(Animal Science Instructor Kathleen Baxter looks on as student Ramona Raymond learns the proper technique for ventral restraint in order to perform a physical exam. Photo credit: Bonnie Beatson)
By Staff Reports
(KĀNEʻOHE) – Windward Community College is preparing more graduates to enter Hawaii’s veterinary work force by expanding its Vet Assisting Certificate program to Maui. The WCC Veterinary Assisting program will begin at UH Maui College in January 2016.
Interested students can attend a free Information Session on Tuesday,
December 10, 2015 at 7 p.m., UH Maui College, Laulima Room 108.
Students will learn about the curriculum and requirements. More information
can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/909595969117914/ and https://www.facebook.com/vetadec/ or email program coordinator Dani Carico at vetadec@hawaii.edu
The Certificate of Achievement in Veterinary Assisting on Maui—offered from January through December 2016—is designed to provide students with the basic knowledge and skills required to perform effectively as an assistant in a veterinarian’s office, animal shelter or animal research facility. The three-semester, 31-credit hybrid program includes online coursework in the life sciences, as well as hands-on experience through labs, and internships at local veterinary clinics.
“Historically, 80 to 90 percent of students get jobs right away, and some students in the program are getting hired by clinics even before they graduate,” said WCC Chancellor Doug Dykstra.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with UH Maui College to bring
WCC’s Veterinary Assisting program to students on Maui,” said Jenny Kelly, WCC’s Vet Tech program director. “This is the only program of its kind in the state. By expanding to the neighbor islands, starting with Maui, we hope to provide essential training to veterinary staff and increase the standard of animal care throughout Hawai‘i.”
Completion of the certificate is required for admission to the Veterinary Technology Associate in Science degree—accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)—at Windward Community College.
About the veterinary technology AS degree program at WCC
Windward Community College is the only college in Hawai‘i that offers degree and certificate programs for veterinary paraprofessionals.
The veterinary technology AS degree program is an intensive, two-year, 70-credit program that requires many hours of animal handling. Students enrolled in the program receive training in pharmacology, radiology, anesthesiology, surgical assisting, dentistry, nutrition, and veterinary office procedures and will learn how to perform over 300 skill sets deemed essential by the AVMA. Procedures such as dental cleaning, surgical sterilization and x-rays are an essential part of the education.
During the final year of the program, students intern at local veterinary clinics and/or shelters where their skills are evaluated and critiqued by industry professionals. This experience allows students to hone and apply their skills in a real-world setting and serves as a bridge to future employment. For more information about the Vet Tech AS degree, visit windward.hawaii.edu/Veterinary_Studies.