Vet Tech at New England Tech

If you're an owner of a pet and they get sick you want to make sure your animal gets the best care around.

A new program at New England Institute of Technology is training students in a new facility to become veterinary technicians.

According to Dr. Darlene Jones who is the head of veterinary medicine at New England Tech, trained veterinary technicians are in high demand.

"We started in January. We have currently twenty-six students in the program. And, we're starting a new class in the fall, in October," said Jones.

The program is the first of its kind in the Ocean State.

"There are about 200 programs throughout the country in veterinary technology. But, this is the first in Rhode Island so we are very pleased to have it here."

Many veterinary hospitals are having a tough time finding people qualified to employ. 

"In the past, students could be on the job trained as a veterinary technicians and sit for the national examination. But, recent changes to the national exam made that impossible. And, they now require students to be graduates of an accredited veterinary technology program."

Alyssa Richards is one of the many student training for the new career.

"I was very impressed because honestly I knew like nothing about any veterinary medicine. And, like, I just knew how to take care of animals because that's what I’ve done my whole life so when I came in it was just like get right to work," said Richards.

New England Tech is challenging students to be the best in the field.

"I knew it was going to be a lot of work. I wasn't sure exactly how much work. And, I am finding that out now. And, I actually like it a lot so. It is very rewarding so," added Richards.

The classes will give you knowledge of animals from all walks of life.

"So, they're required to learn about companion animals, including cats and dogs. They're also required to work with horses and cattle. Additionally, they'll learn skills on laboratory animals. Rodents, and rabbits, and birds as well. So, a variety of different animal species. Their internship is part of the program. So we require students to do two hundred and forty hours of internship out in the field with veterinarians," said Dr. Jones.

Skilled veterinary technician are vital to great pet care.

"A veterinarian technician provides professional health care to animals in conjunction with the veterinarian. They work under the direct supervision of a veterinarian and they provide medical and surgical nursing care to animals."

Alyssa was at another school before heading to New England Tech.

"I went to college before this but it didn't have anything to do with animals. And, then they opened this program and I left that college and here I am."

Alyssa says that the hard work is paying off. 

"My biggest surprise is how quickly we can learn. In the ten week period we have, how much we can learn. How well we learn it. So, it's a really good program."

New England Institute of Technology is starting its next veterinary technology program in October. 

If you want information about how to get training in this field head to New England Tech.