IT TAKES JUST A FEW MINUTES TO START YOUR VET TECH CAREER BELOW
What to Ask Vet Tech Programs
At this point you should have selected which veterinarian credential that you would like to obtain, and if you prefer to study online or attend a program on campus. Since there are an abundance of veterinarian community colleges, vocational and trade schools in the Littleton CO area and across the Country, you should ask some qualifying questions in order to fine tune your list of alternatives. As we mentioned in our opening, many prospective students start by focusing on location and tuition expense. But we have previously touched on other important qualifiers, which include accreditation and internship programs. And obviously you need to select a school that offers the specialty and degree that you would like to earn. These and other factors are addressed in the checklist of questions that you need to ask the veterinary technician schools that you are reviewing.
Is the Veterinary School Accredited? It's essential that you make sure that the veterinary technician program you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency. As previously discussed, 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 demanding review process that ensures you will get 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 programs. And finally, having a certificate or degree from an accredited school is often a prerequisite for employment for a number of Littleton CO area veterinarian practices and hospitals.
What is the School's Reputation? The veterinary college or trade school and program you choose should have an excellent reputation within the vet field. You can initiate your due diligence by asking the schools you are interested in for testimonials from the employers in their job placement network. Other pointers include checking with internet school ranking websites and checking with the school's accrediting organizations as well. You can ask the Colorado school licensing authority if there have been any grievances or violations concerning your specific schools. As a final recommendation, phone some Littleton CO veterinarians that you may want to work for after you receive your training. Ask what they think of your school selections. They might even recommend one or more schools not on your list.
Are Internships Offered? The most effective means to get clinical hands on experience as a vet tech is to work in a professional setting. Ask if the colleges you are considering have internship programs arranged with Littleton CO veterinarians, vet hospitals or practices. The majority of veterinary medicine programs require practical training and a large number furnish it by means of internships. Not only will the experience be invaluable regarding the clinical training, but an internship can also help build associations in the local veterinarian community and aid in the search for a position after graduation.
Is there a Job Assistance Program? Getting a job after graduating from a vet tech college may be difficult without the assistance of a job placement program. First, ask what the graduation rates are for the schools you are evaluating. A low rate might signify that the instructors were ineffective at teaching the syllabus or that some students were dissatisfied with the program and dropped out. Next, confirm that the schools have a job placement program and ask what their placement rates are. A high placement rate might indicate that the school has an outstanding reputation within the Littleton CO veterinary community and has a substantial network of contacts for student placements. A lower rate might indicate that the training is not well regarded 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 receive little or no individualized instruction from the teachers. Request from the Littleton CO schools you are considering what their classroom teacher to student ratios are. You might also decide to participate in some classes (if practical) to monitor the interaction between instructors and students. Get feedback from students concerning the quality of instruction. Also, speak with the instructors and find out what their backgrounds are as well as their methods of teaching.
Where is the School Located? Of course, we already discussed location, but there are a few more points to make on the subject. If you are going to commute to your veterinary technician classes from your Littleton CO home, you have to confirm 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 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 college in another state or even outside of your County of residence, there may be higher tuition charges particularly for community and state colleges. On the other hand, taking classes online could be an alternative that will provide you with more flexibility and reduce the necessity for travel.
Is the Class Schedule Flexible? And last, it's imperative that you ascertain if the veterinarian programs you are exploring offer class times flexible enough to fit your schedule. For example, a number of students continue to work full time and can only go to classes on the weekends or at night near Littleton CO. Some may only be able to go to classes in the morning or later in the afternoon. Confirm that the class times you need are offered prior to enrolling. In addition, determine if you can make-up classes that you might miss as a result of work, sickness or family responsibilities. You might find that an online college is the ideal way to fit your vet education into your hectic life.