Tag Archives: Top Veterinary Technician Schools Ridgefield CT 06877

Vet Tech Schools near Ridgefield CT 06877

How to Choose a Vet Tech Program near Ridgefield Connecticut

Ridgefield CT vet tech holding dog during examAchieving your lifelong aspiration of working with and caring for pets by enrolling in a veterinarian program near Ridgefield CT may initially seem like an overwhelming endeavor. After all, you have to locate and enroll in a program that will deliver the proper training to ensure that you can be successful as a vet technician, assistant or technologist. But just how do you approach analyzing and contrasting colleges so that you can make the proper selection? Many future students launch their due diligence process by looking for colleges that are close to their homes. Once they have located some area schools, they ascertain which ones have the cheapest tuition and hone in on those. Although location and expense are important considerations when evaluating vet tech schools, they are not the only important ones when making your evaluations. Qualifications such as internship programs and accreditation need to be evaluated also. The main idea is that there are questions you ought to be asking the veterinary tech programs you are looking at before you make a final decision. We have provided several within this article in order to help get you started, but before we review them we’ll discuss the different roles of vet techs and assistants and the training alternatives available.

The Role of a Vet Assistant and Technician

Ridgefield CT vet assistant taking vital signs of puppyAmong the initial decisions that you will need to make is whether you want to train as a veterinary assistant, technologist or technician. Part of your determination may be dependent on the amount of time and money that you have to devote to your training, but the main determiner will most likely be which specialty appeals to you the most. What vet techs and assistants share in common is that they both work under the direct direction of a licensed and practicing veterinarian. And even though there are numerous functions that they can perform within the Ridgefield CT veterinary clinic or hospital, they can’t prescribe medicines, diagnose conditions, or perform surgeries. In those areas they may only furnish support to a licensed vet. There are technologists and technicians that work away from the standard veterinarian practice, for instance for animal shelters, zoos or law enforcement. Let’s take a look at the job functions and education requirements for each position.

  • Vet Assistants in most instances will have completed a structured training program, either as an intern or apprentice in a vet clinic or hospital, or by graduating from a certificate program at a trade school or community college near Ridgefield CT. As the name implies, their job function is to assist the veterinarians and vet techs in the execution of their duties. Usually they are not involved with more complex activities, for instance assisting with surgeries. A few of their usual responsibilities may include working at the front desk, preparing and cleaning exam rooms and equipment, or controlling pets during examinations.
  • Vet Technicians go through more advanced training compared with assistants and typically 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 general job function is to assist vets with diagnosing and treating animal patients. Where they vary from veterinary assistants is that they are engaged in more complex tasks, for example assisting with surgeries or providing medication. All states presently require veterinary techs pass a credentialing exam for either certification, registration or licensing.
  • Vet Technologists are similar to veterinary techs and basically carry out the same job functions. They are mandated to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in veterinary technology, which usually requires four years to complete. So the main difference 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 potential management positions. They are additionally mandated to pass a credentialing examination for either licensing, registration or certification.

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

Vet Online Colleges

attending vet tech school online in Ridgefield CTAn option that may be a solution for those with a hectic lifestyle or who are working full-time while attending vet school is to enroll in an online training program. Since the classes are offered through the internet, students can study on their own timetable wherever a computer is available. The course of study is taught using several venues, including slide shows, videos and live streaming webinars. And since many veterinary tech and technologist degrees require practical training, that portion can normally be completed as an internship or work study program at a local Ridgefield CT veterinarian clinic or hospital. Distance learning, as it is also called, may in many instances reduce the cost of your education. Tuition and ancillary expenses, for example for traveling and study supplies, may be lower compared to more conventional classroom courses. Just be sure that the online school that you enroll in is accredited, either by the AVMA or another nationally recognized accrediting organization. With the online classes 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 veterinary technician or assistant school may be the perfect option for you.

Questions to Ask Vet Assistant and Technician Degree Programs

cat wearing cone after vet surgery in Ridgefield CTBy now you probably have determined which veterinarian certificate or degree that you would like to attain, and if you prefer to study online or attend a program on campus. Since there are a large number of veterinarian community colleges, technical and vocational schools in Connecticut and across the USA, you need to ask some relevant questions in order to narrow down your list of options. As we discussed in our introduction, many prospective students start by focusing on location and the cost of tuition. But we have previously mentioned other essential qualifiers, such as accreditation and internship programs. And obviously you want to enroll in a school that offers the specialty and degree that you would like to earn. These and other factors are covered in the checklist of questions that you need to ask the Ridgefield CT vet technician and assistant programs that you are looking at.

Is the Veterinary Program Accredited?  It’s important that you verify that the veterinary tech or assistant school you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency. As previously mentioned, one of the most highly regarded is the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Trade schools and colleges that are accredited by the AVMA have undergone a thorough review process that verifies you will receive a superior education. Also, accreditation is essential if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, since many programs are not available for non-accredited schools. And finally, having a degree or certificate from an accredited school is frequently a requirement for employment for many Ridgefield CT veterinary practices and hospitals.

What is the School’s Reputation?  The veterinarian college or trade school and program you choose must have an excellent reputation within the veterinarian community. You can initiate your due diligence by asking the colleges you are looking at for testimonials from the employers in their job assistance network. Other suggestions include checking with online school rating websites and contacting the school’s accrediting organizations as well. You can ask the Connecticut school licensing authority if there have been any grievances or infractions involving your targeted schools. As a final recommendation, get in touch with some Ridgefield CT vet clinics that you might want to work for after you get your training. Find out what they think of your school choices. They may even recommend some colleges not on your list.

Are Internships Offered?  The best means to obtain practical hands on training as a vet assistant or technician is to work in a medical setting. Find out if the colleges you are reviewing have internship programs set up with area veterinarians, vet hospitals or clinics. Almost all veterinary medicine programs mandate clinical training and many furnish it by way of internships. Not only will the experience be valuable relative to the clinical training, but an internship can also help develop connections in the local Ridgefield CT vet community and help in the search for a position after graduation.

Is Job Placement Provided?  Getting a job after graduating from a veterinary technician or assistant 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 considering. A lower rate could mean that the instructors were ineffective at teaching the syllabus or that some students were disappointed with the program and dropped out. Next, verify that the colleges have a job placement program and find out what their placement rates are. A high placement rate might signify that the Ridgefield CT program has an excellent reputation within the veterinary community and has a substantial network of contacts for student placements. A low rate may indicate 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 probably will receive little or no personalized instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Ridgefield CT programs you are researching what their class teacher to student ratios are. You may also decide to attend a few classes (if practical) to monitor the interaction between students and teachers. Ask for evaluations from students regarding the quality of instruction. Also, speak with the teachers and determine what their qualifications are as well as their methods of teaching.

Where is the College Located?  Of course, we previously covered location, but there are a few more points to make on the subject. If you are planning to commute to your vet assistant classes from home or work, you must make certain that the commuting time is compatible with your schedule. For instance, driving during the weekend to investigate the route won’t be the same as the commute during rush hour traffic, particularly if the Ridgefield CT school is located near or in a larger city. In addition, if you do choose to enroll in a school in another state or even outside of your County of residence, there may be higher tuition fees especially for community and state colleges. On the other hand, attending online classes might be an option that will provide you with more flexibility and minimize the need for travel.

Is the Class Schedule Flexible?  And finally, it’s important that you find out if the Connecticut veterinary schools you are considering offer class times flexible enough to fit your schedule. For example, a number of students continue to work 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. Verify that the class times you require are offered near Ridgefield CT before enrolling. Also, find out if you can make up classes that you may miss because of sickness, work or family emergencies. You might find that an online program is the best way to fit your veterinary training into your active life.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Vet Technician?

When prepping to interview for a veterinary job, it's important to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the questions that recruiters typically ask veterinary applicants is "What made you pick veterinary care as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not just the private reasons you may have for becoming a veterinary technician, but additionally what qualities and talents you have that make you good at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating primarily to veterinary care, in addition to a certain number of routine interview questions, so you must organize several ideas about how you want to answer them. Considering there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a number of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the talents you have that make you an excellent vet tech and the leading candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but write down some concepts and talking points that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Pick the Best Vet Technologist College near Ridgefield CT

Choosing the appropriate vet assistant or tech program is an important first step to starting a fulfilling career providing treatment and care for animals. Future students looking into vet tech or assistant schools must make their determination based on a number of key issues. Vet assistants, techs and technologists are employed in animal hospitals, veterinary clinics and animal shelters. They commonly take on administrative responsibilities and support the veterinarian with the animal patients when needed. As we have discussed, it’s imperative that you choose a veterinary medicine program that is both accredited and has an excellent reputation within the profession. This applies to online vet tech colleges as well. By asking the questions included in our checklist for evaluating schools, you will be able to narrow down your alternatives so that you can make your final selection. And by picking the best program, you can achieve your goal of becoming a veterinary technician, assistant or technologist in Ridgefield CT.

A Little Bit About Ridgefield CT

Ridgefield, Connecticut

Ridgefield is a town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. Situated in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains, the 300-year-old community had a population of 24,638 at the 2010 census.[1] The town center, which was formerly a borough, is defined by the U.S. Census Bureau as a census-designated place.

Ridgefield was first settled by English colonists from Norwalk and Milford in 1708, when a group of settlers purchased land from Chief Catoonah of the Ramapo tribe.[citation needed] The town was incorporated under a royal charter from the Connecticut General Assembly issued in 1709.[2] The most notable 18th-century event was the Battle of Ridgefield on April 27, 1777. This American Revolutionary War skirmish involved a small colonial militia force (state militia and some Continental Army soldiers), led by, among others, General David Wooster, who died in the engagement, and Benedict Arnold,[3] whose horse was shot from under him. They faced a larger British force that had landed at Westport and was returning from a raid on the colonial supply depot in Danbury. The battle was a tactical victory for the British but a strategic one for the Colonials because the British would never again conduct inland operations in Connecticut, despite western Connecticut's strategic importance in securing the Hudson River Valley.[4] Today, the dead from both sides are buried together in a small cemetery on Main Street on the right of the entrance to Casagmo condominiums: "...foes in arms, brothers in death...". The Keeler Tavern, a local inn and museum, features a British cannonball still lodged in the side of the building. There are many other landmarks from the Revolutionary War in the town, with most along Main Street.

In the summer of 1781, the French army under the Comte de Rochambeau marched through Connecticut, encamping in the Ridgebury section of town, where the first Catholic mass in Ridgefield was offered.[citation needed]

 

 

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