Recognizing ILCC Vet Techs

Morgan Larson, Writer

 Last week was National Veterinary Technician Week (Vet Techs), this seems like a great concept to encourage students who are in this program to strive for greatness during or after graduation.  It’s a week to recognize current and future Vet Techs. What does it take to become a Vet Tech?  The program’s director and the attending veterinarian, Dr. Michael Zaugg teaches some of the courses in the program’s own facility at the Emmetsburg campus. He and a current Vet Tech student, Sharlene share their views on National Veterinary Technicians Week and the benefits of the Veterinary Technicians program.

Dr. Zaugg touches on the subject of and if the week that is dedicated to Vet Tech students, in his perspective, has any influence on his students at ILCC.  He goes on to say, “The week itself does not really influence students but the Techs are grateful to be recognized…it is a week that everyone can use to make sure they show appreciation to their clinic technicians.”   However, the program does National Vet Tech week in their own way.  

“We usually have pizza and meet and greet between the freshmen and sophomores during Vet Tech week.  Dr. Zaugg expresses that this gives students a chance to meet everyone in the program.  However, due to this worldwide pandemic, the program has had to scale down their version, maintain social distancing, and try to hold the event outdoors. Dr. Zaugg mentioned, “It was harder to get good interaction between the groups, but it was still beneficial.” Just like all the other programs at ILCC, the Veterinary Technicians program has had to conform to the COVID guidelines for student learning.

A native from Ellsworth, MN and current ILCC Vet Tech student, Sharlene chose this program to help fulfill her life goal of helping animals. During National Veterinary Technician Week, Sharlene had this to say, “It feels great to get recognized being a Veterinary Technician…I feel like it can go unrecognized, so it is nice to be appreciated.”  This type of recognition comes as a form of encouragement, especially when being apart of something great toward one’s future. Like the many career options in the world, its nice to see that ILCC is posting “National” weeks for the programs they offer. Giving a sense of positivity and reassurances for students to strive to be the best they can and thrive in their future employment fields.

The Veterinary Technicians program goes in depth to show how its students benefit from the program itself, besides the impending factors of National Veterinary Technicians Week.  “The benefits are getting to work with animals every day!” jokes Dr. Zaugg.  The average pay of a Vet Tech can run between $14-$18/hour, but all depending on where you are located, this can be higher or lower at that given price range. Currently what is shocking, is there is a shortage of Vet Techs, especially in low populated areas.   Dr. Zaugg says “… if you are willing to live in more populated areas, job opportunities are plentiful.”

Rest assured, ILCC is striving to provide society with new, educated Vet Techs to help replenish that shortage amount.  The best question is, would National Veterinary Week have any influence on incoming students who may be interested in the program and pursue it?  Being one of the programs students, Sharlene thinks it could, “I believe so… I think it is a good way to let others know what we all do…so if others are interested in the program, they can know what we do.”

Dr. Zaugg believes the influences/changes to the program would evolve differently than around National Veterinary Technician Week, although factoring in COVID.  “There has been some changes, but they are usually limited for Vet Techs.”  Dr. Zaugg continues, “The main influence would be if their clinic would have to be closed due to staff exposure…”  Many practices have reduced their contact with clients and started offering curbside pickups. “…techs are still there, to do their jobs.” said Dr. Zaugg.  Just like everyone else who are striving to provide services to anyone or any animal who needs it.

It’s encouraging to know that once Sharlene graduates from the program, there will be a new Vet Tech seeking out clinics and practices that are there to provide help and care to any animal.  Sharlene has an idea of what she will do next, “Finding a job at a mixed animal clinic in the Iowa/Minnesota/ South Dakota area.”  Hopefully, once Sharlene finds her place in the Veterinary world, she will remember her education, her experiences, and the week in which she can always be recognized for as a caregiver to any animal who may need her.

Once again, ILCC never fails with its vast number of programs it provides that will better society.  Dr. Zaugg’s program is one that many incoming students who have a passion for animals should consider, especially on the high need for Vet Techs.  It helps to see that ILCC does give praise to its programs designated week, like National Veterinary Technicians Week, and inspire students to give it their all in whatever path they choose to go down.