San Leandro residents who wish to turn their love of animals into a rewarding career can get the training they need to become veterinary technicians at . Classroom instruction provides students with a working knowledge of chemistry, biology, physiology, and anatomy. A clinical rotation and an externship give students the practical experience they need to be successful in the workplace.

Employment Opportunities for Veterinary Technicians

Most veterinary technicians work in veterinary services under the supervision of a private practice veterinarian. Their duties include performing lab tests, taking x-rays, obtaining patient histories, and providing nursing care to sick or injured animals. Veterinary technicians who work in this type of setting typically care for cats, dogs, fish, frogs, mice, and rats. Very few opportunities exist for veterinary technicians who wish to work with both companion animals and larger, non-domestic animals.

A number of veterinary technicians find employment at research facilities. This type of work generally involves vaccinating newly admitted animals, administering medications, preparing samples for lab examination, keeping experimental records, sterilizing equipment, and providing postoperative care. Supervision is typically provided by veterinarians, physicians, and experienced lab technicians.

Veterinary technicians who work at animal shelters or humane societies generally experience a more stressful work environment than their peers. They must frequently deal with pet owners who have been suspected of abusing or neglecting their animals. They must enforce current laws and regulations regarding proper animal care. Occasionally, they also must euthanize unwanted, aged, or injured animals.

If you’re caring, sympathetic, and motivated by a desire to help others, a career in vocational nursing may be the right choice for you. Vocational nurses provide essential nursing care to patients with various health problems. They need to have strong communications skills in order to adequately care for their patients. They must be able to make good decisions and work well with other healthcare providers.

’s vocational nursing program gives students the skills they need to succeed in a variety of healthcare settings. Students will learn about specialties such as pediatrics, obstetrics, and psychiatric nursing. They’ll discuss nutrition, first aid, and medical-surgical nursing. Classroom instruction in physiology and anatomy will be supplemented by opportunities for field experience.

Since the demand for vocational nurses is fueled by an increasingly elderly population, graduates ofOur Site’s vocational nursing program can expect to receive attractive financial compensation. Although salaries vary by geographic locations, place of employment, and professional experience, vocational nurses typically earn between $30,000 and $40,000 per year. However, many employers offer shift differential pay that can significantly increase a vocational nurse’s earning potential.

Get the Aid You Need to Pursue Your Dreams

If you’re contemplating a career change, don’t let a lack of money keep you from pursuing your dreams. Students at are eligible to receive several forms of federal financial aid. Some types of aid, such as Pell Grants, don’t need to be repaid. Others, such as Stafford Loans or Perkins Loans, allow borrowers to delay repayment until after graduation. For additional information about the vocational nursing program.