IT TAKES JUST A FEW MINUTES TO START YOUR VET TECH CAREER BELOW
Questions to Ask Vet Tech Schools
By now you should have decided on which veterinary degree that you wish to attain, and if you intend to study online or attend a college on campus. Since there are a large number of veterinarian community colleges, trade and vocational schools in the Lemoore CA area and across the United States, you need to ask some important questions in order to 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 mentioned other significant qualifiers, which include accreditation and internship programs. And naturally you need to select a college that offers the degree and specialty that you want to earn. These and other factors are addressed in the list of questions that you need to ask the vet tech programs that you are reviewing.
Is the Veterinary College Accredited? It's important that you make sure that the vet tech college you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization. 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 gone through a demanding screening process that verifies you will obtain a quality education. Also, accreditation is necessary if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, since a large number of programs are not offered for non-accredited colleges. And finally, having a degree or certificate from an accredited college is in many cases a prerequisite for employment for a number of Lemoore CA area vet practices and hospitals.
What is the Program's Reputation? The vet college or vocational school and program you choose must have an exceptional reputation within the veterinarian community. You can start your due diligence by asking the colleges you are interested in for endorsements from the employers in their job placement network. Other suggestions include looking on online school rating websites and speaking with the school's accrediting agencies as well. You can ask the California school licensing authority if there have been any grievances or violations concerning your targeted schools. As a final suggestion, get in touch with some Lemoore CA vet clinics that you may wish to work for after you receive your training. Ask what they think about your school choices. They might even recommend one or more programs not on your list.
Are Internships Offered? The best way to get practical hands on training as a vet tech is to work in a medical setting. Find out if the programs you are looking at have internship programs established with Lemoore CA veterinarians, vet hospitals or practices. Most veterinary medicine programs require clinical training and many furnish it by way of internships. Not only will the experience be invaluable as far as the clinical training, but an internship may also help build relationships in the local vet community and assist in the search for a position after graduation.
Is Job Placement Provided? Getting a job after graduating from a vet tech college can be challenging without the help of a job placement program. First, ask what the graduation rates are for the schools you are considering. A lower rate could indicate that the instructors were unqualified to teach the course of study or that a number of students were dissatisfied with the program and dropped out. Next, check that the schools have a job placement program and ask what their placement rates are. A high placement rate might mean that the school has an excellent reputation within the Lemoore CA veterinary community and has a substantial network of contacts for student placements. A low rate may mean that the training is not well regarded by employers or that the job assistance program is a failure at placing students.
How Large are the Classes? If the classes are bigger, you most likely will receive little or no one-on-one instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Lemoore CA colleges you are researching what their classroom teacher to student ratios are. You might also decide to sit in on some classes (if practical) to observe the interaction between instructors and students. Get evaluations from students concerning the quality of instruction. Also, talk with the instructors and determine what their qualifications are as well as their methods of teaching.
Where is the Campus Located? Yes, we already talked about location, but there are a couple of more points to consider on the subject. If you are planning to drive to your vet tech classes from your Lemoore CA home, you need to confirm that the commuting time is compatible with your schedule. For example, driving during the weekend to investigate the route won't be the same as the drive during rush hour traffic, particularly if the college is located close by or within a larger city. Also, if you do opt 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 could be an alternative that will give you more flexibility and minimize the need for travel.
Is the Class Schedule Flexible? And last, it's essential that you determine if the veterinarian programs you are evaluating offer class times flexible enough to accommodate your schedule. For example, many students continue to work full time and can only go to classes on the weekends or in the evenings near Lemoore CA. Some might only be able to go to class in the morning or later in the afternoon. Confirm that the class times you need are offered prior to enrolling. Also, determine if you can make up classes that you may miss due to work, illness or family responsibilities. You may find that an online program is the best solution to fit your vet training into your active life.