The Blinn College District recently recognized 12 Veterinary Technology Program graduates with a virtual pinning ceremony.
One of just 10 accredited programs in Texas, Blinn’s two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree in Veterinary Technology prepares students to become fully credentialed licensed veterinary technicians (LVTs).
Blinn’s graduating class includes Ana Alcocer (Caldwell), Ashley Barcuch (Rockdale), Larissa Cormier (North Zulch), Macy Evans (Fort Worth), Cori Kaminski (Chappell Hill), Savannah Karkoska (Navasota), Emily Munoz (Bulverde), Carly Nichols (Hearne), Kristelle Ramsey (College Station), Matthew Santowski (Oak Point), Katheren Walters (Plano), and Morgan Weaver (Houston).
“These graduates completed our program during unprecedented times and their success reflects a deep commitment to making an impact on the animal healthcare field,” said Dr. Catherine Pfent, Veterinary Technology Program Director. “With the support of our dedicated faculty, these students persevered to successfully complete the program with the tools and skills necessary to embark on rewarding careers.”
Blinn recently ranked No. 1 for the second straight year among Texas community colleges in preparing its students to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), one of two tests required to become an LVT. Over the past three years, Blinn graduates averaged an 88.5% first-time pass rate on the VTNE.
“My instructors went above and beyond to prepare me for life, my career outside of school, and to succeed on the VTNE,” said graduate Macy Evans, who recently accepted a position as a veterinary technologist at Shenandoah Veterinary Clinic in College Station. “Between classroom learning, hands-on experience, and my clinicals, I feel confident I’m equipped with the skills to provide the best care and service to the animals I treat.”
Coupled with small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Blinn Veterinary Technology students benefit from the College’s partnership with the Texas A&M University 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 $35,320 per year. Employment opportunities have expanded as veterinarians increasingly rely on technicians and technologists to perform general care and laboratory work. Between 2019 and 2029, the demand for veterinary technicians is expected to grow 16%, creating an additional 18,300 jobs nation-wide.
Due to Blinn’s reputation for excellence and a state-wide shortage of veterinary technicians, program graduates often accept jobs prior to graduation and many have multiple opportunities to choose from.
For more information regarding Blinn’s Veterinary Technology Program, visit www.blinn.edu/veterinary-technology.
