Vet Tech Schools near Niantic CT 06357

How to Pick a Vet Assistant School near Niantic Connecticut

Niantic CT vet tech holding dog during examAchieving your long term goal of working with and helping pets by enrolling in a veterinarian program near Niantic CT may initially feel like a challenging endeavor. After all, you need to locate and enroll in a school that will provide the proper training to ensure that you can succeed as a veterinary assistant, technician or technologist. But just how do you go about analyzing and contrasting colleges so that you can make the ideal choice? Many aspiring students launch their due diligence process by looking for campuses that are close to their residences. When they have identified some local colleges, they ascertain which ones have the lowest tuition and hone in on those. Although location and expense are important factors when comparing vet tech schools, they are by no means the only important ones when making your comparisons. Qualifiers such as internship programs and accreditation need to be looked into as well. The main idea is that there are questions you ought to be asking the veterinary tech programs you are considering before you make an ultimate decision. We have furnished several within this article in order to help get you started, but before we review them we’ll discuss the various roles of veterinary assistants and techs and the training options available.

The Role of a Veterinary Assistant and Tech

Niantic CT vet assistant taking vital signs of puppyOne of the first decisions that you will have to make is if you desire to train as a vet assistant, technologist or technician. Part of your decision may be dependent on the amount of time and money that you have to commit to your education, but the principal determiner will probably be which specialty appeals to 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 numerous tasks that they can carry out within the Niantic CT veterinary clinic or hospital, they can’t prescribe drugs, diagnose ailments, or carry out surgical procedures. In those areas they may only provide assistance to a licensed vet. There are technologists and technicians that work exclusive of the conventional vet practice, such as for animal shelters, zoos or law enforcement. Let’s take a look at the job functions and education requirements for each specialization.

  • Vet Assistants in the majority of cases will have gone through a structured training program, either as an intern or apprentice in a vet clinic or hospital, or by finishing a certificate program at a vocational school or community college near Niantic CT. As the name implies, their job function is to assist the vets and vet techs in the execution of their duties. Normally they are not involved with more involved activities, for example assisting with surgeries. A few of their regular functions may include working at the front desk, preparing and cleaning exam rooms and equipment, or controlling pets during examinations.
  • Vet Technicians receive more advanced training compared to 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 veterinarian equivalent of medical nurses, since their basic job duty is to assist vets with diagnosing and treating animal patients. Where they differ from vet assistants is that they are included in more involved functions, for example assisting with surgeries or administering medicine. All states presently require vet technicians pass a credentialing examination for either licensing, registration or certification.
  • Vet Technologists are similar to veterinary technicians and for the most part carry out the same job functions. They are mandated to attain a Bachelor’s Degree in veterinary technology, which normally requires four years. So the only real difference between a vet technician and a technologist is the technologist’s higher level of education. But with an advanced degree comes more job opportunities, higher salaries and potential management positions. They are additionally required to pass a credentialing examination for either licensing, registration or certification.

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

Online Veterinary Degree Programs

attending vet tech school online in Niantic CTAn option that may make sense for those with a hectic lifestyle or who are working full-time while going to veterinary school is to enroll in an online program. Because the classes are provided through the internet, students can attend on their own timetable wherever a computer is available. The curriculum is taught using multiple venues, including videos, slide shows and live streaming webinars. And since most vet tech and technologist degrees require practical training, that portion can normally be carried out as an internship or work study program at an area Niantic CT 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 materials, can be more affordable compared to more traditional classroom programs. Just be sure that the online school that you enroll in is accredited, either by the AVMA or another nationally recognized accrediting agency. With the online courses and the practical training, everything is furnished for a comprehensive education. So if you are dedicated enough to learn in this more independent manner, an online veterinary tech or assistant school may be the ideal option for you.

Questions to Ask Vet Assistant and Technologist Degree Programs

cat wearing cone after vet surgery in Niantic CTAt this point you probably have determined which veterinarian certificate or degree that you would like to obtain, and if you want to study online or attend a college on campus. Since there are a large number of veterinarian community colleges, trade and vocational schools in Connecticut as well as across the United States, you must ask some relevant questions to help narrow down your list of options. As we discussed in our opening, many prospective students start by concentrating on 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 college that offers the specialty and degree that you would like to earn. These and other qualifications are reviewed in the checklist of questions that you need to ask the Niantic CT veterinary technician and assistant programs that you are looking at.

Is the Vet School Accredited?  It’s imperative that you confirm that the veterinary technician or assistant school you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency. As earlier discussed, one of the most highly respected is the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Trade schools and colleges that are accredited by the AVMA have gone through a demanding review process that verifies you will get a superior education. Also, accreditation is necessary if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, since numerous programs are not obtainable for non-accredited programs. And finally, having a degree or certificate from an accredited school is in many cases a requirement for employment for many Niantic CT veterinary clinics and hospitals.

What is the School’s Reputation?  The vet college or vocational school and program you choose must have an exceptional reputation within the vet field. You can initiate your due diligence by asking the colleges you are reviewing for endorsements from the employers in their job placement network. Other suggestions include looking on online school ranking websites and checking with the school’s accrediting agencies 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 pointer, get in touch with some Niantic CT 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 might even suggest one or more programs not on your list.

Are Internships Offered?  The best means to obtain clinical hands on experience as a vet assistant or technician is to work in a clinical environment. Find out if the programs you are looking at have internship programs set up with regional veterinarians, vet clinics or hospitals. Almost all veterinary medicine programs require clinical training and a large number furnish it through internships. Not only will the experience be beneficial as far as the practical training, but an internship may also help build connections in the local Niantic CT veterinary community and assist in the search for a position after graduation.

Is Job Placement Provided?  Finding a job after graduating from a veterinary assistant or technician program may be difficult without the help of a job placement program. To start with, ask what the graduation rates are for the colleges you are reviewing. A lower rate might mean that the instructors were ineffective at teaching the curriculum or that a number of students were dissatisfied with the program and quit. Next, check that the colleges have a job placement program and ask what their placement rates are. A high placement rate may signify that the Niantic CT school has an excellent reputation within the veterinary community and has a considerable network of contacts for student placements. A low rate could indicate that the training is not highly thought of by employers or that the job assistance program is ineffective at placing students.

How Large are the Classes?  If the classes are larger, you probably will get little or no individualized instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Niantic CT programs you are considering what their classroom teacher to student ratios are. You may also decide to attend a couple of 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 find out what their backgrounds are as well as their methods of teaching.

Where is the Campus Located?  Okay, we already discussed location, but there are a few more points to consider on the topic. If you are planning to commute to your veterinary 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 drive during rush hour traffic, especially if the Niantic CT school is located near or in 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 increased tuition charges particularly for community and state colleges. Of course attending online classes might be an option that will give you more flexibility and reduce the necessity for travel.

Do the Classes Fit Your Schedule?  And last, it’s essential that you find out if the Connecticut veterinarian schools you are evaluating offer class times that are sufficiently flexible to fit your schedule. For instance, a number of students continue to work full time and can only attend classes on the weekends or in the evenings. Some might only be able to go to class in the morning or later in the afternoon. Make certain that the class times you need are offered near Niantic CT before enrolling. In addition, find out if you can make-up classes that you might miss due to work, illness or family emergencies. You may find that an online college is the ideal way to fit your vet training into your hectic life.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Vet Tech?

When prepping to interview for a veterinary position, it's a good idea to review questions you may be asked. One of the questions that recruiters often ask veterinary applicants is "What drove you to decide on veterinary care as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to discover is not only the personal reasons you might have for being a veterinary technician, but also what qualities and talents you possess that make you outstanding at what you do. You will probably be asked questions relating exclusively to veterinary care, in addition to a certain number of general interview questions, so you need to prepare some approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are so many variables that go into choosing a career, you can address this fundamental question in a multitude of ways. When formulating an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the abilities you have that make you an excellent vet tech and the leading candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but jot down some concepts and topics that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can assist you to develop your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to impress the recruiter.

Enroll in the Best Veterinary Assistant School near Niantic CT

Enrolling in the right vet technician school is a crucial first step to beginning a fulfilling career delivering care and treatment for pets and livestock. Students considering vet assistant or tech colleges must make their determination based on a number of key issues. Veterinary techs, assistants and technologists work in animal hospitals, veterinary clinics and animal shelters. They typically handle administrative responsibilities and assist the veterinarian with the animals when needed. As we have discussed, it’s imperative 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 programs as well. By asking the questions provided in our checklist for assessing schools, you will be able to narrow down your alternatives so that you can make your final selection. And by selecting the right college, you can reach your goal of becoming a veterinary assistant, technician or technologist in Niantic CT.

A Little Bit About Niantic CT

Niantic, Connecticut

Niantic is a census-designated place (CDP) and village in the town of East Lyme, Connecticut in the United States. The population was 3,114 at the 2010 census.[1] It is located on Long Island Sound, the Millstone Nuclear Power Plant in nearby Waterford is visible on the bay's eastern horizon line, Rocky Neck State Park is also located in the area. Niantic was once famous for its Niantic River scallops, but the scallop population has been in decline for a number of years.[2]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 3.5 square miles (9.1 km2), of which 1.5 square miles (3.8 km2) is land and 2.1 square miles (5.4 km2), or 58.64%, is water.

As of the census[3] of 2000, there were 3,085 people, 1,404 households, and 835 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 2,110.3 people per square mile (815.8/km2). There were 1,756 housing units at an average density of 1,201.2 per square mile (464.4/km2). The racial makeup of the CDP was 96.63% White, 0.49% African American, 0.16% Native American, 1.23% Asian, 0.42% from other races, and 1.07% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.11% of the population.

 

 

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