Tag Archives: Top Veterinary Technician Schools Prospect CT 06712

Vet Tech Schools near Prospect CT 06712

How to Find the Right Vet Tech Training near Prospect Connecticut

Prospect CT vet tech holding dog during examAchieving your lifelong dream of working with and caring for pets by enrolling in a vet school near Prospect CT may at first feel like an overwhelming task. After all, you need to search for and enroll in a college that will provide the proper training to ensure that you can be successful as a veterinary technician, assistant or technologist. But just how do you approach evaluating and comparing programs so that you can make the best choice? Many future students start their due diligence process by searching for schools that are near their residences. Once they have located some nearby schools, they find out which ones have the lowest tuition and focus on those. Although location and cost are significant factors when evaluating 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 as well. The main idea is that there are questions you should be asking the veterinary tech programs you are evaluating before you make a final selection. We have provided several in this article to help get you started, but before we review them we’ll discuss the different roles of vet assistants and techs and the training alternatives available.

The Job of a Vet Assistant and Tech

Prospect CT vet assistant taking vital signs of puppyOne of the first decisions that you will need to make is whether you wish to train as a veterinary technician, assistant or technologist. Part of your determination may be dependent on the amount of time and money that you have to devote to your training, but the principal determiner will most likely be which specialty appeals to you the most. What vet techs and assistants share in common is that they all work under the immediate direction of a practicing and licensed veterinarian. And although there are numerous functions that they can carry out within the Prospect CT veterinary clinic or hospital, they can’t prescribe medications, diagnose conditions, or perform surgeries. In those areas they can only provide assistance to a licensed vet. There are technologists and technicians that work outside of the typical veterinarian practice, for example for zoos, animal shelters or police departments. Let’s take a look at the responsibilities and education prerequisites for each specialty.

  • Vet Assistants in almost all instances will have completed a formal training program, either as an apprentice or intern in a practice, or by finishing a certificate program at a trade school or community college near Prospect CT. 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 involved tasks, for example assisting with surgeries. Some of their typical duties may include working at the front desk, preparing and cleaning exam rooms and equipment, or handling pets during examinations.
  • Vet Technicians undergo more extensive training compared with assistants and generally acquire a two year Associate Degree, preferably from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program. They are in a fashion the veterinarian counterparts of medical nurses, since their basic job duty is to assist veterinarians with diagnosing and treating animal patients. Where they differ from vet assistants is that they are engaged in more involved activities, for instance assisting with surgeries or administering medicine. All states currently require vet techs pass a credentialing exam for either licensing, registration or certification.
  • Vet Technologists are comparable to veterinary techs 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. So the only real distinction 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, higher salaries and potential management positions. They are also mandated to pass a credentialing examination for either licensing, registration or certification.

Veterinary technicians and technologists may specialize in areas such as internal medicine, anesthesia or emergency care. A number may receive certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) to work in laboratories or Prospect CT area research facilities as well.

Veterinary Online Training Programs

attending vet tech school online in Prospect CTAn alternative that may make sense for those with a hectic schedule or who are working full-time while going to veterinarian school is to enroll in an online program. Because the classes are offered through the internet, students can study on their own timetable wherever a computer is accessible. The course of study is taught using multiple venues, including videos, slide shows and live streaming webinars. And since many vet technician and technologist degrees require clinical training, that portion can normally be carried out as an internship or work study program at an area Prospect CT veterinarian clinic or hospital. Distance learning, as it is also called, may in some instances decrease the cost of your education. Tuition and supplementary costs, such as for travel and study supplies, can be cheaper compared to more traditional classroom programs. Just be sure that the online school that you choose is accredited, either by the AVMA or another nationally recognized accrediting agency. With the online classes and the clinical training, everything is furnished for a complete education. So if you are dedicated enough to learn in this more independent fashion, an online veterinary tech or assistant school may be the ideal choice for you.

What to Ask Veterinary Assistant and Tech Programs

cat wearing cone after vet surgery in Prospect CTBy now you probably have decided on which veterinary credential that you want to attain, and if you intend to study online or attend a school on campus. Since there are a large number of veterinary community colleges, trade and vocational schools in Connecticut as well as across the Country, you need to ask some relevant questions to help fine tune your list of options. As we mentioned in our opening, many prospective students start by prioritizing location and tuition expense. But we have already mentioned other essential qualifiers, for example accreditation and internship programs. And of course you want to select a program that offers the specialty and degree that you are interested in. These and other factors are covered in the checklist of questions that you need to ask the Prospect CT veterinary assistant and technician schools that you are reviewing.

Is the Vet College Accredited?  It’s essential that you make sure that the veterinary tech or assistant college 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 gone through a rigorous screening process that ensures you will obtain a superior 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. And finally, having a degree or certificate from an accredited program is in many cases a requirement for employment for a number of Prospect CT veterinarian clinics and hospitals.

What is the School’s Reputation?  The veterinary college or trade school and program you enroll in must have an exceptional reputation within the veterinarian community. You can start your due diligence by asking the colleges you are looking at for endorsements from the employers in their job assistance network. Other suggestions include checking with internet school rating websites and speaking with the school’s accrediting organizations as well. You can ask the Connecticut school licensing department if there have been any grievances or violations involving your specific schools. As a final tip, phone some Prospect CT veterinarians that you may want to work for after you go through your training. Find out what they think of your school choices. They might even suggest one or more colleges not on your list.

Are Internships Offered?  The best way to obtain clinical hands on experience as a vet assistant or technician is to work in a professional setting. Ask if the programs you are looking at have internship programs arranged with regional veterinarians, vet practices or hospitals. Most veterinary medicine programs require clinical training and many furnish it by means of internships. Not only will the experience be valuable regarding the clinical training, but an internship can also help develop relationships in the local Prospect CT veterinarian community and assist in the search for a position after graduation.

Is Job Assistance Provided?  Getting a job after graduating from a vet assistant or technician college can be difficult without the assistance of a job placement program. To start with, ask what the graduation rates are for the schools you are considering. A low rate might mean that the instructors were ineffective at teaching the course of study or that a number of students were disappointed with the program and dropped out. Next, confirm that the schools have a job assistance program and find out what their placement rates are. A higher placement rate may indicate that the Prospect CT college has an exceptional reputation within the veterinary community and has a considerable network of contacts for student placements. A lower rate could indicate that the training is not well 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 most likely will receive little or no one-on-one instruction from the teachers. Request from the Prospect CT schools you are considering what their classroom student to teacher ratios are. You may also decide to sit in on a few classes (if practical) to observe the interaction between students and teachers. 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 School Located?  Yes, we already discussed location, but there are several more points to consider on the subject. If you are planning to commute to your vet tech classes from work or home, you need to confirm that the driving time is compatible with your schedule. For instance, driving during the weekend to check out the route won’t be the same as the commute during rush hour traffic, especially if the Prospect CT school is located close by or within a larger city. Also, if you do opt to enroll in a college in another state or even outside of your County of residence, there may be increased tuition charges particularly for community and state colleges. Of course taking online classes might be an alternative that will give you more flexibility and minimize the necessity for travel.

Is the Class Schedule Flexible?  And last, it’s imperative that you determine if the Connecticut veterinarian schools you are exploring offer class times flexible enough to fit your schedule. For example, a number of students continue working full time and can only attend classes on the weekends or in the evenings. Some may only be able to go to classes in the morning or later in the afternoon. Make certain that the class times you need are available near Prospect CT before enrolling. Also, find out if you can make up classes that you might miss because of sickness, work or family responsibilities. You might discover that an online program is the ideal way to fit your veterinary training into your hectic life.

Why Did You Want to Become a Vet Tech?

When prepping to interview for a veterinary job, it's helpful to reflect on questions you may be asked. Among the questions that interviewers often ask veterinary prospects is "What compelled you to decide on veterinary care as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not just the personal reasons you might have for being a veterinary technician, but also what characteristics and talents you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to veterinary care, in addition to a significant number of routine interview questions, so you should ready a number of ideas about how you would like to address them. Because there are so many factors that go into choosing a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the talents you possess that make you an exceptional vet tech and the perfiect candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but take down some concepts and talking points that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.

Enroll in the Right Vet Technologist Training Program near Prospect CT

Enrolling in the right veterinary assistant or tech school is a critical first step to starting a gratifying career providing care and treatment for animals. Potential students considering vet assistant or tech programs need to make their determination based on multiple key factors. Vet techs, assistants and technologists are employed in animal hospitals, veterinary clinics and animal shelters. They typically handle administrative duties and assist the veterinarian with the animals as needed. As we have covered, it’s essential that you enroll in a veterinary medicine program that is both accredited and has an outstanding reputation within the profession. This applies to vet tech online schools as well. By asking the questions included in our checklist for assessing schools, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can make your final choice. And by choosing the right program, you can reach your goal of becoming a vet assistant, technician or technologist in Prospect CT.

A Little Bit About Prospect CT

Hartford, Connecticut

Hartford is the capital of the U.S. state of Connecticut. It was the seat of Hartford County until Connecticut disbanded county government in 1960. As of the 2010 Census, Hartford's population was 124,775, making it Connecticut's third-largest city after the coastal cities of Bridgeport and New Haven. Census Bureau estimates since then have indicated Hartford's fall to fourth place statewide, as a result of sustained population growth in the coastal city of Stamford.[2]

Hartford is nicknamed the "Insurance Capital of the World", as it hosts many insurance company headquarters and insurance is the region's major industry. The city was founded in 1635 and is among the oldest cities in the United States. It is home to the nation's oldest public art museum (Wadsworth Atheneum), the oldest publicly funded park (Bushnell Park), the oldest continuously published newspaper (The Hartford Courant), and the second-oldest secondary school (Hartford Public High School). It also is home to Trinity College, a private liberal arts college, and the Mark Twain House where the author wrote his most famous works and raised his family, among other historically significant attractions. Twain wrote in 1868, "Of all the beautiful towns it has been my fortune to see this is the chief."[3]

Following the American Civil War, Hartford was the richest city in the United States for several decades.[4] Today, Hartford is one of the poorest cities in the nation, with 3 out of every 10 families living below the poverty line. In sharp contrast, the Hartford metropolitan area is ranked 32nd of 318 metropolitan areas in total economic production and 7th out of 280 metropolitan statistical areas in per capita income. Highlighting the socio-economic disparity between Hartford and its suburbs, 83% of Hartford's jobs are filled by commuters from neighboring towns who earn over $80,000, while 75% of Hartford residents who commute to work in other towns earn just $40,000.[5]

 

 

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