How to Choose a Vet Tech School near Englewood Colorado
Achieving your lifelong goal of working with and caring for animals by enrolling in a vet college near Englewood CO could at first feel like an overwhelming undertaking. After all, you must find and enroll in a school that will provide the proper training to ensure that you can succeed as a veterinary assistant, technician or technologist. But just how do you go about evaluating and contrasting colleges so that you can make the correct choice? Many future students start their due diligence process by searching for schools that are close to their homes. Once they have found some local colleges, they ascertain which ones have the lowest tuition and hone in on those. Although cost and location are significant considerations when evaluating vet tech schools, they are by no means the only significant ones when making your assessments. Qualifiers such as internship programs and accreditation should be considered as well. The main idea is that there are questions you need to be asking the veterinary tech programs you are looking at before you make an ultimate decision. We have presented several in this article in order to help get you started, but before we review them we’ll explore the varied responsibilities of vet techs and assistants and the training options available.
The Job of a Veterinary Assistant and Technician
One of the first decisions that you will have to make is whether you plan to train as a vet assistant, technician or technologist. Part of your preference may be predicated on the amount of time and money that you have to devote to your training, but the main determiner will probably be which specialty appeals to you the most. What vet techs and assistants share in common is that they all work under the immediate supervision of a licensed and practicing veterinarian. And even though there are numerous jobs that they can carry out within the Englewood CO veterinary practice or hospital, they can’t prescribe medications, diagnose conditions, or carry out surgeries. In those areas they can only furnish support to a licensed veterinarian. There are technicians and technologists that work outside of the conventional vet practice, for example for animal shelters, zoos or police departments. Let’s take a look at the job functions and training requirements for each specialization.
- Vet Assistants in almost all cases will have undergone 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 vocational school near Englewood CO. As the name implies, their job function is to assist the veterinarians and vet technicians in the execution of their duties. Normally they are not associated with more complex undertakings, for instance assisting with surgeries. Some of their typical functions may include working at the front desk, preparing and cleaning examination rooms and equipment, or handling animals during exams.
- Vet Technicians go through more advanced training in contrast to assistants and typically earn a two year Associate Degree, ideally from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program. They are in a sense the vet counterparts of medical nurses, since their fundamental job duty is to assist veterinarians with diagnosing and treating animal patients. Where they differ from veterinary assistants is that they are involved in more involved activities, for example assisting with surgical procedures or providing medication. All states currently mandate that veterinary technicians pass a credentialing exam for either registration, certification or licensing.
- Vet Technologists are comparable to vet technicians and for the most part perform the same work functions. They are mandated to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in veterinary technology, which usually requires four years. 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 options, higher salaries and possible management positions. They are additionally required to pass a credentialing exam for either certification, registration or licensing.
Vet technicians and technologists can specialize in areas such as anesthesia, internal medicine or urgent care. Many may earn certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) to work in labs or Englewood CO area research facilities as well.
Online Veterinary Schools
An alternative that may make sense for those with a hectic lifestyle or who are working full-time while attending veterinary school is to enroll in an online training program. Because the classes are offered through the internet, students can study on their own schedule wherever a computer is accessible. The course of study is taught using multiple methods, including slide shows, videos and live streaming webinars. And since many veterinary technician and technologist degrees require clinical training, that part can normally be completed as an internship or work study program at an area Englewood CO veterinarian practice or hospital. Distance learning, as it is also called, may in some instances reduce the cost of your education. Tuition and ancillary expenditures, for instance for travel and study supplies, can be cheaper compared to more conventional classroom programs. Just confirm 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 clinical training, everything is provided for a complete education. So if you are disciplined enough to learn in this more self-reliant fashion, an online vet technician or assistant program may be the right option for you.
Things to Ask Vet Assistant and Tech Programs
At this point you should have decided on which veterinarian certificate or degree that you wish to earn, and if you intend to study online or attend a program on campus. Since there are an abundance of veterinary community colleges, trade and vocational schools in Colorado and across the USA, you should ask some important questions to help fine tune your list of options. As we discussed in our introduction, many prospective students start by concentrating on location and the cost of tuition. But we have previously pointed out other significant qualifiers, for example internship programs and accreditation. And obviously you need to choose a school that offers the degree and specialty that you want to earn. These and other factors are covered in the checklist of questions that you should ask the Englewood CO vet assistant and technician programs that you are reviewing.
Is the Vet College Accredited? It’s essential that you verify that the veterinary tech or assistant school you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization. As earlier 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 ensures you will receive a quality education. Also, accreditation is necessary if you are applying for a student loan or financial assistance, since numerous programs are not available for non-accredited colleges. Last, having a certificate or degree from an accredited school is in many cases a requirement for employment for many Englewood CO veterinarian clinics and hospitals.
What is the College’s Reputation? The vet college or trade school and program you select should have an exceptional reputation within the vet community. You can start your due diligence by asking the colleges you are reviewing for testimonials from the employers in their job placement network. Other suggestions include checking with online school rating websites and checking with the school’s accrediting organizations as well. You can ask the Colorado school licensing authority if there have been any complaints or violations involving your specific schools. As a final recommendation, call some Englewood CO veterinary clinics that you may want to work for after you get your training. Find out what they think about your school selections. They might even recommend some programs not on your list.
Are Internships Offered? The most effective approach to obtain practical hands on experience as a vet technician or assistant is to work in a medical environment. Ask if the programs you are considering have internship programs arranged with area veterinarians, vet practices or hospitals. The majority of veterinary medicine programs require practical training and a large number provide it through internships. Not only will the experience be valuable relative to the practical training, but an internship may also help build relationships in the local Englewood CO vet community and help in the search for employment after graduation.
Is there a Job Placement Program? Getting a job after graduating from a veterinary technician or assistant school may be challenging without the assistance of a job placement program. First, find out what the graduation rates are for the colleges you are considering. A lower rate could suggest that the teachers were unqualified to teach the curriculum or that a number of students were unhappy with the program and dropped out. Next, confirm that the colleges have a job assistance program and ask what their placement rates are. A high placement rate could mean that the Englewood CO college has an excellent reputation within the veterinary community and has a significant network of contacts for student placements. A low rate may mean that the training is not highly thought of by employers or that the job assistance program is ineffective at placing students.
How Large are the Classes? If the classes are bigger, you may receive little or no individualized instruction from the teachers. Solicit from the Englewood CO programs you are considering what their classroom student to teacher ratios are. You may also decide to participate in a few classes (if practical) to monitor the interaction between students and instructors. Get feedback from students relating to the quality of instruction. Also, speak with the instructors and determine what their backgrounds are as well as their approaches to teaching.
Where is the Campus Located? Of course, we previously covered location, but there are a few more points to consider on the subject. If you are going to drive to your veterinary technician classes from work or home, you have to 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 drive during rush hour traffic, particularly if the Englewood CO college is located in or near a larger city. Also, if you do choose to attend a college in another state or even outside of your County of residence, there may be higher tuition charges especially for state and community colleges. On the other hand, attending classes online might be an alternative that will provide you with more flexibility and minimize the need for travel.
Do the Classes Fit Your Schedule? And last, it’s essential that you find out if the Colorado veterinarian programs you are considering offer class times flexible enough to accommodate your schedule. For example, many students continue working full time and can only attend classes on the weekends or at night. Some may only be able to attend class in the morning or later in the afternoon. Confirm that the class times you need are available near Englewood CO prior to enrolling. In addition, find out if you can make up classes that you may miss as a result of work, sickness or family responsibilities. You may find that an online college is the best way to fit your veterinary training into your busy life.
Why Did You Choose to Be a Veterinary Assistant?
When prepping to interview for a veterinary position, it's important to reflect on questions you could be asked. One of the questions that hiring managers often ask veterinary candidates is "What drove you to decide on veterinary care as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not merely the personal reasons you might have for becoming a vet assistant, but additionally what attributes and abilities you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating specifically to veterinary care, along with a significant number of routine interview questions, so you need to organize a number of approaches about how you want to address them. Because there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the profession appeals to you as well as the abilities you have that make you an outstanding vet tech and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize an answer, but take down a few concepts and talking points that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to prepare your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.Pick the Right Vet Assistant School near Englewood CO
Choosing the ideal veterinary assistant or tech school is an important first step to beginning a gratifying career providing treatment and care for animals. Future students looking into veterinary assistant or tech programs need to make their determination based on a number of key factors. Veterinary assistants, techs and technologists are employed in veterinary clinics and hospitals and animal shelters. They commonly handle administrative responsibilities and assist the veterinarian with the animals when needed. As we have discussed, it’s essential that you enroll in a veterinary medicine program that is both accredited and has an outstanding reputation within the field. This goes for online vet tech colleges 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 selection. And by selecting the ideal school, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a veterinary assistant, tech or technologist in Englewood CO.
A Little Bit About Englewood CO
Englewood, Colorado
The City of Englewood is a Home Rule Municipality located in Arapahoe County, Colorado, United States. As of 2010, the population was 30,255. Englewood is part of the Denver-Aurora Metropolitan Area. Englewood is located in the South Platte River Valley east of the Front Range and immediately south of central Denver. Downtown is located immediately east of the confluence of Little Dry Creek and the South Platte River, between Santa Fe Drive and Broadway.
Englewood is the fourth most populous city in Arapahoe County and, in 2010, was the twenty-third most populous city in Colorado.
The history of Englewood begins in 1858, when gold was discovered on what came to be called Little Dry Creek by William Green Russell, an early settler of the high plains. Two years later, Thomas Skerritt, considered to be the founder of the city, established a home in the area, which was called Orchard Place.[9] Four years later the first road connecting Denver and Orchard Place was created by Skerritt himself using his own plough. In 1879 the first telephone arrived in the area.
More Cities of Interest in Colorado