern side of the valley and was also garrisoned by Captain Thomas Waggoner's Virginia Regiment Company.[7] In the spring of 1756, soldiers from Forts Buttermilk and Pleasant clashed with Shawnee warriors under Bemino (known to the English as Killbuck) at the Battle of the Trough.

The land on which Moorefield was laid out was owned by Conrad Moore. In 1777, the Virginia General Assembly chartered the town of Moorefield in what was then Hampshire County, Virginia (today Hardy County, West Virginia).[8] When Hardy County was separated from Hampshire County by act of the Virginia General Assembly in 1785, Moorefield was chosen as the county seat.[9] Many of the historic houses in Moorefield display vernacular adaptations of Federal and Greek Revival architecture and date to the last quarter of the 18th century and first quarter of the 19th century. During the American Civil War, Moorefield was the site of a cavalry engagement between Union Brigadier General William W. Averell and Confederate Brigadier General John McCausland on August 7, 1864.

Choose the Ideal Vet Tech Program near Moorefield WV

Moorefield WV vet tech holding dog Picking the ideal veterinary technician program is a critical first step to beginning a rewarding career providing care and treatment for animals. Potential students thinking about veterinary technician colleges must make their determination based on multiple key issues. Veterinary technicians and technologists are employed in animal hospitals, veterinary clinics and animal shelters. They usually handle administrative duties and assist the veterinarian with the animal patients when needed. As we have discussed, it’s imperative that you select a veterinary medicine program that is both accredited and has an excellent reputation within the profession. This goes for online vet tech schools as well. By asking the questions provided in our checklist for reviewing schools, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can make your final decision. And by choosing the right school, you can reach your goal of becoming a veterinary technician in Moorefield WV.