Are you guys passionate about animals and dream of a career where you can combine your love for furry, scaly, and feathered friends with your interest in science and medicine? Then the OSC Presc Veterinary Technology AAS (Associate of Applied Science) program might just be the perfect path for you! This program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a vital part of a veterinary healthcare team. Let's dive into what makes this program so awesome and how it can help you achieve your career goals.

What is Veterinary Technology?

Before we delve into the specifics of the OSC Presc program, let's clarify what veterinary technology is all about. Veterinary technicians are essentially the nurses of the animal world. They work under the supervision of licensed veterinarians to provide a wide range of medical care for animals. This includes everything from assisting in surgeries and administering medications to performing laboratory tests and educating pet owners. In short, they are the veterinarian's right-hand person, ensuring that animals receive the best possible care.

Key Responsibilities of a Veterinary Technician

• Assisting in Surgery: Vet techs play a crucial role in surgical procedures, preparing the operating room, monitoring anesthesia, and assisting the veterinarian during the surgery itself.
• Administering Medications and Vaccinations: They are responsible for accurately dispensing and administering medications, as well as providing vaccinations to protect animals from various diseases.
• Performing Laboratory Tests: Vet techs conduct a variety of laboratory tests, such as blood counts, urinalysis, and parasite screenings, to help diagnose illnesses and monitor treatment progress.
• Taking X-rays and Performing Ultrasounds: They are trained to operate radiographic and ultrasound equipment to obtain images that aid in the diagnosis of medical conditions.
• Providing Dental Care: Vet techs perform dental cleanings, take dental radiographs, and assist in dental procedures to maintain animals' oral health.
• Educating Pet Owners: They provide valuable information to pet owners on topics such as nutrition, preventative care, and medication administration, helping them to keep their pets healthy and happy.
• Monitoring Hospitalized Patients: Vet techs closely monitor hospitalized patients, observing their vital signs, administering treatments, and providing comfort and support.

OSC Presc Veterinary Technology AAS: A Closer Look

The OSC Presc Veterinary Technology AAS program is a comprehensive program designed to provide students with a strong foundation in veterinary medicine and technology. The curriculum typically includes a mix of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical experience, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the demands of the profession. This program stands out because of its commitment to hands-on learning and its focus on preparing graduates for immediate entry into the workforce. The curriculum is carefully designed to meet the requirements for national licensure, allowing graduates to become Certified Veterinary Technicians (CVTs).

Curriculum Highlights

• Anatomy and Physiology: A thorough understanding of animal anatomy and physiology is essential for veterinary technicians. This course covers the structure and function of the animal body, providing a foundation for understanding disease processes and treatment modalities.
• Veterinary Medical Terminology: This course introduces students to the specialized language used in veterinary medicine, enabling them to communicate effectively with veterinarians and other members of the healthcare team.
• Pharmacology: Veterinary technicians need to have a solid understanding of pharmacology, including the different types of medications used in veterinary medicine, their mechanisms of action, and potential side effects.
• Surgical Nursing: This course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to assist in surgical procedures, including preparing the operating room, monitoring anesthesia, and providing post-operative care.
• Clinical Pathology: Students learn how to perform and interpret various laboratory tests, such as blood counts, urinalysis, and parasite screenings, which are essential for diagnosing and monitoring animal diseases.
• Radiology: This course covers the principles of radiography and teaches students how to take and interpret x-rays, as well as how to use other imaging modalities such as ultrasound.
• Anesthesia: Veterinary technicians play a critical role in monitoring anesthesia during surgical procedures. This course teaches students about the different types of anesthetic agents, how to monitor patients under anesthesia, and how to respond to anesthetic emergencies.
• Large Animal Medicine: While many veterinary technicians work primarily with small animals, this course provides an introduction to the care and management of large animals such as horses, cows, and pigs.
• Exotic Animal Medicine: With the increasing popularity of exotic pets, this course provides students with an overview of the care and management of animals such as reptiles, birds, and small mammals.
• Veterinary Practice Management: This course covers the business aspects of running a veterinary practice, including scheduling appointments, managing inventory, and handling client communication.

Hands-on Experience

One of the key strengths of the OSC Presc Veterinary Technology AAS program is its emphasis on hands-on experience. Students have the opportunity to practice their skills in a variety of settings, including:

• On-campus Veterinary Clinic: Many programs have an on-campus veterinary clinic where students can work with real animals under the supervision of experienced veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
• Externships: Students typically complete one or more externships at local veterinary clinics, animal shelters, or other animal-related facilities. This provides them with valuable real-world experience and allows them to network with potential employers.
• Laboratory Work: Students spend a significant amount of time in the laboratory, performing various tests and procedures under the guidance of instructors.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the OSC Presc Veterinary Technology AAS program, applicants typically need to meet the following requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED: Applicants must have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Minimum GPA: Most programs require a minimum GPA in high school coursework.
• Prerequisite Courses: Some programs may require applicants to have completed certain prerequisite courses, such as biology and chemistry.
• Application Essay: Applicants may be required to submit an essay explaining their interest in veterinary technology and their career goals.
• Letters of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or other professionals who know the applicant well may be required.

It's essential to check the specific admission requirements for the OSC Presc program you're interested in, as they may vary. Contact the admissions office for the most up-to-date information.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the OSC Presc Veterinary Technology AAS program have a wide range of career opportunities available to them. Some of the most common career paths include:

• Veterinary Technician: The most common career path for graduates of veterinary technology programs. Veterinary technicians work in private veterinary practices, animal shelters, research laboratories, and zoos.
• Veterinary Assistant: While veterinary assistants typically have less formal training than veterinary technicians, they still play an important role in the veterinary healthcare team. They assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians with a variety of tasks, such as cleaning kennels, feeding animals, and restraining animals for examinations.
• Animal Shelter Technician: Animal shelters employ veterinary technicians to provide medical care for the animals in their care. This may include administering vaccinations, treating injuries, and performing euthanasia.
• Research Technician: Veterinary technicians may also work in research laboratories, assisting with animal studies and performing various laboratory tests.
• Pharmaceutical Sales: Some graduates of veterinary technology programs go on to work in pharmaceutical sales, selling veterinary medications and other products to veterinarians.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for veterinary technicians is excellent. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of veterinary technicians and technologists will grow much faster than the average for all occupations over the next decade. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for veterinary care, as well as the growing popularity of pet insurance.

The median annual wage for veterinary technicians was around $36,000 as of May 2020. However, salaries can vary depending on experience, education, location, and employer. Veterinary technicians who work in specialty practices or who have advanced certifications may earn higher salaries.

Why Choose OSC Presc Veterinary Technology AAS?

Choosing the right veterinary technology program is a crucial step toward a successful career. The OSC Presc Veterinary Technology AAS program offers several advantages:

• Comprehensive Curriculum: The program provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers all aspects of veterinary technology, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the demands of the profession.
• Hands-on Experience: The program emphasizes hands-on experience, giving students the opportunity to practice their skills in real-world settings.
• Experienced Faculty: The program is taught by experienced veterinarians and veterinary technicians who are passionate about teaching and dedicated to student success.
• Accreditation: Accreditation ensures that the program meets high standards of quality and that graduates are eligible to sit for the national licensing exam.
• Career Services: Many programs offer career services to help graduates find employment after graduation. These services may include resume writing assistance, job search workshops, and networking events.

How to Apply

If you're interested in applying to the OSC Presc Veterinary Technology AAS program, here are the general steps you'll need to follow:

1. Research Programs: Research different veterinary technology programs and choose the one that best meets your needs and goals.
2. Check Admission Requirements: Check the admission requirements for the program you're interested in and make sure you meet them.
3. Gather Required Documents: Gather all of the required documents, such as transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and application essay.
4. Complete Application: Complete the application form online or on paper.
5. Submit Application: Submit the application by the deadline.
6. Await Decision: Wait for the admissions committee to review your application and make a decision.

Conclusion

The OSC Presc Veterinary Technology AAS program is a fantastic option for anyone who's passionate about animals and wants a rewarding career in veterinary medicine. With its comprehensive curriculum, hands-on experience, and dedicated faculty, this program will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a veterinary technician. So, if you're ready to turn your love for animals into a fulfilling career, explore the OSC Presc Veterinary Technology AAS program and take the first step toward your dream job!