Vet Tech Schools near Lancaster CA 93534

How to Pick a Veterinary Assistant School near Lancaster California

Lancaster CA vet tech holding dog during examFulfilling your long term aspiration of working with and helping pets by enrolling in a vet college near Lancaster CA may at first feel like an overwhelming task. After all, you have to find and enroll in a program that will furnish the necessary training to ensure that you can succeed as a veterinary assistant, technician or technologist. But just how do you tackle evaluating and contrasting programs so that you can make the best choice? Many aspiring students launch their due diligence process by looking for schools that are close to their residences. After they have found some local schools, they find out which ones have the most affordable tuition and focus on those. Although cost and location are significant concerns when comparing vet tech schools, they are by no means the only significant ones when making your evaluations. Qualifications such as internship programs and accreditation should be looked into also. The point is that there are questions you should be asking the veterinary tech programs you are looking at before you make a final decision. We have provided several in this article in order to help get you started, but before we review them we’ll explore the various roles of vet assistants and techs and the training alternatives available.

The Function of a Veterinary Tech and Assistant

Lancaster CA vet assistant taking vital signs of puppyAmong the first decisions that you will need to make is if you plan to train as a vet technician, assistant or technologist. Part of your preference might be predicated on the amount of time and money that you have to devote to your education, but the main factor will probably be which specialty interests you the most. What vet techs and assistants have in common is that they each work under the immediate guidance of a practicing and licensed veterinarian. And even though there are numerous tasks that they can carry out within the Lancaster CA veterinary practice or hospital, they can’t prescribe medicines, diagnose ailments, or perform surgeries. In those areas they may only furnish support to a licensed vet. There are technicians and technologists that work exclusive of the typical vet practice, such as for zoos, animal shelters or law enforcement. Let’s take a look at the duties and training prerequisites for each specialty.

  • Vet Assistants in almost all cases will have gone through a structured training program, either as an apprentice or intern in a practice, or by completing a certificate program at a community college or vocational school near Lancaster CA. As the name implies, their job function is to assist the vets and vet technicians in the completion of their duties. Usually they are not associated with more involved tasks, such as assisting with surgical procedures. A few of their normal responsibilities may include working at the front desk, preparing and cleaning exam rooms and equipment, or handling pets during examinations.
  • Vet Technicians receive more advanced training compared with assistants and typically earn a two year Associate Degree, preferably from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program. They are in a sense the veterinarian counterparts of medical nurses, since their basic job function is to assist vets with diagnosing and treating animal patients. Where they stand apart from veterinary assistants is that they are involved in more complex activities, for example assisting with surgical procedures or administering medication. All states presently mandate that vet technicians pass a credentialing examination for either certification, registration or licensing.
  • Vet Technologists are comparable to vet techs and basically carry out the same work functions. They are required to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in veterinary technology, which normally requires four years. Therefore the only real distinction between a vet technologist and a technician is the technologist’s higher level of education. But with an advanced degree comes more job options, higher salaries and potential management positions. They are also required 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 urgent care. Some may obtain certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) to work in labs or Lancaster CA area research facilities also.

Vet Online Degree Programs

attending vet tech school online in Lancaster CAAn approach that may make sense for those with a busy schedule or who are working full time while attending veterinarian school is to enroll in an online training program. Because the classes are provided via the internet, students can attend on their own timetable wherever a computer is available. The syllabus is taught using multiple venues, including videos, slide shows and live streaming webinars. And since the majority of vet tech and technologist degrees require practical training, that portion can typically be carried out as an internship or work study program at an area Lancaster CA veterinarian practice or hospital. Distance learning, as it is also called, may in some instances decrease the cost of your education. Tuition and secondary expenditures, for instance for commuting and study supplies, may be lower compared to more standard classroom courses. Just make sure that the program that you choose is accredited, either by the AVMA or another nationally certified accrediting organization. With the online classes and the practical training, everything is provided for a comprehensive education. So if you are dedicated enough to learn in this more independent manner, an online veterinary technician or assistant program may be the right option for you.

What to Ask Veterinary Assistant and Technologist Schools

cat wearing cone after vet surgery in Lancaster CABy now you should have selected which veterinary credential that you would like to attain, and if you intend to study online or attend a program on campus. Since there are a large number of vet community colleges, technical and vocational schools in California and across the United States, you need to ask some qualifying questions to help narrow down your list of options. As we pointed out in our opening, many prospective students start by prioritizing location and the cost of tuition. But we have already touched on other important qualifiers, for instance internship programs and accreditation. And naturally you need to select a school that offers the degree and specialty that you are interested in. These and other factors are covered in the list of questions that you need to ask the Lancaster CA veterinary assistant and technician schools that you are reviewing.

Is the Vet College Accredited?  It’s important that you confirm that the veterinary assistant or tech program you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency. As previously discussed, one of the most highly respected is the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Vocational schools and colleges that are accredited by the AVMA have gone through a demanding screening process that ensures you will obtain a superior education. Also, accreditation is essential if you are applying for 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 precondition for employment for a number of Lancaster CA veterinarian clinics and hospitals.

What is the Program’s Reputation?  The veterinarian college or vocational school and program you select must have an excellent reputation within the veterinarian field. You can begin your due diligence by asking the colleges you are interested in for testimonials from the employers in their job placement network. Other tips include checking with internet school ranking websites and checking with the school’s accrediting organizations as well. You can ask the California school licensing authority if there have been any grievances or violations relating to your specific schools. As a final pointer, call some Lancaster CA vet clinics that you may want to work for after you go through your training. Find out what they think of your school selections. They may even suggest some programs not on your list.

Are Internships Offered?  The best way to get clinical hands on experience as a vet tech or assistant is to work in a professional setting. Find out if the schools you are reviewing have internship programs arranged with local veterinarians, vet practices or hospitals. Almost all veterinary medicine programs mandate clinical training and a large number provide it through internships. Not only will the experience be invaluable relative to the clinical training, but an internship can also help establish associations in the local Lancaster CA veterinarian community and help in the search for a position after graduation.

Is there a Job Assistance Program?  Finding a job after graduating from a vet tech or assistant college can be challenging without the help of a job placement program. To start with, find out what the graduation rates are for the colleges you are evaluating. A lower rate may signify that the teachers were unqualified to teach the syllabus or that some students were dissatisfied with the program and dropped out. Next, confirm that the schools have a job assistance program and ask what their placement rates are. A higher placement rate might mean that the Lancaster CA school has an excellent reputation within the veterinary community and has a substantial network of contacts for student placements. A lower rate could mean that the training is not well regarded by employers or that the job assistance program is a failure at placing students.

How Big are the Classes?  If the classes are larger, you probably will get little or no one-on-one instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Lancaster CA colleges you are considering what their classroom student to teacher ratios are. You may also want to sit in on a few classes (if practical) to monitor the interaction between students and instructors. Ask for feedback from students concerning 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 Campus Located?  Of course, we previously talked about location, but there are several more points to consider on the topic. If you are planning to commute to your vet technician classes from home or work, you need to make sure 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 commute during rush hour traffic, particularly if the Lancaster CA campus is located in or close by 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 particularly for state and community colleges. On the other hand, taking online classes may be an option that will give you more flexibility and reduce the necessity for travel.

Is the Class Schedule Flexible?  And finally, it’s important that you determine if the California veterinary colleges you are evaluating offer class times flexible enough to accommodate 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 later in the afternoon. Make sure that the class times you require are available near Lancaster CA before enrolling. Also, determine if you can make-up classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family emergencies. You may discover that an online college is the best way to fit your veterinary training into your busy life.

Why Did You Choose to Become a Veterinary Assistant?

When preparing to interview for a veterinary job, it's a good idea to consider questions you might be asked. One of the questions that interviewers typically ask veterinary prospects is "What made you pick veterinary care as a profession?". What the interviewer is attempting to learn is not only the personal reasons you may have for being a vet tech, but additionally what qualities and skills you possess that make you outstanding at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating primarily to veterinary care, in addition to a significant number of general interview questions, so you should prepare a number of ideas about how you want to respond to them. Given that there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a multitude of ways. When preparing an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the strengths you possess that make you an exceptional vet tech and the ideal candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down several concepts and topics that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to wow the interviewer.

Choose the Right Vet Assistant Degree Program near Lancaster CA

Enrolling in the appropriate veterinary assistant or tech school is a critical first step to starting a fulfilling career providing care and treatment for pets and livestock. Potential students thinking about veterinary assistant or tech schools must make their selection based on several key issues. Vet assistants, techs and technologists work in veterinary clinics and hospitals and animal shelters. They usually handle administrative duties and assist the veterinarian with the animals when needed. As we have discussed, it’s very important that you pick a veterinary medicine program that is both accredited and has an outstanding reputation within the field. This goes for online vet tech programs as well. By asking the questions provided in our checklist for evaluating schools, you will be able to reduce your choices so that you can make your final selection. And by choosing the ideal school, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a vet technician, assistant or technologist in Lancaster CA.

A Little Bit About Lancaster CA

Lancaster, California

Lancaster /ˈlæn.kæstər/ is a charter city in northern Los Angeles County, in the Antelope Valley of the western Mojave Desert in Southern California. As of 2013, Lancaster was the 31st largest city in California. Lancaster is part of a twin city complex with its southern neighbor Palmdale and together they are the principal cities within the Antelope Valley region and California's High Desert.

Lancaster is located approximately 70 miles (110 km) north (by highway) of downtown Los Angeles, near the Kern County line. It is separated from the Los Angeles Basin by the San Gabriel Mountains to the south, and from Bakersfield and the San Joaquin Valley by the Tehachapi Mountains to the north. The population of Lancaster grew from 37,000 at the time of its incorporation in 1977 to over 156,000 in 2010. According to the Greater Antelope Valley Economic Alliance report of 2015, Lancaster has a population of 168,049.[8]

The area where Lancaster is now located, known as the Antelope Valley, was originally home to the Paiute Indians. Lancaster's origins as a settlement start with the Southern Pacific Railroad, which is believed to first use the name Lancaster, where a station house, locomotive watering facilities and section gang housing were built when the railroad laid track through the town's future location. In 1876 the Southern Pacific completed the line through the Antelope Valley,[9] linking San Francisco and Los Angeles. The origin of Lancaster's name is unclear, attributed variously to the surname of a railroad station clerk, the moniker given by railroad officials, or the former Pennsylvania home (Lancaster, Pennsylvania) of unknown settlers. Train service brought passengers through the water-stop-turned-community, which, with the help of promotional literature, attracted new settlers. The person credited with formally developing the town is Moses Langley Wicks, who in 1884 bought property from the railroad for $2.50 per acre, mapped out a town with streets and lots, and by September was advertising 160-acre tracts of land for $6 an acre. The following year, the Lancaster News started publication, making it the first weekly newspaper in the Antelope Valley. By 1890, Lancaster was bustling and booming, and thanks to adequate rainfall, farmers planted and sold thousands of acres of wheat and barley.

 

 

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