How to Choose Vet Tech Schools
Individuals who are passionate about animals and their well being can find fulfilling careers as veterinary technicians. Vet techs are trained, professional members of veterinary teams who provide essential support to vets and their patients. In order to work in this profession, you will need to earn a degree from one of many accredited veterinary technician schools. Working in this field provides excellent job opportunities and economic stability. If you are considering attending school to become a vet tech, there are a number of factors you should take into consideration.
AVMA Accredited Vet Tech Scools
First and foremost, you should make sure that the vet tech schools you are applying to are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). There are several different levels of accreditation, and you should understand them so that you can pick an excellent school. Established schools which hold a full AVMA accreditation meet all the standards of the AVMA and are considered excellent programs. They will successfully prepare you for a career as a vet tech and will be respected by prospective employers. You can also count on these programs have fine-tuned courses which best meet student needs.
Some veterinary technician schools, especially those which have opened recently, hold a provisional accreditation from the AVMA. A provisional accreditation indicates that the school is making good progress towards completing the requirements for full accreditation. In many cases, new vet tech schools cannot be accredited until they have produced graduates and the AVMA can gauge their preparedness and career prospects. Schools which hold a provisional accreditation from the AVMA will more than likely do an excellent job of preparing you for your new career in this field. They will also be respected by potential employers, who understand that accreditation is a lengthy process.
Vet tech schools which have struggled to meet the AVMA’s requirements for vet tech programs have one of two different accreditation statuses. The first is administrative probation. Schools which have been placed on administrative probation have either failed to provide necessary information and statistics to the AVMA, have refused reasonable visits to and inspections of their programs, or have failed to pay dues to the AVMA. If you graduate from a school on administrative probation, you are still considered a graduate of an accredited vet tech program. However, exercise caution when choosing these schools, as they may be in danger of having their accreditation withdrawn.
Veterinary technician schools that have failed to meet the AVMA’s requirements are considered as accreditation withdrawn schools. If you graduate from one of these schools, you will not be considered a graduate of an accredited program in veterinary technology. You should avoid attending these schools, as they will not prepare you properly for your new career and will not make a good impression on potential employers. The AVMA also classifies some schools as holding terminal accreditation. This means simply that these vet tech schools are discontinuing their programs and will not need accreditation in the future. If you graduate from one of these schools, you will be considered a graduate of an accredited program. Though these may be solid programs, if they are discontinuing and cannot offer you post-graduation job placement support you may wish to choose another school.
Traditional Schools V. Vet Tech Online Programs
In addition to the different types of accreditation, you need to consider the different campuses and learning options you will have when studying to become a vet tech. You can attend a traditional on-campus program, where you will work in classes with veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and other students to learn the skills necessary for your new career. The primary benefit of on-campus vet tech programs is the hands-on experience you gain with animals. Many community colleges offer two-year vet tech degree programs that terminate with you being awarded an associate of science degree in veterinary technology. Community colleges are affordable and you will have access to a financial aid officer who can help you understand how to pay for your education.
Online vet tech programs generally allow students to complete their course of study in 4 -6 months. They are a fast, affordable option for students who want to start working in this field right away. Traditionally, the drawback of these programs has been the lack of hands-on experience students gained in veterinary settings. However, many online programs now encourage internships and can help students find placements in vet offices in their area. Like community colleges, most online schools have qualified financial aid officers who can help you find resources to pay for your education. These programs are ideal for students who work full-time, have children at home, or do not live close to an on-campus vet tech program.
Choosing a career as a vet tech is a great step towards personal fulfillment and financial security. As you research your options for veterinary technician schools, keep in mind that you should pay attention to their accreditation status. The AVMA offers up-to-date information about schools and programs and should be consulted if you are uncertain of your school options. Picking an accredited school that offers a program which fits your learning style is the first step on the path of success as a veterinary technician.