IT TAKES JUST A FEW MINUTES TO START YOUR VET TECH CAREER BELOW
Questions to Ask Vet Tech Schools
At this point you probably have decided on which veterinary degree that you would like to obtain, and if you intend to study online or attend a college on campus. Since there are a large number of vet community colleges, trade and vocational schools in the Santa Ana CA area and across the Country, you need to ask some relevant questions in order to fine tune your list of alternatives. As we discussed in our opening, many potential students start by concentrating on location and the cost of tuition. But we have already pointed out other essential qualifiers, for instance internship programs and accreditation. And of course you need to enroll in a program that offers the specialty and degree that you want to earn. These and other factors are reviewed in the list of questions that you need to ask the vet tech programs that you are considering.
Is the Vet Program Accredited? It's important that you confirm that the veterinary technician school you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency. As earlier 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 thorough screening process that confirms you will get a quality education. Also, accreditation is essential if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, since numerous programs are not available for non-accredited colleges. And finally, having a certificate or degree from an accredited school is often a prerequisite for employment for many Santa Ana CA area veterinary practices and hospitals.
What is the School's Reputation? The veterinary college or vocational school and program you select must have an outstanding reputation within the vet field. 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 tips include checking with online school rating websites and speaking with the school's accrediting agencies as well. You can ask the California school licensing department if there have been any complaints or violations regarding your specific schools. As a final suggestion, contact some Santa Ana CA veterinary clinics that you might wish to work for after you receive your training. Ask what they think of your school selections. They may even suggest some colleges not on your list.
Are there Internship Programs? The most effective approach to obtain practical hands on experience as a vet tech is to work in a medical setting. Find out if the programs you are reviewing have internship programs set up with Santa Ana CA veterinarians, vet hospitals or clinics. Almost all veterinary medicine programs require clinical training and many provide it by way of internships. Not only will the experience be valuable regarding the clinical training, but an internship may also help develop connections in the local vet community and assist in the search for employment after graduation.
Is there a Job Placement Program? Getting a job after graduating from a veterinary technician school can be challenging without the help of a job placement program. To begin with, ask what the graduation rates are for the colleges you are reviewing. A low rate may signify that the instructors were unqualified to teach the course of study or that some students were dissatisfied with the program and quit. Next, check that the schools have a job placement program and find out what their placement rates are. A high placement rate might mean that the college has an exceptional reputation within the Santa Ana CA veterinary community and has a considerable network of contacts for student placements. A low rate might signify that the training is not highly regarded by employers or that the job assistance program is a failure at placing students.
How Big are the Classes? If the classes are larger in size, you most likely will receive little or no individualized instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Santa Ana CA schools you are considering what their class student to teacher ratios are. You might also want to attend a few classes (if practical) to monitor the interaction between students and teachers. Get feedback from students concerning the quality of instruction. Also, speak with the instructors and determine what their qualifications are as well as their approaches to teaching.
Where is the College Located? Yes, we previously discussed location, but there are several more points to consider on the subject. If you are going to drive to your vet tech classes from your Santa Ana CA home, you have to make certain that the commuting time fits into your schedule. For example, driving during the weekend to check out 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 attend a college in another state or even outside of your County of residence, there may be increased tuition charges particularly for state and community colleges. Of course attending online classes could be an alternative that will provide you with more flexibility and reduce the need for travel.
Do the Classes Fit Your Schedule? And last, it's important that you find out if the veterinary colleges you are exploring offer class times flexible enough to accommodate your schedule. For instance, many students continue to work full time and can only go to classes on the weekends or in the evenings near Santa Ana CA. Others may only be able to go to class in the morning or in the afternoon. Make certain that the class times you require are available prior to enrolling. Also, find out if you can make up classes that you may miss due to illness, work or family responsibilities. You might discover that an online college is the best way to fit your vet training into your active life.