EGCC Adds Veterinary Technician Program
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — Eastern Gateway Community College announced the addition of a veterinary technicians program to its available offerings.
Vet tech classes will begin Fall 2021 semester, but interested students can begin taking prerequisite classes in January. Vet techs support veterinarians in the care of companion, large and exotic animals, according to a release.
“This is an example of Eastern Gateway Community College offering a new degree program for in-demand jobs and being responsive to the workforce needs of the communities we serve,” said Arthur Daly, senior vice president of EGCC. “We have been working for years to bring this program to Eastern Gateway Community College and we are excited to welcome our first cohort of students.”
For clinical experience, EGCC is partnering with Angels for Animals, Canfield. Many classes will be held at Angel Place, a 13,500-square-foot facility that includes shelter/adoption center, spay and neuter services and a full-service veterinary clinic, including operating theaters and classrooms. The $2.8 million Angel Place opened in 2000.
“For us, there is no better job in the world than working with animals. Their unconditional companionship not only delights us, but inspires us to offer them exceptional care every day,” said Diane Less, co-founder of Angels for Animals. “We are excited to partner with Eastern Gateway Community College to prepare students in our area to enter this amazing field.”
Eligible program applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, must successfully complete 13 credit hours of prerequisites, have at least 40 hours of field experience and pass a background check. Prerequisite classes include Succeeding in College (CSS106), Quantitative Reasoning (MTH105), English Composition (ENG101), Medical Terminology (HSC101) and Intro to Chemistry (CHM101).
Field experience can include working, volunteering or shadowing veterinary professionals in clinic or hospital settings, large animal farms/facilities, or adoption shelters. Written responses about the experience are part of the application process.
The first 16-student cohort will begin classes in Fall 2021 and all prerequisites must be completed by Aug. 5, 2021. Students can graduate the program in four semesters.
The American Veterinary Medical Association will monitor the program’s performance during the first year before issuing a full accreditation, according to the release. EGCC expects the program to reach full accreditation for Fall 2022.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
