Vet Tech Schools near Andover CT 06232

How to Find the Right Veterinary Assistant Training near Andover Connecticut

Andover CT vet tech holding dog during examFulfilling your lifelong dream of working with and caring for pets by enrolling in a veterinary school near Andover CT might initially seem like a daunting endeavor. After all, you need to search for and enroll in a program that will deliver the proper training so that you can be successful as a veterinary assistant, technician or technologist. But just how do you approach analyzing and contrasting programs so that you can make the right selection? Many potential students launch their due diligence process by searching for colleges that are close to their homes. Once they have located some area colleges, they ascertain 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 important ones when making your comparisons. Factors such as accreditation and internship programs should be looked into also. The main idea is that there are questions you need to be asking the veterinary tech programs you are considering before you make an ultimate selection. We have furnished several in this article in order to help get you started, but before we discuss them we’ll explore the varied roles of vet assistants and techs and the training alternatives offered.

The Role of a Vet Assistant and Tech

Andover CT vet assistant taking vital signs of puppyOne of the first decisions that you will have to make is whether you desire to train as a veterinary assistant, technologist or technician. Part of your decision may be predicated on the amount of time and money that you have to devote to your education, but the main factor will most likely be which specialization appeals to you the most. What vet techs and assistants share in common is that they both work under the immediate supervision of a licensed and practicing veterinarian. And even though there are a number of tasks that they can perform within the Andover CT veterinary practice or hospital, they can’t prescribe medications, 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 conventional vet practice, such as for animal shelters, zoos or law enforcement. Let’s take a look at the duties and training prerequisites for each specialization.

  • Vet Assistants in almost all instances will have completed a formal training program, either as an intern or apprentice in a practice, or by finishing a certificate program at a trade school or community college near Andover CT. As the name implies, their job function is to assist the veterinarians and vet techs in the execution of their duties. Generally they are not associated with more complex activities, for example assisting with surgical procedures. Some of their normal duties may include working at the front desk, preparing and cleaning exam rooms and equipment, or controlling pets during exams.
  • Vet Technicians go through more extensive training compared with assistants and generally acquire a 2 year Associate Degree, ideally from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program. They are in a sense the vet equivalent of medical nurses, since their basic job function is to assist veterinarians with diagnosing and treating animal patients. Where they stand apart from vet assistants is that they are involved in more complex activities, for example assisting with surgeries or providing medicine. 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 usually requires four years. Therefore the only real distinction between a vet technician and a technologist is the technologist’s higher level of education. But with an advanced degree comes more work opportunities, higher 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 internal medicine, anesthesia or emergency care. A number may earn certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) to work in laboratories or Andover CT area research facilities also.

Online Vet Degree Programs

attending vet tech school online in Andover CTAn option that might be a solution for those with a hectic lifestyle or who are working full-time while going to veterinarian college is to enroll in an online program. Because the classes are offered through the internet, students can attend on their own timetable wherever a computer is available. The curriculum is taught using various methods, including slide shows, videos and live streaming webinars. And since most vet technician and technologist degrees require practical training, that portion can typically be completed as an internship or work study program at a local Andover CT veterinarian clinic or hospital. Distance learning, as it is also called, may in some instances decrease the cost of your education. Tuition and ancillary expenditures, such as for commuting and study supplies, may be cheaper compared to more traditional classroom programs. Just make sure that the online school that you choose is accredited, either by the AVMA or another nationally certified accrediting agency. With the online classes and the clinical training, everything is provided for a complete education. So if you are disciplined enough to learn in this more independent manner, an online veterinary technician or assistant program may be the ideal choice for you.

Things to Ask Vet Assistant and Tech Schools

cat wearing cone after vet surgery in Andover CTBy now you probably have determined which veterinarian credential that you would like to earn, and if you want to study online or attend a college on campus. Since there are a large number of veterinary community colleges, vocational and technical schools in Connecticut and across the Country, you must ask some relevant questions to help fine tune your list of options. As we discussed in our introduction, many future students start by concentrating on location and tuition expense. But we have already mentioned other significant qualifiers, which include accreditation and internship programs. And of course you want to choose a college that offers the degree and specialty that you want to earn. These and other factors are reviewed in the checklist of questions that you need to ask the Andover CT veterinary assistant and tech schools that you are considering.

Is the Vet College Accredited?  It’s essential that you confirm that the vet assistant or tech college you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization. As previously stated, one of the most highly regarded is the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Trade schools and colleges that are accredited by the AVMA have gone through a demanding screening process that ensures you will obtain a quality education. Also, accreditation is important if you are requesting a student loan or financial assistance, since a large number of programs are not offered for non-accredited schools. Last, having a degree or certificate from an accredited college is often a prerequisite for employment for many Andover CT veterinary practices and hospitals.

What is the School’s Reputation?  The vet college or trade school and program you choose must have an excellent reputation within the veterinary community. You can begin your due diligence by asking the colleges you are looking at for endorsements from the employers in their job placement network. Other tips include looking on online school rating websites and contacting the school’s accrediting agencies as well. You can ask the Connecticut school licensing authority if there have been any grievances or infractions relating to your specific schools. As a final pointer, phone some Andover CT veterinary clinics that you may wish to work for after you get your training. Ask what they think of your school choices. They might even recommend some colleges not on your list.

Are Internships Offered?  The most effective means to obtain clinical hands on training as a vet tech or assistant is to work in a clinical setting. Ask if the programs you are reviewing have internship programs set up with area veterinarians, vet hospitals or clinics. Most veterinary medicine programs mandate clinical training and many provide it by way of internships. Not only will the experience be beneficial relative to the clinical training, but an internship may also help develop connections in the local Andover CT veterinarian community and assist in the search for employment after graduation.

Is Job Placement Provided?  Getting a job after graduating from a veterinary technician or assistant college may be difficult without the help of a job placement program. First, ask what the graduation rates are for the colleges you are considering. A low rate could suggest that the instructors were unqualified to teach the curriculum or that a number of students were dissatisfied with the program and dropped out. Next, verify that the schools have a job placement program and ask what their placement rates are. A higher placement rate might mean that the Andover CT school has an exceptional reputation within the vet community and has a considerable network of contacts for student placements. A lower rate might indicate that the training is not well thought of by employers or that the job placement program is a failure at placing students.

How Large are the Classes?  If the classes are larger in size, you probably will receive little or no personalized instruction from the teachers. Request from the Andover CT colleges you are looking at what their classroom student to teacher ratios are. You may also decide to sit in on some classes (if practical) to observe the interaction between instructors and students. Ask for evaluations from students concerning the quality of instruction. Also, talk with the teachers and determine what their backgrounds are as well as their methods of teaching.

Where is the Campus Located?  Of course, we previously talked about location, but there are a couple of more points to make on the subject. If you are going to commute to your veterinary tech classes from home or work, you must make sure that the driving time is compatible with your schedule. For instance, driving during the weekend to investigate the route won’t be the same as the drive during rush hour traffic, particularly if the Andover CT college is located in or near a large city. In addition, if you do choose to attend 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 classes online could be an alternative that will provide you with more flexibility and decrease the need for travel.

Do the Classes Fit Your Schedule?  And last, it’s essential that you find out if the Connecticut vet schools you are considering offer class times flexible enough to accommodate your schedule. For instance, a number of students continue working full time and can only go to classes on the weekends or at night. Others may only be able to attend classes in the morning or later in the afternoon. Make certain that the class times you need are available near Andover CT before enrolling. In addition, find out if you can make up classes that you might miss as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies. You may find that an online school is the ideal way to fit your vet training into your busy life.

Why Did You Want to Be a Vet Assistant?

When preparing to interview for a veterinary position, it's a good idea to consider questions you may be asked. One of the questions that recruiters typically ask veterinary candidates is "What made you pick veterinary care as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not merely the private reasons you might have for becoming a vet tech, but additionally what characteristics and talents you possess that make you good at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating specifically to veterinary care, in addition to a certain number of general interview questions, so you need to organize several ideas about how you want to respond to them. Because there are numerous variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an excellent vet tech and the ideal choice for the job. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but take down some concepts and talking points that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample responses can help you to develop your own thoughts, and give you ideas of what to discuss to impress the recruiter.

Select the Best Veterinary Assistant Program near Andover CT

Selecting the ideal vet technician college is a crucial first step to beginning a rewarding career delivering care and treatment for pets and livestock. Potential students considering veterinary assistant or tech programs must make their determination based on several key issues. Vet techs, assistants and technologists are employed in animal hospitals, veterinary clinics and animal shelters. They commonly take on administrative tasks and support the veterinarian with the animal patients when needed. As we have discussed, it’s very important that you select a veterinary medicine program that is both accredited and has an outstanding reputation within the profession. This applies to online vet tech programs as well. By asking the questions included in our checklist for evaluating schools, you will be able to narrow down your choices so that you can make your final choice. And by selecting the right program, you can accomplish your goal of becoming a vet assistant, technician or technologist in Andover CT.

A Little Bit About Andover CT

Andover, Connecticut

Andover is a rural town in Tolland County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 3,303 at the 2010 census.

Andover was incorporated on May 18, 1848, from Hebron and Coventry.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 15.7 square miles (41 km2), of which, 15.5 square miles (40 km2) of it is land and 0.2 square miles (0.52 km2) of it (1.53%) is water. Most of the water of that is Andover Lake.

 

 

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