IT TAKES JUST A FEW MINUTES TO START YOUR VET TECH CAREER BELOW
Questions to Ask Vet Tech Colleges
By now you probably have selected which veterinarian degree that you would like to earn, and if you want to study online or attend a program on campus. Since there are a large number of veterinary community colleges, vocational and trade schools in the Larkspur CA area 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 opening, many future students start by focusing on location and the cost of tuition. But we have previously touched on other significant qualifiers, for example accreditation and internship programs. And of course you want to enroll in a program that offers the specialty and degree that you want to earn. These and other factors are covered in the list of questions that you should ask the veterinary technician schools that you are considering.
Is the Veterinary Program Accredited? It's imperative that you confirm that the vet tech program you select is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency. As previously stated, one of the most highly respected is the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Trade schools and colleges that are accredited by the AVMA have undergone a thorough review process that confirms you will obtain a superior education. Also, accreditation is essential if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, since numerous programs are not available for non-accredited programs. Last, having a degree or certificate from an accredited college is often a prerequisite for employment for many Larkspur CA area veterinarian clinics and hospitals.
What is the Program's Reputation? The vet college or vocational school and program you enroll in must have an exceptional reputation within the veterinarian field. You can initiate your due diligence by asking the colleges you are interested in for references from the employers in their job placement network. Other pointers include checking with online 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 involving your specific schools. As a final suggestion, phone some Larkspur CA veterinarians that you may wish to work for after you receive your training. Ask what they think about your school choices. They may even suggest some schools not on your list.
Are there Internship Programs? The most effective means to obtain practical hands on training as a vet tech is to work in a clinical environment. Ask if the colleges you are reviewing have internship programs established with Larkspur CA veterinarians, vet hospitals or clinics. The majority of veterinary medicine programs require clinical training and a large number provide it by means of internships. Not only will the experience be beneficial regarding the clinical training, but an internship can also help establish connections in the local vet community and aid in the search for a position after graduation.
Is there a Job Assistance Program? Finding a job after graduating from a veterinary technician college can be challenging without the assistance of a job placement program. To start with, find out what the graduation rates are for the programs you are evaluating. A lower rate could signify that the teachers were unqualified to teach the syllabus or that some students were disappointed with the program and quit. Next, confirm that the schools have a job placement program and ask what their placement rates are. A higher placement rate may indicate that the program has an outstanding reputation within the Larkspur CA veterinary community and has a substantial network of contacts for student placements. A low rate may signify that the training is not well thought of by employers or that the job assistance program is ineffective at placing students.
How Big are the Classes? If the classes are larger in size, you most likely will receive little or no one-on-one instruction from the teachers. Solicit from the Larkspur CA schools you are looking at what their classroom student to teacher ratios are. You might also want to attend a couple of classes (if practical) to monitor the interaction between students and teachers. Get feedback 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? Yes, we already discussed location, but there are a couple of more points to make on the subject. If you are planning to commute to your veterinary technician classes from your Larkspur CA home, you must confirm that the driving time fits into your schedule. For example, driving during the weekend to investigate the route won't be the same as the drive during rush hour traffic, especially if the college is located close by or within a large city. Also, if you do decide to enroll in a college in another state or even outside of your County of residence, there may be increased tuition costs especially for community and state colleges. On the other hand, taking online classes could be an alternative 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 vet schools you are evaluating offer class times flexible enough to fit your schedule. For example, a number of students continue working full time and can only go to classes on the weekends or in the evenings near Larkspur CA. Others may only be able to go to class in the morning or in the afternoon. Make sure that the class times you need are offered prior to enrolling. Also, find out if you can make-up classes that you might miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies. You may find that an online program is the ideal solution to fit your veterinary education into your hectic life.