IT TAKES JUST A FEW MINUTES TO START YOUR VET TECH CAREER BELOW
Things to Ask Veterinary Technician Schools
By now you probably have decided on which veterinary degree that you would like to earn, and if you want to study online or attend a college on campus. Since there are a large number of vet community colleges, vocational and technical schools in the Westminster CO area and across the Country, you should ask some relevant questions in order to narrow down your list of options. As we mentioned in our introduction, many prospective students start by prioritizing location and the cost of tuition. But we have previously touched on other important qualifiers, such as internship programs and accreditation. And naturally you need to select a program that offers the degree and specialty that you are interested in. These and other factors are reviewed in the checklist of questions that you should ask the vet tech programs that you are considering.
Is the Veterinary Program Accredited? It's important that you confirm that the vet tech college you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency. As previously stated, among the most highly regarded is the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Trade schools and colleges that are accredited by the AVMA have gone through a rigorous screening process that ensures you will obtain a superior 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 school is in many cases a precondition for employment for many Westminster CO area veterinarian practices and hospitals.
What is the Program's Reputation? The vet vocational school or college and program you choose must have an outstanding reputation within the veterinarian community. You can start your due diligence by asking the schools you are interested in for references from the employers in their job assistance network. Other suggestions include checking with online school rating websites and checking with the school's accrediting organizations as well. You can ask the Colorado school licensing department if there have been any grievances or violations regarding your targeted schools. As a final suggestion, call some Westminster CO vet clinics that you might wish to work for after you receive your training. Ask what they think about your school selections. They may even suggest one or more colleges not on your list.
Are there Internship Programs? The most effective way to obtain practical hands on experience as a vet tech is to work in a clinical setting. Ask if the programs you are considering have internship programs arranged with Westminster CO veterinarians, vet hospitals or clinics. Almost all veterinary medicine programs mandate clinical training and a large number furnish it by way of internships. Not only will the experience be beneficial as far as the practical training, but an internship can also help establish connections in the local veterinarian community and help in the search for employment after graduation.
Is there a Job Assistance Program? Getting 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 schools you are reviewing. A low rate might signify that the teachers were ineffective at teaching the syllabus or that some students were dissatisfied with the program and quit. Next, check that the schools have a job placement program and ask what their placement rates are. A high placement rate may indicate that the school has an outstanding reputation within the Westminster CO veterinary community and has a considerable network of contacts for student placements. A low rate may signify that the training is not well regarded by employers or that the job assistance program is ineffective at placing students.
How Big are the Classes? If the classes are larger sized, you may get little or no one-on-one instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Westminster CO programs you are considering what their classroom teacher to student ratios are. You may also decide to attend a few classes (if practical) to observe the interaction between students and instructors. Ask for feedback from students relating to the quality of instruction. Also, talk with the instructors and find out what their backgrounds are as well as their methods of teaching.
Where is the School Located? Yes, we previously covered location, but there are a couple of more points to consider on the topic. If you are planning to drive to your vet tech classes from your Westminster CO home, you need to make sure that the commuting time is compatible with your schedule. For instance, driving during the weekend to investigate the route won't be the same as the drive during rush hour traffic, especially if the campus is located in or near 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 costs particularly for community and state colleges. On the other hand, attending classes online could be an option that will provide you with more flexibility and reduce the need for travel.
Do the Classes Fit Your Schedule? And last, it's essential that you determine if the veterinary colleges you are exploring offer class times flexible enough to accommodate your schedule. For example, a number of students continue working full time and can only attend classes on the weekends or at night near Westminster CO. Others may only be able to go to class in the morning or later in the afternoon. Make sure that the class times you require are offered before enrolling. Also, find out if you can make up classes that you might miss as a result of sickness, work or family issues. You may find that an online school is the best solution to fit your vet training into your busy life.