For the third year, Oley Valley High School in Pennsylvania is offering its students veterinary technician courses as part of its agricultural program – and Kerrie Yost, a supervisor at VCA Sinking Spring Animal Hospital in Reading, PA is a major contributor to their success.
Yost is a graduate of Oley Valley High School. Jeremy Deysher, who teaches the veterinary technician courses, was Yost's agricultural science teacher. He reached out to her for help.
"I want to give Kerrie credit for helping me develop the curriculum," Deysher says. "She's an asset to the program."
Yost, who is finishing up college coursework to receive her degree and veterinary technician credential, says VCA Sinking Spring donated supplies "and I helped set up their classroom to make it look like an exam room.”
Volunteering for Hands-on Lessons
Oley Valley High School's Vet Tech A and Vet Tech B courses provide students hands-on experience with animals. Students learn about everything from animal behavior and handling to anatomy and diseases.
On her days off, Yost has brought in her dog or cat to show students how to perform exams. "I demonstrate how injections are given and blood is drawn under veterinarian supervision, and other skills like bandaging and grooming," she says.
Kendra Barlet, a junior at Oley Valley High School, was already interested in becoming a veterinary technician before taking the course. Yost's participation increased her interest.
"Kerrie helped me understand parasites and how to do a physical on a cat and dog," Barlet says. "She also helped me understand the practicums for the FFA's Veterinary Science CDE (Career Development Event), such as handling cats and filling a prescription."
Yost's favorite part of helping with the course is "being able to share my knowledge with students that are hopefully looking to get into the career," she says.
She hopes Oley Valley High School students will be able to take a field trip to VCA Sinking Spring and tour the hospital. "That way, they can get their foot in the door and see if it’s actually something they want to pursue for college," she says.
Yost also helps ensure the classroom animals stay healthy. Deysher says that if there's a problem with one of the animals, Yost will take a picture of it to show a veterinarian at VCA Sinking Spring.
When the classroom guinea pig developed a mammary gland tumor, Dr. Nicole Barnett, co-medical director of the hospital, volunteered her time to remove it. Yost videotaped the surgery so the students could observe the process. When the guinea pig later developed a tumor in his abdomen, Dr. Barnett once again donated her services and removed it.
Helping Helpless Animals
Like many people working in the veterinary field, Yost's career choice was inspired by her love of animals. "Being able to help helpless animals and seeing them get better" is what inspires her, she says.
However, Yost notes that people looking into a veterinary career should be aware that it's not all about the animals. "It's your relationship with the pet owners as well," she says. "Just because you love animals, you have to think about their owners, too. There's a lot of client communication and education needed."
“Whether you really like surgery, diagnostic imaging, dentistry or emergency medicine, the possibilities are endless. You can find your niche and what part of veterinary medicine speaks to you the most. ”
'A Wonderful Career Path'
Veterinary technicians are crucial members of an animal hospital team. They provide expert care and perform essential duties such as assisting with surgeries and administering advanced procedures.
For anyone thinking about becoming a veterinary technician, Carolyn Spivock, RVT, director of veterinary technician and assistant development at VCA, offers some advice.
"I would recommend exploring veterinary medicine and looking at it through a compassionate-care lens," she says. "It helps you think about how you can support the patients, collaborate with the doctors and educate clients as a credentialed veterinary technician.”
There are many different areas in which to get involved and find an area of medicine that inspires you, Spivock says. "Whether you really like surgery, diagnostic imaging, dentistry or emergency medicine, the possibilities are endless," she adds. "You can find your niche and what part of veterinary medicine speaks to you the most. There are a variety of different opportunities and career paths to take."
The employment of veterinary technicians is expected to grow 20% over the next nine years, the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics forecasts. This is a much higher growth rate than for other occupations.
There’s a strong need for talent in the veterinary technician field, Spivock says. "It's a growing profession, and the more awareness there is about what a veterinary technician contributes to the hospital team, the commitment it takes and the opportunities available, I am hopeful it will attract more individuals to the industry,” she says. “I think programs like Kerrie is supporting will help to do that. It’s a wonderful career you don't have to do on your way to becoming a veterinarian. It’s a complete career path in and of itself."
The requirements for becoming a veterinary technician vary by state, but according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, it generally involves obtaining an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in college, passing a credentialing exam, and completing ongoing continuing education courses.
VCA is committed to ensuring that veterinary technicians in our hospitals and the industry can practice at the top of their credentials and take advantage of opportunities to advance their careers.
Finding a Future
To encourage young people interested in veterinary medicine, earlier this year VCA partnered with Vet Set Go, a web community dedicated to helping elementary, middle and high school students explore this field. The partnership will provide students with opportunities including hands-on learning and shadowing veterinary professionals.
As for Oley Valley High School junior Barlet, she is now planning to go to college and become a veterinary technician. She believes every school should have a veterinary technician course. "I’m glad I had the opportunity to take a class like this and find my future," she says.
Is veterinary medicine calling to you? A career in veterinary medicine is full of possibilities and opportunities to continue to learn and grow. Explore the vast array of opportunities in veterinary medicine by visiting the VCA Careers site.
