COLUMBIA STATE VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS CELEBRATE "NATIONAL VETERINARY TECHNICIANS WEEK"

Columbia State Community College's veterinary technology students will celebrate National Veterinary Technicians Week beginning on Sunday, October 11 and ending on Saturday, October 17. During Veterinary Technicians week, veterinary technicians are recognized for their dedication to quality veterinary medical care and to the profession.

"Veterinary Technicians Week is a time to allow the public to see them as professionals and to recognize those individuals who are technicians," said Mary Kirby, veterinary technology technician at Columbia State.

In preparation for Veterinary Technicians week, Columbia State's veterinary technology students will be doing fundraising activities including a bake sale and a yard sale. The students will also participate in "Dog Days at the Park" on October 31, where they will be offering nail trimming as well as operating a booth for the purpose of educating pet owners on topics such as nutrition, prevention of fleas and ticks, spaying and neutering, and prevention of intestinal parasites. The event will be held at Maury County Park.

"We hope to bring to the public's attention that veterinary technicians are as important to veterinarians as nurses are to doctors," said Kathy Massey, licensed veterinary medical technician at Columbia State.

Veterinary Technicians work under the direct supervision of Licensed Veterinarians conducting tasks such as administering medications, assisting in surgery, inducing and monitoring anesthesia, and performing laboratory procedures.

Columbia State has one of only three programs in the state of Tennessee for veterinary technology. The program offers students the opportunity to become a veterinary technician and receive an Associate of Applied Science degree.

Veterinary Technology students participate in clinical training in Middle Tennessee veterinary facilities for the final three semesters of the program. "We have a lot of fun-it's really hands-on. They make sure that we're comfortable with what we're doing and that we have enough time. We've learned a lot," said Ashley Wood, a Columbia State veterinarian technology student.

Those who are interested in joining the program should apply during the spring semester. The program begins during the fall semester.

For more information about the veterinary technology program at Columbia State visit http://www.columbiastate.edu/veterinary-technology.