How to Enroll In a Veterinary Assistant School near Oakwood Georgia
Fulfilling your long term aspiration of working with and helping animals by enrolling in a veterinary program near Oakwood GA could initially seem like a daunting endeavor. After all, you have to locate and enroll in a college that will deliver the necessary training so that you can succeed as a veterinary technician, assistant or technologist. But just how do you approach analyzing and comparing schools so that you can make the ideal choice? Many potential students launch their due diligence process by looking for colleges that are close to their residences. When they have located some area colleges, they determine which ones have the lowest tuition and focus on those. Although location and cost are important concerns when comparing vet tech schools, they are by no means the only critical ones when making your evaluations. Factors such as internship programs and accreditation should be looked into as well. The main idea is that there are questions you need to be asking the veterinary tech programs you are reviewing before you make a final decision. We have furnished several within this article to help get you started, but before we discuss them we’ll talk about the different roles of veterinary techs and assistants and the training options available.
The Function of a Vet Technician and Assistant
Among the first decisions that you will have to make is whether you want to train as a vet technician, assistant or technologist. Part of your preference may be based on the amount of time and money that you have to devote to your training, but the primary factor will most likely be which specialty interests you the most. What vet techs and assistants have in common is that they both work under the direct guidance of a licensed and practicing veterinarian. And although there are many tasks that they can perform within the Oakwood GA veterinary practice or hospital, they can’t prescribe medicines, diagnose ailments, or perform surgical procedures. In those areas they can only furnish support to a licensed vet. There are technologists and technicians that work exclusive of the standard veterinarian practice, for example for animal shelters, zoos or law enforcement. Let’s take a look at the job functions and education prerequisites for each specialization.
- Vet Assistants in the majority of instances will have undergone a structured training program, either as an apprentice or intern in a vet clinic or hospital, or by finishing a certificate program at a trade school or community college near Oakwood GA. As the name implies, their job function is to assist the vets and vet technicians in the performance of their duties. Usually they are not involved with more complex tasks, for example assisting with surgeries. Some of their usual responsibilities may include working at the front desk, preparing and cleaning exam rooms and equipment, or handling animals during exams.
- Vet Technicians get more extensive training compared with assistants and generally obtain a two year Associate Degree, ideally from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program. They are in a sense the vet counterparts of medical nurses, since their basic job function is to assist vets with diagnosing and treating animal patients. Where they vary from vet assistants is that they are included in more involved functions, such as assisting with surgeries or administering medication. All states currently mandate that vet techs pass a credentialing examination for either licensing, registration or certification.
- Vet Technologists are similar to vet techs and basically carry out the same work functions. They are mandated to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in veterinary technology, which generally takes 4 years to complete. So the main difference between a vet technician and a technologist is the technologist’s more advanced level of education. But with an advanced degree comes more work options, higher salaries and possible management positions. They are additionally mandated to pass a credentialing exam for either licensing, registration or certification.
Veterinary techs and technologists can specialize in areas such as anesthesia, internal medicine or emergency care. Many may receive certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) to work in laboratories or Oakwood GA area research facilities as well.
Vet Online Training Classes
An approach that may make sense for those with a hectic schedule or who are working full-time while going to vet school is to enroll in an online training program. Since the classes are made available by means of the internet, students can attend on their own timetable wherever a computer is accessible. The educational program is taught using multiple venues, including videos, slide shows and live streaming webinars. And since many veterinary technician and technologist degrees require practical training, that part can normally be fulfilled as an internship or work study program at a local Oakwood GA veterinary practice or hospital. Distance learning, as it is also called, can in many instances decrease the cost of your education. Tuition and ancillary expenses, for example for travel and study supplies, can be lower compared to more traditional classroom programs. Just confirm that the program that you enroll in is accredited, either by the AVMA or another nationally certified accrediting organization. With the online courses and the clinical training, everything is provided for a comprehensive education. So if you are dedicated enough to learn in this more independent fashion, an online veterinary technician or assistant school may be the ideal choice for you.
Things to Ask Vet Assistant and Technician Training Programs
By now you should have decided on which veterinary certificate or degree that you want to obtain, and if you intend to study online or attend a college on campus. Since there are an abundance of veterinary community colleges, vocational and technical schools in Georgia and across the United States, you must ask some relevant questions in order to narrow down your list of alternatives. As we mentioned in our opening, many potential students start by prioritizing location and tuition expense. But we have already pointed out other important qualifiers, which include accreditation and internship programs. And naturally you want to select a school that offers the specialty and degree that you want to earn. These and other qualifications are addressed in the checklist of questions that you should ask the Oakwood GA veterinary assistant and tech colleges that you are looking at.
Is the Veterinary Program Accredited? It’s essential that you verify that the veterinary assistant or technician school you enroll in is accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization. As previously mentioned, one of 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 demanding review process that verifies you will get a superior education. Also, accreditation is necessary if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, since many programs are not available for non-accredited colleges. Last, having a certificate or degree from an accredited program is in many cases a requirement for employment for a number of Oakwood GA veterinary clinics and hospitals.
What is the School’s Reputation? The veterinary trade school or college and program you enroll in must have an outstanding reputation within the vet community. You can initiate your due diligence by asking the schools you are looking at for endorsements from the employers in their job assistance network. Other tips include checking with internet school rating websites and speaking with the school’s accrediting organizations as well. You can ask the Georgia school licensing department if there have been any grievances or violations concerning your specific schools. As a final suggestion, contact some Oakwood GA veterinarians that you may wish to work for after you get your training. Ask what they think of your school selections. They may even recommend one or more schools not on your list.
Are there Internship Programs? The best means to obtain practical hands on experience as a vet assistant or technician is to work in a medical environment. Find out if the schools you are considering have internship programs arranged with area veterinarians, vet hospitals or practices. The majority of veterinary medicine programs require clinical training and many furnish it by way of internships. Not only will the experience be valuable as far as the clinical training, but an internship can also help develop associations in the local Oakwood GA vet community and help in the search for a position after graduation.
Is Job Assistance Offered? Finding a job after graduating from a veterinary technician or assistant college may be challenging without the help of a job placement program. To begin with, find out what the graduation rates are for the colleges you are evaluating. A lower rate might signify that the instructors were unqualified to teach the curriculum or that a number of students were unhappy with the program and dropped out. Next, check that the schools have a job placement program and ask what their placement rates are. A higher placement rate could mean that the Oakwood GA school has an exceptional reputation within the veterinarian community and has a substantial network of contacts for student placements. A lower rate might signify that the training is not well thought of by employers or that the job assistance program is ineffective at placing students.
How Large are the Classes? If the classes are larger in size, you may receive little or no personalized instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Oakwood GA programs you are considering what their class student to teacher ratios are. You may also decide to attend some classes (if practical) to observe the interaction between students and instructors. Ask for evaluations from students concerning the quality of instruction. Also, speak with the instructors and find out what their backgrounds are as well as their approaches to teaching.
Where is the Campus Located? Of course, we already discussed location, but there are a few more points to consider on the subject. If you are going to commute to your veterinary tech classes from home or work, you need to confirm that the driving time fits into your schedule. For example, driving during the weekend to check out the route won’t be the same as the drive during rush hour traffic, especially if the Oakwood GA school is located in or close by a large city. Also, if you do opt to attend a college in another state or even outside of your County of residence, there may be increased tuition costs especially for community and state colleges. Of course taking classes online could be an option that will give you more flexibility and decrease the need for travel.
Is the Class Schedule Flexible? And last, it’s important that you ascertain if the Georgia veterinarian schools you are exploring offer class times flexible enough to accommodate your schedule. For instance, many students continue to work full time and can only go to classes on the weekends or in the evenings. Some might only be able to attend class in the morning or later in the afternoon. Verify that the class times you need are offered near Oakwood GA before enrolling. Also, find out if you can make-up classes that you might miss due to work, sickness or family responsibilities. You may find that an online college is the best solution to fit your vet education into your busy life.
Why Did You Desire to Be a Vet Assistant?
When getting ready to interview for a veterinary job, it's important to consider questions you could be asked. One of the questions that recruiters typically ask veterinary candidates is "What made you decide on veterinary care as a career?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not merely the private reasons you may have for becoming a vet assistant, but also what characteristics and talents you possess that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining specifically to veterinary care, as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you must prepare a number of strategies about how you want to answer them. Given that there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, try to include the reasons the work appeals to you along with the talents you possess that make you an exceptional vet tech and the best choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but jot down several ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to include to wow the interviewer.Pick the Ideal Veterinary Tech Program near Oakwood GA
Picking the right vet assistant or tech school is a crucial first step to starting a gratifying career providing care and treatment for pets and livestock. Future students thinking about veterinary tech or assistant programs must make their selection based on a number of key factors. Veterinary assistants, techs and technologists are employed in vet clinics, animal hospitals and animal shelters. They typically take on administrative responsibilities and assist the veterinarian with the animals as needed. As we have covered, it’s very important that you decide on a veterinary medicine program that is both accredited and has an outstanding reputation within the field. This applies to online vet tech colleges as well. By asking the questions provided in our checklist for assessing schools, you will be able to reduce your alternatives so that you can make your final decision. And by choosing the ideal college, you can achieve your goal of becoming a vet assistant, tech or technologist in Oakwood GA.
A Little Bit About Oakwood GA
Oakwood, Georgia
Oakwood is a city in Hall County, Georgia, United States. It is part of the Gainesville, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 3,970 at the 2010 census,[4] up from 2,689 in 2000. Oakwood is home to the University of North Georgia Gainesville Campus and Wayne Farms.
Oakwood is located southwest of the center of Hall County at 34°13′52″N 83°52′57″W / 34.23111°N 83.88250°W / 34.23111; -83.88250 (34.230976, −83.882364).[5] It is bordered to the northeast by the city of Gainesville, the county seat, and to the southwest by the city of Flowery Branch.
Interstate 985 travels through the southeastern part of Oakwood, with access from Exits 16 and 17. Via I-985 it is 48 miles (77 km) southwest to downtown Atlanta.
More Cities of Interest in Georgia