Start 2019 with a New Career in Veterinary Technology

Program Information Session on January 15, 2019 at Batavia Campus

Batavia, NY (01/03/2019) — 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."

Genesee Community College'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, 2019 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, 2019 at 12:45 p.m. and Wednesday, May 29, 2019 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.

"I am consistently impressed with GCC's Vet Tech program graduates," Peter Hecht, DVM at the Perry Veterinary Clinic said. "They come to our practice with solid technical knowledge and skills, display a good work ethic and are prepared to work."

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 ten 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.

"Working as a Vet Tech is the most rewarding experience I've had," said Jennifer Cummins, a GCC Veterinary Technology graduate, who resides in Warsaw. "After I graduated with my degree from GCC, I started at York Animal Hospital and while the work was challenging, my most difficult encounter was believing in myself. I knew I had the knowledge to help educate clients and treat patients, but lacked the courage to apply my skills. Today, at York Animal Hospital, I work with an amazing team of techs and doctors who encourage and support me. I'm grateful to GCC for my education, the friends and connections I made there, and for experiences that have helped me thrive in a field and career that I love."

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% 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.

To assist as many students as possible before the start of the Spring 2019 semester on January 14, 2019, GCC's Student Success Center will have extended hours of operation. The hours on Monday, January 7 through Thursday, January 10 and again on Monday, January 14 through Thursday January 17, 2019 will be from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. In addition, the Student Success Center will also be open on Saturday, January 12, 2019 from 9 a.m. till 2 p.m. Appointments are encouraged, however, walk-ins are always welcome.

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 visit www.genesee.edu/home/academics/programs/health/vettech/admission-requirements.

"The VetTech Information Sessions are not only a pre-requisite for anyone entering the program, but are the best way for someone who is still undecided to get a taste of what the program offers," Carolyn (Carrie) Caccamise, director of Veterinary Technology at GCC said. "In a little over an hour, we cover everything one needs to know on how to get started toward a rewarding career in animal care."

For more information, contact Marketing Communications Associate Director Donna Rae Sutherland at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6616, or via email: dsutherland@genesee.edu.

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Editor's Note:

For a series of photographs of GCC Veterinary Technology program graduate, Jennifer Cummins, click on the following links:

http://marketing.genesee.edu/images/VetTech_JenCummings1.jpg

http://marketing.genesee.edu/images/VetTech_JenCummings2.jpg

http://marketing.genesee.edu/images/VetTech_JenCummings3.jpg

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