IT TAKES JUST A FEW MINUTES TO START YOUR VET TECH CAREER BELOW
Things to Ask Vet Tech Schools
At this point you probably have decided on which veterinary degree that you wish to earn, and if you want to study online or attend a college on campus. Since there are an abundance of vet community colleges, trade and vocational schools in the Manitowoc WI area and across the United States, you should ask some important questions to help 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 already touched on other important qualifiers, such as internship programs and accreditation. And of course you want to enroll in a college that offers the specialty and degree that you would like to earn. These and other factors are covered in the checklist of questions that you need to ask the veterinary technician programs that you are considering.
Is the Veterinary School Accredited? It's important that you confirm that the vet tech school you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency. As previously discussed, among the most highly respected is the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Vocational schools and colleges that are accredited by the AVMA have gone through a demanding review process that confirms you will obtain a quality education. Also, accreditation is necessary if you are requesting a student loan or financial assistance, since numerous programs are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges. And finally, having a degree or certificate from an accredited college is often a requirement for employment for many Manitowoc WI area vet clinics and hospitals.
What is the College's Reputation? The vet vocational school or college and program you choose must 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 placement network. Other pointers include looking on online school ranking websites and contacting the school's accrediting organizations as well. You can ask the Wisconsin school licensing department if there have been any grievances or infractions involving your targeted schools. As a final tip, call some Manitowoc WI vet clinics that you may wish to work for after you receive your training. Find out what they think about your school choices. They might even recommend some colleges not on your list.
Are Internships Offered? The best way to get practical hands on experience as a vet tech is to work in a clinical environment. Ask if the schools you are considering have internship programs established with Manitowoc WI veterinarians, vet clinics or hospitals. Almost all veterinary medicine programs mandate clinical training and many provide it by way of internships. Not only will the experience be beneficial relative to the practical training, but an internship can also help establish relationships in the local vet community and assist in the search for employment after graduation.
Is there a Job Placement Program? Finding a job after graduating from a veterinary technician school can be challenging without the help of a job placement program. To start with, ask what the graduation rates are for the programs you are evaluating. A low rate could indicate that the instructors were unqualified to teach the curriculum or that some students were disappointed with the program and quit. Next, verify that the schools have a job assistance program and ask what their placement rates are. A high placement rate might signify that the school has an excellent reputation within the Manitowoc WI veterinary community and has a significant network of contacts for student placements. A lower rate might indicate that the training is not highly regarded by employers or that the job assistance program is ineffective at placing students.
How Big are the Classes? If the classes are larger in size, you probably will get little or no one-on-one instruction from the teachers. Request from the Manitowoc WI colleges you are researching what their classroom teacher to student ratios are. You may also want to participate in a few classes (if practical) to monitor the interaction between instructors and students. Ask for feedback from students relating to 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 covered location, but there are several more points to consider on the subject. If you are going to commute to your vet tech classes from your Manitowoc WI home, you must make certain 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, particularly if the campus is located close by or within a large city. In addition, if you do opt to enroll in 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. On the other hand, taking online classes may be an option that will provide you with more flexibility and minimize the need for travel.
Do the Classes Fit Your Schedule? And finally, it's important that you ascertain if the veterinarian colleges you are exploring offer class times that are sufficiently flexible to fit your schedule. For instance, many students continue working full time and can only attend classes on the weekends or at night near Manitowoc WI. Others might only be able to go to class in the morning or later in the afternoon. Confirm that the class times you require are available before enrolling. Also, determine if you can make-up classes that you may miss because of illness, work or family emergencies. You may discover that an online program is the best way to fit your vet education into your busy life.