Palo Alto College’s Veterinary Technology Program is relocating to the main campus to accommodate our students and program better.

The Veterinary Technology Program is currently located on Brooks City-Base, but its new on-campus building, located between the library and Texas A & M portables, is expected to be open in time for the Spring 2008 semester. The construction of the new Veterinary Technology Building is in full swing, and students and licensed veterinarians are excited about moving in.

“It is long overdo for us, but very beneficial to all incoming students,” said Jennifer Ybarra, a second-year student.

If you are an animal lover and want to learn how to take care of different types of animals, then this field would be a very good career to look into. Through this program, you will learn how to nurse and care for pets and larger animals. Lab time, which deals with a lot of hands-on training and up-to-date equipment, is required.

“We are involved with all aspects of veterinary medicine, such as surgery, clinical pathology, equine, exotics and much more,” said Michelle Perez, a second-year student.

An advantage of this program is that you get training and work experience in veterinary practices as well as interaction with local shelters and clinics. At the current Veterinary Technology location, they house 12 dogs and 12 cats. Other animals, like horses, cows and pigs, are brought to class or students go to different locations to observe and work with them.

The Veterinary Technology Program limits enrollment since lab and classroom space are limited. Thirty-four first-year students and 24 second-year students, who are expected to graduate in May of 2008, are currently enrolled. About 50 students apply each year, but only about 40 are accepted.

“It is a very intense program,” said Elena Garza, senior secretary of the Veterinary Technology Program. If you would like to enroll for the Fall 2008 semester, you must have your application in by June 1.

Since the Veterinary Technology Program is a fully accredited program, students may actually become Registered Veterinarian Technicians (RVTs). When they complete their two-year program at Palo Alto, students receive an Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology along with an Animal Health Assistant Level II Certificate. After they receive their degree and certificate, they then take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and the State Veterinary Technician Exams to become a RVT. Since June of 2005, 37 students (100 percent) passed the state exam. The national exam also boasts a 100 percent pass rate since June of 2006 with 22 students achieving this milestone.

“I enjoy teaching students about the field of veterinary medicine and enhancing their knowledge and skills,” said Dr. Olga Jaimez, a full-time instructor.

The Palo Alto Veterinary Technology Program is the only one located in the central/south region of the state that is accredited to offer this degree. For more information on the Veterinary Technology Program, contact Laurie Pawelek, interim director, at (210) 531-8705 or lpawelek@mail.accd.edu