Vet Tech week recently passed and although noted on our facebook page in a timely fashion, I am belated in honoring our technicians with the praise they deserve. Erin and Karolina are dedicated to the care and comfort of our patients and we all recognize their compassion and professionalism each and every day.
Veterinary Nursing in Northern Westchester
Veterinary Nursing is an often overlooked profession for the many young people who approach us seeking information about a career as a veterinarian. There are 4 year bachelor degree programs as well as two year associates degree programs in veterinary technology.
Here in Westchester County we are fortunate to have both with the four year program located at Mercy College and the two year program at Westchester Community College. Our own Karolina is a distinguished graduate of Mercy College and passed her boards this year. I serve on the Advisory Board for the WCC program and I cannot overstate the quality of education provided at both of these fine colleges.
Graduates of both programs are eligible to sit for the New York State Veterinary Technician Licensing exam and they are fortunate to be entering a profession that places their skills and education in high demand.
In addition to traditional college settings there are also many high quality distance learning programs that permit the matriculated student to pursue their veterinary technology degree on their own schedule.
Our own Erin Story chose to pursue her degree in this fashion so she could continue to work full time at Croton Animal Hospital throughout her education. She passed her boards on her first try this year. Obviously, it takes great commitment and organization to manage all of these rigorous demands at the same time. Paula Chamberlin, who is presently working as a veterinary assistant at Croton Animal Hospital, is presently pursuing her veterinary technician degree through a distance learning program. We are very proud of all our staff members but these examples of dedication to the goal of furthering their training culminating in licensure are noteworthy.
Interested in Veterinary Medicine?
Finally, for those who are in their early teens and are interested in learning more about a career in veterinary medicine, I recommend a visit to the New York State Fair in Syracuse and the Hall of Veterinary Medicine.
Also, the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine puts on an open house at their campus in Ithaca, usually in the month of April. These venues have exhibits for all ages and visitors should plan to spend the better part of a whole day absorbing the full experience.
