Veterinary Technician Schools in Longmont Co
Idea to Select the very best Veterinary Technician Schools in Longmont Co
Even though veterinary technicians in Longmont Co share some of the same job duties as veterinary technologists, many people confuse the two. To put it simply, the training required to become a technician, which can be undertaken at one of the many veterinary technician schools in Longmont Co, takes less time to complete. Typically, a program that has been accredited by the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) takes 2 years to complete.
Veterinary Technician Schools in Longmont Co
Education
Aspiring veterinary techs can enrol in 2 year veterinary technology associate's degree programs in Longmont Co in order to acquire the skills and knowledge that is needed to work in the field of veterinary. Practical hands on training is also part of the degree program, so students, upon graduation, are prepared to work in a variety of veterinary practices, animal hospitals or similar settings. Graduates of a veterinary technology associate's program are able to advance their careers by enrolling in a bachelor's degree program in pre-veterinary studies or animal science, which takes 4 years to complete.
Veterinary Technology Associate's Degree
Many veterinary technician schools that offer veterinary technology programs in Longmont Co require students to have obtained a high school diploma and to have completed 15-20 hours of observation in a veterinary hospital, prior to admission. Once admission has been granted, students typically study veterinary hospital management, animal diseases, clinical practices, animal behavior and animal pharmacology. Classes in how to communicate effectively are also commonplace, because technicians must be able to connect and relate to pet owners, and must also spend a lot of their day working with veterinarians.
Training
Apart from classroom based teaching, practical experience- which is carried out in a veterinary hospital- is part of the curriculum for aspiring technicians. This usually takes the form of an externship, which tends to be completed during a student's last semester of the program. However, it is important to note that competition tends to be fierce for the limited amount of places on offer. Therefore, a student might have to complete an externship during the summer between the first and second years of study.
Students undertaking externships are expected to sterilize surgical instruments weigh animals and take blood samples. Students also learn how to effectively deal with stressful situations that may arise when working with difficult animals, and how to manage their emotions in the event of an animal's death or an upset pet owner.
The Pros and Cons of Becoming a Vet Tech in Longmont Co
Are you interested in becoming a vet tech in Longmont Co, but want to know more about the basic pros and cons behind choosing this career? Each person relates to aspects of the job in a different way, but hopefully this article can give you a general idea about what to expect if you decide to become a veterinary technician.
Pros:
- You get to work with animals. Of course, if you don't like animals, then this is a downside, but why would you even consider being a vet tech if that was the case! Vet techs get to interact with animals and increase the quality of their lives on a daily basis. This job is a great fit for an animal lover in Longmont Co.
- Vet techs are in high demand in Longmont Co. The profession is actually relatively new to the field of veterinary medicine. With more people willing to spend for quality pet care, vets are in dire need of qualified vet techs who can help their practice evolve and grow. It won't be hard for you to find a job as a licensed vet tech - some experts estimate that there are 5 open positions for every 1 graduate!
- Never a dull moment. I've spoken with vet techs who have worked for decades in the profession and love how the job constantly challenges them and presents new and unique situations every day. If the thought of sitting at a desk bores you to tears, you'll love working on your feet in a fast-paced environment as a veterinary technician.
Cons:
- Low salary. One of the biggest concerns of veterinary techs is the low salaries that seem to be commonplace throughout the profession. In 2008 the mean annual salary was around $30,000. There is not much room for advancement as a tech, unless you move into a management position. Techs with lots of experience tend to max out at around $20-22/hour.
- Hazardous working conditions. If you become a veterinary tech, you need to understand that you'll be working with some animals that aren't very friendly. You'll get scratched and bitten often, and you'll be exposed to urine, feces, blood, and vomit on a daily basis. If you can't stomach these kind of working conditions, this is not the career for you.
- Heartbreak. Another inevitability you'll run into as a tech are the heartbreaking cases. Animals with terminal illnesses will have to be euthanized, and you'll see a lot of pain and suffering in general. Of course you can take solace in the fact that you are doing the best you can to help your patients, but when it comes down to it, this job isn't always glamorous.
Consider your career objectives
Veterinary technician schools provide different programs. It is necessary for you to consider your profession objectives in Longmont Co and choose an organization that enables you to achieve your goals. The programs that an organization offers should be customized to fulfill your needs in every facet. Think about specialized programs that a school offers in addition to its coursework. Make a comparison and opt for a school with programs that favor your occupation objectives. Note that, the very best way to make yourself valuable is by enrolling in a program that serves your career needs best. Do your research well to get the finest training in Longmont Co.
Veterinary Technician Schools Longmont Co
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