Program Overview
Introduction to the Veterinary Technology Program
The Veterinary Technology program at Western Colorado Community College is a two-year program that includes two summers. The program is designed to qualify students to perform various tasks in veterinary healthcare, except for surgery, diagnosis, and prescription writing.
Program Details
The program provides hands-on training through internships at local veterinary healthcare facilities that have partnered with the college. Students will learn to treat all animals, including large animals, which is an important component of the program. The program aims to address the shortage of skilled technicians in the veterinary world.
Key Components of the Program
- Hands-on internships at local veterinary healthcare facilities
- Training to treat all animals, including large animals
- Partnership with the Mesa County Sheriff's Posse to provide experience in treating animals other than dogs and cats
- Opportunities for students to specialize in a specific type of veterinary medicine later in their careers
Program Goals and Expectations
The program hopes to provide students with the necessary skills and training to become certified veterinary technicians or nurses. The program director, Dr. Anita Dennison, emphasizes the importance of veterinary technicians in the veterinary profession, comparing their roles to those of nurses in human hospitals.
Partnerships and Collaborations
The program has partnered with local veterinary healthcare facilities, including Amigo Animal Clinic, to provide hands-on training for students. The program also expects to partner with every veterinary-care facility in the county as classes expand.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the program can expect to work in various veterinary healthcare settings, including animal hospitals, clinics, and large-animal veterinary practices. The program aims to address the shortage of skilled technicians in the veterinary world, providing graduates with job opportunities in a growing field.