GCC says Vet Tech program fills a need in WNY
Press Release, GCC
BATAVIA – We’ve all heard the age-old joke about there being more cows than people in some of the counties within the Western New York region. However, the demand for qualified, licensed veterinary technicians needed to support the growing animal population is no laughing matter – and it is projected to increase faster than average for the next several years.
“The mission and vision of Genesee Community College focuses on ensuring economic advancement in the region through training, educating and empowering students of all ages, and helping them to take leadership roles in our changing world,” Dr. Kathleen (Kate) Schiefen, GCC’s executive vice president for Academic Affairs said. “There continues to be consistent growth in our Vet Tech program, and the demand is coupled with high-quality, hands-on learning provided by program director Carrie Caccamise.”
GCC’s Veterinary Technology program only accepts 24 students each year, and interested individuals are encouraged to register today for the next information session taking place on Tuesday, January 15, at 5:30 p.m. in room T119A of GCC’s Conable Technology Building on the Batavia campus. Additional information sessions are also scheduled for Thursday, February 28, at 12:45 p.m. and Wednesday, May 29 at 5:30 p.m. also in Batavia.
Among the many unique qualities and benefits of GCC’s two-year Vet Tech program are three different externship opportunities in numerous veterinary practices allowing students to work alongside licensed veterinary technicians and veterinarians.
The coursework covered in GCC’s program includes Anatomy & Physiology, Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Nutrition, Animal Pathology & Nursing, Surgical Nursing & Anesthesia, and Radiology & Dentistry in addition to general education requirements. To best accommodate students, these courses are offered four days a week and provide hands-on experience with more than 10 species of large and small animals, learning within GCC’s small class sizes. The program faculty at GCC are also employed in the profession and remain current on developments and challenges within the field bringing new trends and medical methodologies to GCC students.
GCC’s Veterinary Technology program provides students with the medical knowledge and critical thinking skills to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and become a licensed vet tech after graduation and upon passing the exam. For the reporting period of July 2015 – June 2018, 86 percent of GCC’s program graduates passed the VTNE on their first try.
Students seeking a bachelor’s degree in this field can save an average of $5,440 by completing the first two years at GCC before transferring to a SUNY four-year school and $70,712 if they transfer to a private university. To help GCC’s students minimize student loans and get the most from their education dollars, GCC’s Transfer Services Office maintains transfer agreements SUNY College at Canton and SUNY Dehli. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Kristen Hargrave, transfer coordinator at GCC’s Student Success Center via email to transfer@genesee.edu or by calling (585) 343-0055 ext.6230.
The Veterinary Technology program at GCC is fully-accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA). To learn more about the program’s admission requirements, click here.
