IT TAKES JUST A FEW MINUTES TO START YOUR VET TECH CAREER BELOW
Things to Ask Vet Tech Schools
At this point you should have decided on which veterinary credential that you would like to attain, and if you intend to study online or attend a program on campus. Since there are an abundance of veterinary community colleges, vocational and technical schools in the Ventura CA area and across the Country, you need to ask some relevant questions to help narrow down your list of options. As we discussed in our introduction, many prospective students start by prioritizing location and tuition expense. But we have previously touched on other important qualifiers, for instance internship programs and accreditation. And naturally you want to enroll in a college that offers the degree and specialty that you want to earn. These and other qualifications are addressed in the list of questions that you need to ask the veterinary technician colleges that you are considering.
Is the Veterinary School Accredited? It's imperative that you confirm that the veterinary technician program you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization. As earlier discussed, one of the most highly regarded is the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Trade schools and colleges that are accredited by the AVMA have undergone a rigorous screening process that confirms you will receive a quality education. Also, accreditation is necessary if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, since many programs are not available for non-accredited schools. Last, having a certificate or degree from an accredited college is often a prerequisite for employment for many Ventura CA area veterinarian practices and hospitals.
What is the Program's Reputation? The veterinarian college or vocational school and program you choose must have an outstanding reputation within the veterinary community. You can begin your due diligence by asking the schools you are interested in for testimonials from the employers in their job placement network. Other tips include checking with internet school ranking websites and contacting the school's accrediting organizations as well. You can ask the California school licensing authority if there have been any grievances or infractions concerning your specific schools. As a final recommendation, call some Ventura CA veterinarians that you may want to work for after you receive your training. Find out what they think of your school selections. They may even recommend one or more schools not on your list.
Are Internships Offered? The most effective means to get practical hands on experience as a vet tech is to work in a clinical environment. Find out if the programs you are reviewing have internship programs arranged with Ventura CA veterinarians, vet clinics or hospitals. The majority of veterinary medicine programs mandate clinical training and a large number provide it by means of internships. Not only will the experience be valuable relative to the clinical training, but an internship can also help develop associations in the local veterinarian community and assist in the search for a position after graduation.
Is there a Job Assistance Program? Finding a job after graduating from a veterinary technician program can be difficult without the assistance of a job placement program. To begin with, find out what the graduation rates are for the colleges you are considering. A low rate may signify that the instructors were ineffective at teaching the syllabus or that some 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 may mean that the program has an outstanding reputation within the Ventura CA veterinarian community and has a considerable network of contacts for student placements. A lower rate could signify that the training is not highly thought of by employers or that the job assistance program is a failure at placing students.
How Large are the Classes? If the classes are larger in size, you most likely will receive little or no one-on-one instruction from the teachers. Request from the Ventura CA colleges you are looking at what their classroom teacher to student ratios are. You may also decide to attend some classes (if practical) to monitor the interaction between students and instructors. Ask for feedback from students regarding the quality of instruction. Also, talk with the instructors and find out what their qualifications are as well as their methods of teaching.
Where is the Campus Located? Okay, we previously talked about location, but there are several more points to consider on the topic. If you are going to commute to your veterinary technician classes from your Ventura CA home, you have to confirm that the commuting time fits into your schedule. For instance, driving during the weekend to investigate the route won't be the same as the commute during rush hour traffic, especially if the college is located close by or within a large city. In addition, if you do choose to enroll in a school in another state or even outside of your County of residence, there may be increased tuition fees particularly for community and state colleges. On the other hand, attending online classes may be an option that will give you more flexibility and decrease the necessity for travel.
Do the Classes Fit Your Schedule? And last, it's essential that you ascertain if the veterinarian colleges you are evaluating offer class times that are sufficiently flexible to fit your schedule. For example, a number of students continue to work full time and can only attend classes on the weekends or in the evenings near Ventura 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 prior to enrolling. Also, find out if you can make up classes that you might miss because of sickness, work or family issues. You may find that an online college is the best way to fit your vet education into your active life.