IT TAKES JUST A FEW MINUTES TO START YOUR VET TECH CAREER BELOW
Questions to Ask Veterinary Technician Programs
By now you probably have determined which veterinary degree that you want to earn, and if you intend to study online or attend a program on campus. Since there are a large number of vet community colleges, vocational and technical schools in the Santa Monica CA area as well as across the USA, you must ask some important questions in order to fine tune your list of alternatives. As we pointed out in our introduction, many prospective students start by prioritizing location and tuition expense. But we have previously touched on other essential qualifiers, for example accreditation and internship programs. And naturally you want to choose a college that offers the specialty and degree that you would like to earn. These and other qualifications are addressed in the list of questions that you need to ask the veterinary technician programs that you are looking at.
Is the Vet Program Accredited? It's important that you make sure that the veterinary technician program you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization. As previously mentioned, 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 thorough review process that confirms you will receive a quality education. Also, accreditation is important if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, since many programs are not obtainable for non-accredited schools. And finally, having a certificate or degree from an accredited program is often a prerequisite for employment for many Santa Monica CA area veterinary practices and hospitals.
What is the School's Reputation? The veterinarian college or vocational school and program you choose should have an exceptional reputation within the veterinarian community. You can initiate your due diligence by asking the colleges you are reviewing for testimonials from the employers in their job assistance network. Other pointers include checking with internet school ranking websites and checking with the school's accrediting agencies as well. You can ask the California school licensing authority if there have been any complaints or infractions involving your targeted schools. As a final tip, contact some Santa Monica CA vet clinics that you may want to work for after you get your training. Find out what they think about your school choices. They might even recommend one or more schools not on your list.
Are there Internship Programs? The best means to get practical hands on training as a vet tech is to work in a medical setting. Find out if the schools you are considering have internship programs set up with Santa Monica CA veterinarians, vet practices or hospitals. Most veterinary medicine programs require clinical training and a large number furnish it by way of internships. Not only will the experience be valuable regarding the clinical training, but an internship can also help build associations in the local veterinarian community and aid in the search for a job after graduation.
Is there a Job Assistance Program? Getting a job after graduating from a veterinary technician program may be difficult without the help of a job placement program. To start with, find out what the graduation rates are for the colleges you are reviewing. A lower rate might mean that the teachers were unqualified to teach the course of study or that some students were disappointed with the program and dropped out. Next, confirm that the schools have a job assistance program and find out what their placement rates are. A higher placement rate may indicate that the school has an exceptional reputation within the Santa Monica CA vet community and has a considerable network of contacts for student placements. A lower rate may mean that the training is not highly thought of by employers or that the job placement program is a failure at placing students.
How Large are the Classes? If the classes are bigger, you most likely will get little or no individualized instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Santa Monica CA colleges you are looking at what their classroom teacher to student ratios are. You may also want to participate in some classes (if practical) to observe the interaction between instructors and students. Get feedback from students regarding the quality of instruction. Also, speak with the teachers and determine what their qualifications are as well as their methods of teaching.
Where is the College Located? Yes, we previously talked about location, but there are a few more points to consider on the topic. If you are going to commute to your veterinary technician classes from your Santa Monica CA home, you must make certain that the driving time is compatible with 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, particularly if the school is located in or near a large city. In addition, if you do choose to enroll in a college in another state or even outside of your County of residence, there may be higher tuition costs especially for state and community colleges. On the other hand, taking online classes could be an option that will provide you with more flexibility and decrease the need for travel.
Do the Classes Fit Your Schedule? And last, it's imperative that you determine if the vet schools you are looking at offer class times that are sufficiently flexible to accommodate your schedule. For instance, many students continue working full time and can only attend classes on the weekends or at night near Santa Monica CA. Some may only be able to attend class in the morning or in the afternoon. Make certain that the class times you need are offered before enrolling. Also, find out if you can make up classes that you may miss because of work, sickness or family emergencies. You might find that an online program is the best solution to fit your veterinary training into your hectic life.