Workforce Spotlight: Veterinary Technology

Students interested in entering the job market quickly, improving their skills, or changing careers can choose from dozens of Collin College workforce programs that will train them for rewarding futures.

Connection regularly features these workforce programs. This months featured program is Veterinary Technology.

Licensed veterinary technicians are trained to provide client education, administer medication, perform laboratory diagnostics, assist with surgeries and dental cleanings, monitor anesthesia, and problem solve. Collin Colleges professors provide information on all major domesticated animal species, including dogs, cats, horses, cattle, pigs, goats, and sheep. The program also covers some so-called pocket pets like Guinea pigs, rats, rabbits, and others.

The program provides students with two cooperative education opportunities which place students in veterinary offices to shadow professionals.

We are trying to promote not only book knowledge but also pairing that with hands-on skills so that our students are ready to go out into the workforce, Veterinary Technology Program Director Dr. Sabrina Cummings said, adding that the program also provides mentoring from faculty and staff, as well as job placement.

Kirstin Bean, a vet tech student at Collin, raised goats and sheep for 4H and Future Farmers of America, and showed horses. I basically grew up on the back of a horse, she said. I was pretty much riding before I could walk.

She had always considered going into veterinary medicine, so after a seven-year stint in the Air Force and a relocation to Texas, she decided to make her ambition a reality. Her dream is to work with horses, but she is glad to help any animal in need.

They cant talk for themselves, so I like being an advocate for them, helping them feel better, and speaking on their behalf when needed, she said.

Email vettech@collin.edu with questions or visit www.collin.edu/department/vettech/. This new program is currently seeking accreditation with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities.

VETERINARY TECHNICIANS

Average Salary: $35,500*
Job growth: 28.6%*

YOUR EDUCATIONAL PATH

Associate of Applied Science degree
(60 credit hours)

SKILLS YOU WILL LEARN

Team-based approach to veterinary medicine

Preparation and administration of medication

How to assist in patient evaluation

Identification of dental health issues and treatments

How to correctly prepare patients for surgery

* Job growth projected from 2020-2027. Data obtained from JobsEQ (Collin County), O*NET, and Workforce Solutions of North Central Texas.
Note: The earning potential for employees with certifications and Associate of Applied Science degrees may exceed the average salary.