From left: Katrina Sciba, Rebecca Rector, Sandra Nunn, Alexandra Mercado, Natalie George
The Blinn College District recently celebrated the first graduates of its blended Veterinary Technology Program with a pinning ceremony in recognition of their commitment to becoming compassionate professionals dedicated to the animal healthcare field.
One of just 10 accredited programs in Texas, Blinn’s two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Veterinary Technology prepares students to become fully credentialed licensed veterinary technicians (LVTs). Blinn offers both a traditional and blended pathway for students to earn their AAS degree in Veterinary Technology. Through the three-year blended program, students take online and select campus courses en route to their degree.
Blinn’s graduating class includes: Natalie George (Sealy), Alexandria Mercado (Waxahachie), Sandra Nunn (Bryan), Katrina Sciba (College Station), and Rebecca Rector (Normangee).
“These graduates are the first of many animal healthcare professionals to become licensed veterinary technicians through our innovative blended program,” said Jessica Salazar Garza, Veterinary Technology Program Director. “We are so proud of all they have accomplished through their drive and determination. Their success reflects our commitment to help working professionals advance their careers while meeting the high demand to put more credentialed veterinary technicians in the workforce.”
Blinn ranks among the top Texas community colleges in preparing its students to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), one of two tests required to become an LVT.
“It’s an honor to be a member of Blinn’s first graduating class of the Veterinary Technology Program’s blended track,” said Sciba, who works at the Texas A&M University Small Animal Teaching Hospital. “I believe this program is blazing a trail for the veterinary technology profession by giving individuals the ability to work full time while also getting the face-to-face interactions of a traditional program. The dedication of the instructors, the hands-on nature of the labs, and our partnership with Texas A&M has prepared me to not only succeed on the VTNE, but also to have the confidence to tackle any challenges I may face in the future.”
Coupled with small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Blinn Veterinary Technology students benefit from the College’s partnership with Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. This relationship provides students hands-on training in every aspect of the wide-ranging field. Blinn is the only community college that has an agreement to complete laboratories and clinicals at Texas A&M University’s Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.
Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared for careers in animal shelters, educational institutions, government agencies, laboratory facilities, research, veterinary clinics, and zoological facilities, to name a few. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, veterinary technicians earn a median salary of $38,240 per year. Employment opportunities have expanded as veterinarians increasingly rely on technicians and technologists to perform general care and laboratory work. Between 2022 and 2032, the demand for veterinary technicians is expected to grow 21%, creating an additional 25,200 jobs nationwide.
Due to Blinn’s reputation for excellence and a statewide shortage of veterinary technicians, program graduates often accept jobs prior to graduation and many have multiple opportunities to choose from.
To learn more about Blinn’s Veterinary Technology Program, visit www.blinn.edu/veterinary-technology.
About the Blinn College District
With innovative programs and award-winning co-enrollment partnerships, Blinn’s academic transfer rate ranks No. 1 among Texas community colleges. For more information, visit www.blinn.edu.
Courtesy of Blinn College
