Tag Archives: Veterinary Technician Requirements Glastonbury CT 06033

Vet Tech Schools near Glastonbury CT 06033

How to Select a Veterinary Assistant School near Glastonbury Connecticut

Glastonbury CT vet tech holding dog during examFulfilling your lifelong dream of working with and helping animals by enrolling in a veterinarian school near Glastonbury CT could initially feel like an overwhelming undertaking. After all, you must locate and enroll in a school that will deliver the necessary training to ensure that you can succeed as a vet technician, assistant or technologist. But just how do you tackle analyzing and comparing colleges so that you can make the right choice? Many future students launch their due diligence process by searching for schools that are close to their residences. Once they have identified some nearby colleges, they determine which ones have the cheapest tuition and focus on those. Although expense and location are significant considerations when evaluating vet tech schools, they are by no means the only significant ones when making your comparisons. Factors such as accreditation and internship programs need to be looked into also. The point is that there are questions you need to be asking the veterinary tech programs you are reviewing before you make an ultimate decision. We have presented several within this article to help get you started, but before we review them we’ll explore the varied responsibilities of veterinary techs and assistants and the training options available.

The Function of a Veterinary Tech and Assistant

Glastonbury CT vet assistant taking vital signs of puppyOne of the initial decisions that you will have to make is if you wish to train as a vet technician, assistant or technologist. Part of your determination may be dependent on the amount of time and money that you have to invest in your training, but the primary determiner will most likely be which specialization interests you the most. What vet techs and assistants share in common is that they both work under the direct guidance of a practicing and licensed veterinarian. And even though there are a number of duties that they can perform within the Glastonbury CT veterinary practice or hospital, they can’t prescribe medications, diagnose conditions, or conduct surgical procedures. In those areas they may only provide support to a licensed veterinarian. 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 duties and education requirements for each specialty.

  • Vet Assistants in most cases will have gone through a formal training program, either as an apprentice or intern in a practice, or by completing a certificate program at a community college or trade school near Glastonbury CT. As the name implies, their job function is to assist the veterinarians and vet techs in the performance of their duties. Generally they are not associated with more complex undertakings, for example assisting with surgical procedures. A few of their normal duties may include working at the front desk, cleaning and preparing exam rooms and equipment, or controlling animals during exams.
  • Vet Technicians receive more advanced training compared with assistants and normally acquire a 2 year Associate Degree, ideally from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program. They are in a fashion 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 involved in more complex duties, such as assisting with surgeries or providing medicine. All states currently mandate that veterinary techs pass a credentialing examination for either certification, registration or licensing.
  • Vet Technologists are comparable to vet technicians and basically carry out the same work functions. They are required to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in veterinary technology, which typically requires 4 years. Therefore the main distinction between a vet technologist and a technician is the technologist’s higher level of education. But with an advanced degree comes more career options, higher salaries and possible management positions. They are additionally required to pass a credentialing examination for either registration, certification or licensing.

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

Online Vet Degree Programs

attending vet tech school online in Glastonbury CTAn approach that might be a solution for those with a hectic lifestyle or who are working full-time while going to veterinary school is to enroll in an online training program. Because the classes are made available through the internet, students can study on their own schedule wherever a computer is accessible. The curriculum is taught using various venues, including slide shows, videos and live streaming webinars. And since many vet technician and technologist degrees require clinical training, that part can normally be carried out as an internship or work study program at an area Glastonbury CT veterinary clinic or hospital. Distance learning, as it is also called, may in some instances decrease the cost of your education. Tuition and secondary expenses, for instance for commuting and study materials, may be more affordable compared to more conventional classroom programs. Just be sure that the program that you choose is accredited, either by the AVMA or another nationally recognized accrediting organization. With the online courses and the practical training, everything is included for a comprehensive education. So if you are dedicated enough to learn in this more independent mode, an online vet technician or assistant program may be the perfect option for you.

Questions to Ask Vet Assistant and Tech Programs

cat wearing cone after vet surgery in Glastonbury CTBy now you should have determined which veterinary credential that you want to earn, and if you prefer to study online or attend a school on campus. Since there are an abundance of vet community colleges, trade and vocational schools in Connecticut as well as across the United States, you should ask some important questions to help narrow down your list of alternatives. As we pointed out in our introduction, many future students start by prioritizing location and the cost of tuition. But we have previously pointed out other important qualifiers, such as internship programs and accreditation. And of course you need to enroll in a program that offers the specialty and degree that you would like to earn. These and other factors are addressed in the list of questions that you should ask the Glastonbury CT vet technician and assistant schools that you are considering.

Is the Veterinary College Accredited?  It’s imperative that you make sure that the vet assistant or technician school you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization. As earlier mentioned, among the most highly respected is the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Trade schools and colleges that are accredited by the AVMA have undergone a demanding review process that ensures you will get a superior education. Also, accreditation is essential if you are applying for a student loan or financial assistance, since many programs are not obtainable for non-accredited programs. Last, having a degree or certificate from an accredited school is in many cases a precondition for employment for many Glastonbury CT veterinary practices and hospitals.

What is the Program’s Reputation?  The veterinarian vocational school or college and program you enroll in should have an exceptional reputation within the veterinarian community. You can begin your due diligence by asking the colleges you are reviewing for testimonials from the employers in their job assistance network. Other tips include looking on online school rating websites and checking with the school’s accrediting organizations as well. You can ask the Connecticut school licensing department if there have been any grievances or violations relating to your targeted schools. As a final tip, call some Glastonbury CT veterinarians that you might wish to work for after you get your training. Find out what they think of your school choices. They might even suggest one or more schools not on your list.

Are there Internship Programs?  The best approach to get practical hands on training as a vet assistant or technician is to work in a medical environment. Find out if the colleges you are reviewing have internship programs set up with regional veterinarians, vet hospitals or clinics. Most veterinary medicine programs require clinical training and many provide it through internships. Not only will the experience be invaluable relative to the practical training, but an internship can also help develop relationships in the local Glastonbury CT veterinarian community and help in the search for employment after graduation.

Is there a Job Assistance Program?  Finding a job after graduating from a veterinary assistant or technician program can be challenging without the help of a job placement program. First, ask what the graduation rates are for the colleges you are evaluating. A lower rate may indicate that the teachers were unqualified to teach the curriculum or that some students were unhappy with the program and dropped out. Next, check that the colleges have a job placement program and ask what their placement rates are. A higher placement rate may signify that the Glastonbury CT program has an outstanding reputation within the veterinarian community and has a significant network of contacts for student placements. A low rate could mean that the training is not highly regarded by employers or that the job assistance program is ineffective at placing students.

How Big are the Classes?  If the classes are bigger, you most likely will get little or no one-on-one instruction from the teachers. Request from the Glastonbury CT colleges you are considering what their class student to teacher ratios are. You may also decide to sit in on a couple of classes (if practical) to observe the interaction between students and instructors. Ask for evaluations from students concerning the quality of instruction. Also, speak with the teachers and determine what their backgrounds are as well as their methods of teaching.

Where is the College Located?  Yes, we previously covered location, but there are a couple of more points to consider on the topic. If you are going to commute to your veterinary technician classes from work or home, you need to make sure that the commuting 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, particularly if the Glastonbury CT school is located in or near a larger city. In addition, if you do decide to enroll in a school in another state or even outside of your County of residence, there may be higher tuition charges particularly for community and state colleges. On the other hand, taking online classes may be an alternative that will give you more flexibility and reduce the need for travel.

Do the Classes Fit Your Schedule?  And finally, it’s important that you determine if the Connecticut vet programs 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 attend classes in the morning or later in the afternoon. Make sure that the class times you need are offered near Glastonbury CT prior to enrolling. Also, determine if you can make-up classes that you might miss because of illness, work or family issues. You might find that an online college is the best way to fit your veterinary education into your active life.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Vet Assistant?

When getting ready to interview for a veterinary job, it's important to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the things that interviewers frequently ask veterinary candidates is "What made you decide on veterinary care as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to uncover is not just the personal reasons you might have for becoming a vet tech, but also what qualities and skills you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will likely be asked questions pertaining specifically to veterinary care, as well as a significant number of typical interview questions, so you need to prepare a number of strategies about how you want to address them. Because there are so many factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the talents you possess that make you an outstanding vet tech and the leading candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize a response, but write down a few ideas and topics that relate to your personal experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to develop your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.

Select the Ideal Veterinary Technologist Degree Program near Glastonbury CT

Enrolling in the appropriate veterinary assistant or tech school is a critical first step to starting a gratifying career providing treatment and care for animals. Future students considering veterinary assistant or tech programs need to make their selection based on a number of key factors. Veterinary techs, assistants and technologists are employed in veterinary clinics and hospitals and animal shelters. They usually take on administrative responsibilities and support the veterinarian with the animals when needed. As we have discussed, it’s essential that you pick a veterinary medicine program that is both accredited and has an outstanding reputation within the field. 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 selection. And by choosing the right school, you can reach your goal of becoming a vet technician, assistant or technologist in Glastonbury CT.

A Little Bit About Glastonbury CT

Glastonbury, Connecticut

Glastonbury is a town in Hartford County, Connecticut, United States, formally founded in 1693 with settlers first arriving in 1636. The town was named after Glastonbury in Somerset, England. Glastonbury is located on the banks of the Connecticut River, 7 miles (11 km) southeast of Hartford. The town center is defined by the U.S. Census Bureau as a census-designated place (CDP). The population was 34,427 at the 2010 census.[1]

In 2013, the South Glastonbury zip code, 06073, was ranked the 11th wealthiest zip code in Connecticut. The town also has the Crystal Ridge neighborhood, which is estimated to be the wealthiest neighborhood in the Greater Hartford area.[2][3]

In 1636, thirty families were settled in Pyaug, a tract of land belonging to Wethersfield on the eastern bank of the Connecticut River, bought from the Native American chief Sowheag for 12 yards (11 m) of trading cloth. In 1672, Wethersfield and Hartford were granted permission by the General Court to extend the boundary line of Pyaug 5 miles (8 km) to the east. By 1690, residents of Pyaug had gained permission from Wethersfield to become a separate town and, in 1693, the town of Glassenbury was created.[4]

 

 

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