Tag Archives: Colleges for Vet Techs Kent CT 06757

Vet Tech Schools near Kent CT 06757

How to Choose a Veterinary Assistant School near Kent Connecticut

Kent CT vet tech holding dog during examAchieving your long term aspiration of working with and helping animals by enrolling in a vet school near Kent CT might at first seem like a challenging endeavor. After all, you must search for and enroll in a school that will furnish the appropriate training to ensure that you can succeed as a veterinary assistant, technician or technologist. But just how do you tackle evaluating and comparing schools so that you can make the best choice? Many future students launch their due diligence process by looking for colleges that are close to their homes. After they have found some nearby schools, they ascertain which ones have the cheapest tuition and hone in on those. Although location and cost are significant concerns when comparing vet tech schools, they are by no means the only significant ones when making your evaluations. Qualifiers such as internship programs and accreditation need to be considered also. The point is that there are questions you need to be asking the veterinary tech programs you are evaluating before you make an ultimate choice. We have provided several within this article in order to help get you started, but before we discuss them we’ll go over the different responsibilities of veterinary techs and assistants and the training options offered.

The Responsibilities of a Vet Tech and Assistant

Kent CT vet assistant taking vital signs of puppyOne of the first decisions that you will need to make is whether you want to train as a vet assistant, technologist or technician. Part of your preference may be dependent on the amount of time and money that you have to commit to your training, but the principal factor will most likely be which specialty appeals to you the most. What vet techs and assistants have in common is that they each work under the direct supervision of a practicing and licensed veterinarian. And although there are a number of jobs that they can carry out within the Kent CT veterinary clinic or hospital, they can’t prescribe medications, diagnose conditions, or conduct surgical procedures. In those areas they can only furnish support to a licensed vet. There are technicians and technologists that work away from the conventional veterinarian practice, for instance for zoos, animal shelters or law enforcement. Let’s take a look at the responsibilities and training requirements for each specialization.

  • Vet Assistants in most cases will have gone through a formal training program, either as an intern or apprentice in a practice, or by completing a certificate program at a community college or vocational school near Kent CT. 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 involved activities, for instance assisting with surgical procedures. A few of their regular functions may include working at the front desk, cleaning and preparing examination rooms and equipment, or handling animals during examinations.
  • Vet Technicians receive more extensive training in contrast to assistants and usually earn a two year Associate Degree, preferably from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program. They are in a fashion the vet counterparts of medical nurses, since their basic job function is to assist veterinarians with diagnosing and treating animal patients. Where they differ from vet assistants is that they are included in more involved activities, for example assisting with surgeries or administering medicine. All states presently mandate that vet technicians pass a credentialing examination for either registration, certification or licensing.
  • Vet Technologists are similar to vet technicians and basically 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 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 also required to pass a credentialing examination for either registration, certification or licensing.

Veterinary techs and technologists can specialize in areas such as internal medicine, anesthesia or urgent care. Many may receive certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) to work in laboratories or Kent CT area research facilities also.

Vet Online Courses

attending vet tech school online in Kent CTAn option that might make sense for those with a busy schedule or who are working full-time while attending veterinarian college is to enroll in an online program. Since the classes are offered by means of the internet, students can attend on their own timetable wherever a computer is available. The educational program is taught using several venues, including slide shows, videos and live streaming webinars. And since the majority of veterinary technician and technologist degrees require practical training, that portion can normally be fulfilled as an internship or work study program at a local Kent CT veterinary clinic or hospital. Distance learning, as it is also called, can in some instances reduce the cost of your education. Tuition and secondary expenses, such as for commuting and study materials, can be lower compared to more traditional classroom courses. Just make sure that the online school that you choose is accredited, either by the AVMA or another nationally certified accrediting organization. With the online courses and the practical training, everything is included for a complete education. So if you are dedicated enough to learn in this more independent mode, an online vet technician or assistant program may be the ideal option for you.

Things to Ask Veterinary Assistant and Technician Schools

cat wearing cone after vet surgery in Kent CTAt this point you should have determined which veterinary credential that you would like to attain, and if you prefer to study online or attend a school on campus. Since there are a large number of vet community colleges, technical and vocational schools in Connecticut 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 future students start by focusing on location and the cost of tuition. But we have already touched on other significant qualifiers, for instance accreditation and internship programs. And naturally you need to choose a college that offers the specialty and degree that you would like to earn. These and other factors are covered in the list of questions that you should ask the Kent CT vet assistant and technician colleges that you are reviewing.

Is the Vet Program Accredited?  It’s essential that you verify that the veterinary assistant or tech school you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization. As previously stated, one of the most highly respected is the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Trade schools and colleges that are accredited by the AVMA have undergone a thorough screening process that ensures you will obtain a quality education. Also, accreditation is essential if you are requesting a student loan or financial assistance, since a large number of programs are not offered for non-accredited schools. Last, having a degree or certificate from an accredited college is often a requirement for employment for many Kent CT veterinary practices and hospitals.

What is the Program’s Reputation?  The veterinary vocational school or college and program you select must have an outstanding reputation within the vet community. You can start your due diligence by asking the schools you are reviewing for endorsements from the employers in their job assistance network. Other tips include looking on online school ranking websites and checking with the school’s accrediting agencies as well. You can ask the Connecticut school licensing department if there have been any complaints or violations concerning your targeted schools. As a final tip, contact some Kent CT veterinary clinics that you may want to work for after you go through your training. Ask what they think of your school choices. They might even suggest some colleges not on your list.

Are Internships Offered?  The best way to obtain clinical hands on training as a vet assistant or technician is to work in a medical environment. Ask if the colleges you are looking at have internship programs set up with regional veterinarians, vet clinics or hospitals. Most veterinary medicine programs mandate clinical training and a large number furnish it by means of internships. Not only will the experience be valuable regarding the practical training, but an internship may also help establish relationships in the local Kent CT veterinarian community and help in the search for a position after graduation.

Is there a Job Placement Program?  Searching for a job after graduating from a vet tech or assistant program can be difficult without the assistance of a job placement program. To begin with, ask what the graduation rates are for the programs you are considering. A lower rate could signify that the instructors were unqualified to teach the syllabus or that some students were disappointed with the program and quit. Next, check that the schools have a job placement program and find out what their placement rates are. A higher placement rate might mean that the Kent CT program has an excellent reputation within the vet community and has a considerable network of contacts for student placements. A lower rate may signify that the training is not highly regarded by employers or that the job placement program is ineffective at placing students.

How Large are the Classes?  If the classes are larger sized, you may get little or no individualized instruction from the teachers. Request from the Kent CT schools you are considering what their classroom teacher to student ratios are. You may also decide to participate in some classes (if practical) to monitor the interaction between students and instructors. Get evaluations from students regarding the quality of instruction. Also, talk with the instructors and determine what their qualifications are as well as their approaches to teaching.

Where is the Campus Located?  Of course, we already talked about location, but there are several more points to make on the topic. If you are planning to drive to your vet assistant classes from home or work, you have to make sure that the commuting time fits into your schedule. For instance, driving during the weekend to check out the route won’t be the same as the drive during rush hour traffic, especially if the Kent CT campus is located in or near a large city. In addition, if you do decide to attend a school in another state or even outside of your County of residence, there may be increased tuition costs especially for state and community colleges. On the other hand, attending online classes might be an option that will give you more flexibility and reduce the necessity for travel.

Is the Class Schedule Flexible?  And finally, it’s imperative that you ascertain if the Connecticut veterinary schools you are evaluating offer class times flexible enough 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. Some might only be able to attend classes in the morning or in the afternoon. Confirm that the class times you require are available near Kent CT prior to enrolling. In addition, determine if you can make-up classes that you may miss because of work, illness or family responsibilities. You may find that an online college is the best way to fit your veterinary education into your hectic life.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Vet Tech?

When prepping to interview for a veterinary job, it's important to review questions you might be asked. One of the things that recruiters often ask veterinary applicants is "What drove you to choose veterinary care as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not only the personal reasons you may have for being a vet tech, but also what attributes and skills you have that make you outstanding at your profession. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to veterinary care, along with a significant number of standard interview questions, so you must ready several strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the strengths you have that make you an exceptional vet tech and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but write down some concepts and topics that relate to your personal strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.

Choose the Right Veterinary Technologist Degree Program near Kent CT

Choosing the appropriate veterinary assistant or tech school is a crucial first step to starting a gratifying career delivering treatment and care for pets and livestock. Students considering veterinary assistant or tech programs must make their selection based on multiple key issues. Veterinary assistants, techs and technologists are employed in veterinary clinics and hospitals and animal shelters. They typically take on administrative responsibilities and assist the veterinarian with the animal patients as needed. As we have discussed, it’s essential that you choose a veterinary medicine program that is both accredited and has an excellent reputation within the field. This goes for online vet tech programs as well. By asking the questions included in our checklist for reviewing schools, you will be able to reduce your choices so that you can make your final selection. And by selecting the ideal program, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a veterinary assistant, tech or technologist in Kent CT.

A Little Bit About Kent CT

Kent, Connecticut

Kent is a town in Litchfield County, Connecticut, alongside the border with New York. The population was 2,858 at the 2000 census. The town is home to three boarding schools: South Kent School, Kent School and The Marvelwood School. The Schaghticoke Indian Reservation is also located within town borders.

The Town of Kent was sectioned in 1737 and settled about 1739.[2] The community was important in the growth of iron production.

Kent is in Litchfield County. Its location is 41°43′29″N 73°28′39″W / 41.72472°N 73.47750°W / 41.72472; -73.47750. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 49.6 square miles (128 km2), of which, 48.5 square miles (126 km2) of it is land and 1.1 square miles (2.8 km2) of it (2.26%) is water. Bulls Bridge, one of two covered bridges open to vehicles in Connecticut, is located in the town. The town is bisected by the Housatonic River. The western half contains Macedonia Brook State Park, the Schaghticoke Indian Reservation, as well as a section of the Appalachian Trail.

 

 

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