IT TAKES JUST A FEW MINUTES TO START YOUR VET TECH CAREER BELOW
Things to Ask Veterinary Technician Programs
By now you probably have determined which veterinarian credential that you wish to obtain, and if you intend to study online or attend a college on campus. Since there are an abundance of veterinary community colleges, trade and vocational schools in the Los Altos CA area as well as across the Country, you must ask some important questions in order to narrow down your list of alternatives. As we discussed in our opening, many potential students start by prioritizing location and the cost of tuition. But we have previously pointed out other important qualifiers, such as internship programs and accreditation. And obviously you need to select a college that offers the specialty and degree that you are interested in. These and other qualifications are covered in the list of questions that you should ask the veterinary technician colleges that you are considering.
Is the Vet Program Accredited? It's essential that you verify that the vet tech school 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). Vocational schools and colleges that are accredited by the AVMA have undergone a rigorous review process that verifies you will obtain a superior education. Also, accreditation is necessary if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, since many programs are not available for non-accredited colleges. Last, having a degree or certificate from an accredited college is often a requirement for employment for many Los Altos CA area vet clinics and hospitals.
What is the Program's Reputation? The vet college or trade school and program you choose should have an exceptional reputation within the vet field. You can initiate your due diligence by asking the colleges you are reviewing for testimonials from the employers in their job assistance network. Other suggestions include looking on internet school rating websites and speaking with the school's accrediting organizations as well. You can ask the California school licensing authority if there have been any complaints or violations involving your targeted schools. As a final tip, phone some Los Altos CA veterinary clinics that you might wish to work for after you go through your training. Ask what they think of your school choices. They may even suggest some programs not on your list.
Are Internships Offered? The best means to get practical hands on training as a vet tech is to work in a medical environment. Ask if the schools you are looking at have internship programs arranged with Los Altos CA veterinarians, vet hospitals or practices. Almost all veterinary medicine programs require clinical training and a large number provide it by way of internships. Not only will the experience be beneficial regarding the practical training, but an internship may also help establish relationships in the local vet community and help in the search for employment after graduation.
Is there a Job Placement Program? Searching for a job after graduating from a vet tech college can be challenging without the assistance of a job placement program. First, find out what the graduation rates are for the programs you are considering. A lower rate might mean that the teachers were ineffective at teaching the curriculum or that a number of students were disappointed with the program and quit. Next, confirm that the colleges have a job assistance program and find out what their placement rates are. A high placement rate might indicate that the college has an outstanding reputation within the Los Altos CA veterinarian community and has a significant network of contacts for student placements. A lower rate might mean that the training is not well 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 most likely will receive little or no individualized instruction from the teachers. Solicit from the Los Altos CA schools you are considering what their class teacher to student ratios are. You may also decide to participate in some classes (if practical) to monitor the interaction between instructors and students. Get evaluations from students relating to 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? Okay, we already discussed location, but there are a couple of more points to consider on the topic. If you are going to drive to your veterinary technician classes from your Los Altos CA home, you have to make certain 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 commute during rush hour traffic, especially if the school is located close by or within a large city. Also, if you do choose to attend a school in another state or even outside of your County of residence, there may be increased tuition costs especially for community and state colleges. Of course taking classes online might be an alternative that will provide you with more flexibility and minimize the need for travel.
Do the Classes Fit Your Schedule? And finally, it's imperative that you determine if the veterinarian schools you are considering 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 Los Altos CA. Some may only be able to go to class in the morning or in the afternoon. Confirm that the class times you need are available before enrolling. In addition, determine if you can make up classes that you might miss as a result of sickness, work or family responsibilities. You may discover that an online college is the ideal way to fit your veterinary education into your busy life.