Making the Most of Veterinary Medicine Education and Training

Build a loyal clientele by furthering the vet education of your staff
By Rhyah Fletcher Pet owners prefer taking their beloved pets to a veterinarian with a staff that has advanced veterinary education and training. The American Veterinary Medical Association accredits veterinary training, including veterinarian technology programs. While veterinary staff can receive competent on-the-job training, being able to display certifications and degrees to your clients leaves a positive impression.

A veterinarian can build loyal clientele by making the most of veterinary medicine education and training. Although every state doesn't have a veterinary college, many community colleges and technical institutes offer veterinary training programs. When contemplating how to take advantage of vet courses, consider the following:

1. Send veterinary employees to school and pay the tuition, or help pay the tuition, for vet classes.

2. Give your staff information about taking veterinary courses through distance education.

3. Help educated veterinary staff sit for exams by paying the exam fees and helping them with test material.

Take advantage of community college vet education and training

Local community colleges offer veterinary technology programs or AAS degrees in animal science. These degrees and certifications give your staff the advanced training they need, which enables you to ensure your clients that your staff is well-equipped to care for their pet.
Try:  The American Veterinary Medical Association provides a continuously updated list on accredited veterinary technology programs. Search Health Schools lets you do a search for all community college veterinary technician programs by state.

Offer to pay for veterinary classes through distance education

With more working adults wanting to advance their education, distance learning has become a popular offering at many schools. Veterinary training and education through distance learning is an option at a handful of schools. Like regular on-campus classes, online courses should be accredited.
Try:  NAVTA.net provides information about veterinary technicians and offers a link to accredited distance learning programs for veterinary techs. Purdue University offers a distance learning vet program for new and current students.

Send employees to sit for vet education exams

The American Association of Veterinary State Boards offers the Veterinary Technician National Examination, or VTNE. Offering to pay the fee for the test can help your vet techs finish their education and apply for registration or certification within your state.
Try:  The American Association of Veterinary State Boards offers information on registering for the test, along with a list of state certification requirements. Purchase study guides for your office staff from Elsevier.

• Make the most of veterinary education and training by displaying all certificates and diplomas earned by your staff. If your clinic participates in sending out magazines or newsletters to your clients, imprint all the names of degreed or certified vet staff to raise client confidence with your clinic.
• Passing the VTNE doesn't guarantee certification. Each state has its own requirements, so make sure you meet all state requirements after passing the test.