Blinn College District recognizes 10 new veterinary technology graduates
Blinn College District offers one of just 10 accredited programs in the state
May 16, 2018
Ten Blinn College District Veterinary Technology Program graduates were welcomed to their new profession Thursday, May 10, during a ceremony at Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
Blinn’s 2018 graduating class includes: Megan Ginn (Wylie), Alyssa Halbert (Rusk), Hayley Hamm (Lubbock), Kymber Hammond (Bryan), Calli Jaban (Carrollton), Ariel Jenks (Bryan), Hannah Langenkamp (Brenham), Brittany Rocha (Katy), Erica Thompson (Bryan), and Emmalea Karl-Wilson (Aransas Pass).
“These students have worked extremely hard throughout the past two years,” Interim Program Director Dan Hendrix said. “They have the skills and compassion to enjoy long careers as licensed veterinary technicians.”
Veterinary technology is one of the fastest-growing professions in the nation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Veterinary technicians assist in diagnosis and surgery, sample collection, sample submission, client communication and research, and support veterinarians in much the same way nurses assist doctors.
Blinn’s is one of just 10 accredited programs in the state that offers veterinary technology training. The College District’s partnership with Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences allows Blinn students to get hands-on training in every aspect of the wide-ranging field.
A maximum of 20 students are admitted to the program each fall. A strong science and mathematics background is required to complete the academically rigorous two-year commitment, and students must demonstrate an interest in the profession with 40 hours of supervised veterinary experience before submitting an application for admission.
Once enrolled, first-year students participate in clinical rotations at five different veterinary clinics for one-week stints. Second-year students perform clinical rotations for eight weeks at Texas A&M. Each student is required to participate in one-week clinical rotations at five different veterinary clinics, where they perform the same tasks as a fully-credentialed veterinary technician.
“The level of education Blinn’s vet tech students receive is unparalleled,” Hendrix said. “Our students work side-by-side with veterinary students and faculty at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. This prepares students for a career in veterinary medicine, but also allows veterinary students to see the level of education of Licensed Veterinary Technicians and leads to more job opportunities for the students in our program.”
After earning their Associate of Applied Science degree, program graduates are eligible to take their state and national exams to become fully-credentialed licensed veterinary technicians (LVTs), with an average salary of $33,400. While most LVTs work in private practices, graduates also find employment with animal shelters, stables, reproductive facilities, zoos, wildlife facilities, pharmaceutical sales, the military and homeland security.
For more information about Blinn’s Veterinary Technology Program, visit: www.blinn.edu/veterinary-technolog
