Vet Techs In High Demand

By Margaret Stokes, NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OK -- In these economic times, a career that guarantees employment is invaluable. At Tulsa Community College you can achieve an associate's degree as a vet tech in two years, and employment opportunities are endless.

TCC's Vet-Tech program started in January 1999, and for 10 years it has increased enrollment and right along with it, the demand for vet techs is at an all time high.

"We cannot turn out enough graduates to meet the demand. We have calls every week from area veterinarians. We even have calls from states Texas, Missouri, Kansas looking for graduate veterinary technicians and we can't supply enough. The job market is very good right now," said Dr. Jan Weaver, TCC's Veterinary Technology Program Coordinator.

With layoffs all over the headlines, a career as a veterinarian technician is gaining more and more popularity.

"There are two options. We can either have a full time student who completes it in two years, or a part time student for that folk who have family obligations or have to work and that's a three year program. We have a nice variety of students and it's good to have that variety in the class," said Weaver.

For Jaime Chasen, a mother of three with an accounting degree, this program could work with her packed schedule and coincides with her passion for animals.

"It's something I've always wanted to do so i feel really fortunate. When I was younger i either wanted to be a veterinarian or a marine biologist and that just didn't happen, and when i heard about this program I was like this is absolutely perfect," said Chasen.

Jaime is just about to graduate from the three-year program. With classes small, at about 30 per class, TCC offers a very hands-on education. The students learn how to handle all types of animals from large to small.

"If you're an enthusiastic person we can teach you the skills," said Weaver.

TCC says salary for a vet tech varies from $10-$14 an hour.

"I would say if they're thinking about it and it's something they love to do and they love animals they should go for it," said Chasen.