IT TAKES JUST A FEW MINUTES TO START YOUR VET TECH CAREER BELOW
Things to Ask Vet Tech Programs
By now you probably have decided on which veterinary credential that you would like to attain, and if you prefer to study online or attend a program on campus. Since there are an abundance of vet community colleges, trade and vocational schools in the San Mateo CA area as well as across the United States, you should ask some important questions in order to fine tune your list of alternatives. As we mentioned in our opening, many prospective students start by prioritizing location and the cost of tuition. But we have already pointed out other essential qualifiers, for instance accreditation and internship programs. And obviously you need to enroll in a program that offers the specialty and degree that you are interested in. These and other qualifications are addressed in the list of questions that you need to ask the vet tech schools that you are considering.
Is the Veterinary School Accredited? It's important that you verify 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). Vocational schools and colleges that are accredited by the AVMA have undergone an extensive screening process that ensures you will get a superior education. Also, accreditation is important if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, since a large number of programs are not available for non-accredited colleges. And finally, having a degree or certificate from an accredited program is in many cases a precondition for employment for a number of San Mateo CA area vet practices and hospitals.
What is the School's Reputation? The veterinary college or vocational school and program you enroll in must have an exceptional reputation within the veterinarian field. You can begin your due diligence by asking the schools you are reviewing for testimonials from the employers in their job assistance network. Other tips include looking on internet school ranking websites and checking with the school's accrediting organizations as well. You can ask the California school licensing department if there have been any grievances or infractions regarding your specific schools. As a final tip, get in touch with some San Mateo CA veterinary clinics that you might want to work for after you receive your training. Ask what they think of your school selections. They might even recommend one or more programs not on your list.
Are there Internship Programs? The most effective means to get practical hands on experience as a vet tech is to work in a clinical setting. Ask if the schools you are considering have internship programs established with San Mateo CA veterinarians, vet hospitals or clinics. The majority of veterinary medicine programs require clinical training and many furnish it by way of internships. Not only will the experience be beneficial as far as the practical training, but an internship may also help establish associations in the local vet community and help in the search for employment after graduation.
Is Job Assistance Offered? Searching for a job after graduating from a vet tech school can be challenging without the help of a job placement program. First, ask what the graduation rates are for the programs you are reviewing. A low rate may signify that the teachers were ineffective at teaching the syllabus or that a number of students were disappointed with the program and dropped out. Next, confirm that the colleges have a job placement program and ask what their placement rates are. A higher placement rate might mean that the program has an exceptional reputation within the San Mateo CA veterinary community and has a considerable network of contacts for student placements. A lower rate may indicate that the training is not well regarded by employers or that the job placement program is ineffective at placing students.
How Big are the Classes? If the classes are larger sized, you most likely will receive little or no individualized instruction from the teachers. Request from the San Mateo CA colleges you are looking at what their classroom teacher to student ratios are. You might also want to attend some classes (if practical) to observe the interaction between teachers and students. Ask for evaluations from students relating to 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 College Located? Okay, we previously covered location, but there are several more points to make on the subject. If you are planning to drive to your vet tech classes from your San Mateo CA home, you have to make certain 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 commute during rush hour traffic, especially if the campus is located in or close by a large city. Also, if you do decide to enroll in 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 online classes may be an option that will give you more flexibility and minimize the necessity for travel.
Is the Class Schedule Flexible? And last, it's essential that you determine if the vet programs you are considering offer class times that are sufficiently flexible to fit your schedule. For instance, many students continue working full time and can only go to classes on the weekends or at night near San Mateo CA. Others may only be able to attend class in the morning or in the afternoon. Make certain that the class times you require are available before enrolling. In addition, determine if you can make-up classes that you may miss due to work, sickness or family responsibilities. You might find that an online program is the best way to fit your vet education into your hectic life.