Despite a global economic recession, there is a high demand for veterinary technologists (or vet techs) and the demand is only increasing every day. Based on newest United States Bureau of Labor report, there’s going to be a nearly 41 percent increase in the need for vet techs in a 10-year period (2006-2016).
The reason for this increase stems from the quickening developments in veterinary medicine that occurred around the year 2000. On top of that, those who own pets are willing to spend the dough to care for their animals. Does this make the area of veterinary technology financially safe and stable? It would seem so.
If a person wishes to become a veterinary technologist, they must take the steps to get their education and training. They can do this by registering in a certified vet tech program and obtaining their associate or bachelor’s degree in the field. While vet tech schools and colleges offer degree programs with their own set prerequisites and credit requirements, advances in technology has led to the invention of Internet learning programs.
Since there is so much potential with distance learning, there has been a huge increase in vet tech Internet programs in the past several years. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is an accreditation program within the United States; according to it, there are presently nine certified Internet vet tech programs presented by several colleges and universities.
These online program curriculums are similar to the ones being taught in colleges/universities. Courses are prearranged into sections with each given an equivalent number of contact (Continuing Education Units) hours. These Internet curriculums consist of core courses and clinical mentorship duties with a specific number of credit hours.
While in clinical mentorships, every vet tech student will need to carry out actual duties and any task associated with veterinary technology in vet facilities. During this time, they will be supervised by registered vet techs and licensed veterinarians. One cannot obtain an associate’s degree unless it’s proven that the potential vet tech can perform these skills successfully.
These online vet tech programs are very attractive as well as cost-effective, great for those persons looking for value and convenience. The vet tech programs are helpful for persons looking for a career in the field but live too far away from any vet school or training center. This helps them to save gas and time in commuting. Due to the time being saved, persons can complete their responsibilities both at home and work. It also allows them to spend time with their family and friends and get all the work done they need to without compromising somewhere.
Another benefit to these kinds of programs is the pace of learning that can be done; it allows students the time to focus on areas of study that they feel weak on while learning other bits of information relevant to the program. They’re also beneficial to students who have limited mobility and hectic work schedules.
There are some obvious advantages to participating in Internet or distance learning vet tech programs as opposed to being in a regular classroom setting.