Vet Tech Schools near Riverdale GA 30274

How to Pick a Veterinary Technician Training near Riverdale Georgia

Riverdale GA vet tech holding dog during examRealizing your long term goal of working with and caring for animals by enrolling in a veterinary school near Riverdale GA could initially seem like a challenging endeavor. After all, you have to find and enroll in a school that will furnish the proper training so that you can be successful as a vet assistant, technician or technologist. But just how do you approach assessing and contrasting schools so that you can make the right choice? Many future students start their due diligence process by searching for campuses that are near their residences. When they have found some area colleges, they find out which ones have the lowest tuition and focus on those. Although expense and location are significant factors when comparing vet tech schools, they are not the only significant ones when making your comparisons. Qualifications such as internship programs and accreditation need to be looked into also. The main idea is that there are questions you should be asking the veterinary tech programs you are evaluating before you make an ultimate selection. We have provided several within this article in order to help get you started, but before we review them we’ll discuss the varied responsibilities of veterinary assistants and techs and the training alternatives offered.

The Responsibilities of a Veterinary Technician and Assistant

Riverdale GA vet assistant taking vital signs of puppyOne of the initial decisions that you will need to make is whether you desire to train as a veterinary assistant, technologist or technician. Part of your decision may be based on the amount of time and money that you have to invest in your training, but the main factor will undoubtedly be which specialization interests you the most. What vet techs and assistants share in common is that they each work under the immediate guidance of a practicing and licensed veterinarian. And even though there are numerous tasks that they can perform within the Riverdale GA veterinary practice or hospital, they can’t prescribe medications, diagnose ailments, or perform surgeries. In those areas they may only furnish assistance to a licensed vet. There are technologists and technicians that work exclusive of the standard vet practice, such as for zoos, animal shelters or law enforcement. Let’s take a look at the duties and training requirements for each position.

  • Vet Assistants in almost all instances will have gone through a structured training program, either as an apprentice or intern in a practice, or by graduating from a certificate program at a community college or trade school near Riverdale GA. As the name implies, their job function is to assist the vets and vet techs in the execution of their duties. Normally they are not involved with more involved tasks, such as assisting with surgeries. A few of their normal functions may include working at the front desk, preparing and cleaning exam rooms and equipment, or controlling pets during examinations.
  • Vet Technicians receive more extensive training in contrast to assistants and typically acquire a two year Associate Degree, preferably from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program. They are in a sense the vet equivalent of medical nurses, since their general job duty is to assist vets with diagnosing and treating animal patients. Where they differ from veterinary assistants is that they are involved in more involved activities, for example assisting with surgeries or administering medication. All states currently mandate that veterinary technicians pass a credentialing exam for either registration, certification or licensing.
  • Vet Technologists are comparable to veterinary techs and for the most part perform the same work functions. They are mandated to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in veterinary technology, which generally takes four years to complete. So the main difference between a vet technician and a technologist is the technologist’s higher level of education. But with an advanced degree comes more career options, increased salaries and possible management positions. They are additionally mandated to pass a credentialing examination for either registration, certification or licensing.

Vet technicians 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 labs or Riverdale GA area research facilities as well.

Online Veterinarian Degree Programs

attending vet tech school online in Riverdale GAAn alternative that might make sense for those with a hectic lifestyle or who are working full time while attending vet college is to enroll in an online training program. Because the classes are offered via the internet, students can study on their own timetable wherever a computer is available. The curriculum is taught using multiple venues, including slide shows, videos and live streaming webinars. And since many vet technician and technologist degrees require clinical training, that segment can usually be completed as an internship or work study program at an area Riverdale GA veterinarian 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 instance for commuting and study supplies, may be more affordable compared to more standard classroom courses. Just make certain that the online school that you select is accredited, either by the AVMA or another nationally certified accrediting agency. With the online courses and the practical training, everything is provided for a complete education. So if you are dedicated enough to learn in this more self-reliant mode, an online veterinary tech or assistant school may be the ideal option for you.

Things to Ask Veterinary Assistant and Technologist Training Programs

cat wearing cone after vet surgery in Riverdale GAAt this point you should have decided on which veterinary certificate or degree that you wish to obtain, and if you prefer to study online or attend a college on campus. Since there are an abundance of veterinary community colleges, vocational and trade schools in Georgia and across the United States, you need to ask some relevant questions in order to narrow down your list of options. As we pointed out in our opening, many future students start by concentrating on location and the cost of tuition. But we have previously mentioned other significant qualifiers, for example accreditation and internship programs. And obviously you need to select a college that offers the degree and specialty that you would like to earn. These and other factors are reviewed in the checklist of questions that you need to ask the Riverdale GA veterinary technician and assistant colleges that you are considering.

Is the Vet College Accredited?  It’s essential that you verify that the vet technician or assistant college you choose is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency. As earlier stated, among the most highly respected is the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Trade schools and colleges that are accredited by the AVMA have gone through an extensive screening process that confirms you will get a superior education. Also, accreditation is important if you are applying for a student loan or financial assistance, since a large number of programs are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Last, having a certificate or degree from an accredited school is often a precondition for employment for a number of Riverdale GA vet practices and hospitals.

What is the Program’s Reputation?  The veterinarian college or vocational school and program you select must have an outstanding reputation within the veterinarian field. You can start your due diligence by asking the schools you are reviewing for endorsements from the employers in their job assistance network. Other tips include looking on 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 infractions relating to your targeted schools. As a final suggestion, contact some Riverdale GA veterinarians that you might want to work for after you receive your training. Find out what they think of your school selections. They might even recommend some colleges not on your list.

Are there Internship Programs?  The most effective means to obtain clinical hands on training as a vet tech or assistant is to work in a professional environment. Find out if the schools you are looking at have internship programs arranged with regional veterinarians, vet hospitals or practices. Most veterinary medicine programs mandate practical training and a large number furnish it by way of internships. Not only will the experience be invaluable regarding the practical training, but an internship can also help build relationships in the local Riverdale GA veterinary community and aid in the search for a position after graduation.

Is Job Placement Offered?  Finding a job after graduating from a veterinary assistant or technician program can be challenging without the help of a job placement program. To begin with, ask what the graduation rates are for the programs you are evaluating. A low rate might suggest that the teachers were unqualified to teach the syllabus or that a number of students were unhappy with the program and quit. Next, verify that the colleges have a job assistance program and find out what their placement rates are. A high placement rate could signify that the Riverdale GA program has an outstanding reputation within the vet community and has a significant network of contacts for student placements. A low rate could signify that the training is not well regarded by employers or that the job placement program is a failure at placing students.

How Large are the Classes?  If the classes are larger, you most likely will get little or no individualized instruction from the teachers. Solicit from the Riverdale GA schools you are considering what their class teacher to student ratios are. You might also want to sit in on a few classes (if practical) to monitor the interaction between instructors and students. Get evaluations from students relating to the quality of instruction. Also, speak with the instructors and determine what their backgrounds are as well as their methods of teaching.

Where is the School Located?  Yes, we already covered location, but there are a few more points to consider on the topic. If you are planning to commute to your veterinary technician classes from work or home, you must make sure that the driving time is compatible with your schedule. For example, driving during the weekend to investigate the route won’t be the same as the commute during rush hour traffic, especially if the Riverdale GA college is located in or close by a larger city. In addition, if you do decide to enroll in a school in another state or even outside of your County of residence, there may be increased tuition fees especially for state and community colleges. On the other hand, taking online classes could be an alternative that will give you more flexibility and decrease the necessity for travel.

Do the Classes Fit Your Schedule?  And last, it’s imperative that you determine if the Georgia veterinarian schools you are considering offer class times flexible enough to fit your schedule. For example, a number of students continue to work full time and can only go to classes on the weekends or in the evenings. Others may only be able to go to classes in the morning or in the afternoon. Verify that the class times you need are offered near Riverdale GA prior to enrolling. Also, find out 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 ideal way to fit your vet training into your active life.

Why Did You Decide to Be a Vet Tech?

When prepping to interview for a veterinary job, it's advantageous to review questions you may be asked. Among the things that hiring managers often ask veterinary prospects is "What made you select veterinary care as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to learn is not only the personal reasons you may have for being a veterinary technician, but additionally what qualities and talents you have that make you exceptional at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining exclusively to veterinary care, along with a certain number of standard interview questions, so you need to organize some approaches about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work interests you as well as the talents you have that make you an outstanding vet tech and the leading candidate for the position. Don't make an effort to memorize an answer, but write down some concepts and topics that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reading through sample answers can assist you to develop your own concepts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to impress the interviewer.

Enroll in the Right Vet Assistant College near Riverdale GA

Picking the ideal veterinary assistant or tech program is an important first step to starting a gratifying career providing treatment and care for animals. Future students thinking about vet tech or assistant programs must make their determination based on several key issues. Veterinary techs, assistants and technologists work in veterinary clinics and hospitals and animal shelters. They commonly take on administrative responsibilities and assist the veterinarian with the animal patients when needed. As we have covered, it’s essential that you decide on a veterinary medicine program that is both accredited and has an excellent reputation within the profession. This applies to online vet tech programs as well. By asking the questions included in our checklist for evaluating schools, you will be able to reduce your options so that you can make your final decision. And by choosing the right college, you can reach your goal of becoming a vet assistant, technician or technologist in Riverdale GA.

A Little Bit About Riverdale GA

Riverdale, Georgia

Riverdale is a city in Clayton County, Georgia, United States. The population was 15,134 at the 2010 census,[5] up from 12,478 in 2000. Riverdale is a suburb just south of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport and is part of the Atlanta metropolitan area.

The area now known as Riverdale was settled before the Civil War. In 1887, a railroad, built from Atlanta and Fort Valley, passed through Riverdale. Farmers in the area provided wood for the railroad. In turn, the farmers would get fertilizer. As the railroad grew, it needed more land. Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Rivers donated their land for the railroad to grow, and their land grew to become one of the railroad's main stops.

In 1908, the city was incorporated with the name Riverdale, named in honor of Mr. W.S. Rivers.[6]

 

 

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