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Photo Baker Alumni Spotlight: Jessica Bowditch
Welcome to Baker College’s Spotlight feature, a series of brief interviews with notable BC students, faculty and alumni who are making news and reaching new heights in their educational and professional pursuits.
This edition of Spotlight features Jessica (Jess) Bowditch, RVT, CCRP, who earned an associate degree in Veterinary Technology in 2013 at Baker College of Jackson. Bowditch, who now works as a Registered Veterinary Technician at Purdue University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital, recently authored an article published in Today’s Veterinary Nurse. Here we learn more about Jess and her professional path and passions.
Baker College (BC): Why did you choose Baker College for your educational pursuits?
Jess Bowditch (JB): I chose Baker because it was close to home, affordable and had small class sizes.
BC: What is your current job title/professional role?
JB: I currently work as a Registered Veterinary Technician at Purdue University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Indiana. I work in the physical rehabilitation department, where I perform clinical case work and teach veterinary and veterinary technician students.
BC: What drove you to pursue a career in veterinary medicine?
JB: Compassion and empathy for those who are hurting, and an innate drive to help those who can’t help or speak for themselves, are what led me to a career in veterinary medicine. My career as a veterinary technician allows me to use those passions to provide the best and most effective medical care possible for every patient.
BC: What were your career goals when you enrolled at BC? How do they compare to where you are today?
JB: My goals during school were to finish my associate degree program, graduate and get a good job within my field of study. I feel as though I have exceeded my own expectations as to where this career path has, and is, taking me.
BC: What do you like best about your job/career path? What do you find most challenging?
JB: I love the opportunities I have to continue learning and growing in veterinary medicine, the diversity of animals and people I get to work with, the technical skills and abilities I get to use every day and the increasing job satisfaction I get from knowing I am able to care for and help these animals and their owners. I get to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves, and I love having a career that I am passionate about.
One thing I find challenging about my career path, though, is that there currently aren’t enough veterinary technicians!
BC: How do you feel your time at/degree from Baker College has contributed to your professional successes?
JB: I believe my time spent at Baker is very much impacting my success as a veterinary technician. As someone who is in a profession that uses multiple technical and critical thinking skills, Baker prepared me with the knowledge and confidence to perform these tasks right from graduation.
BC: You recently authored an article published in Today’s Veterinary Nurse. What accomplishment in your career to-date are you most proud of, and what goals still wait ahead?
JB: I don’t know if I can pick just one accomplishment that I am most proud of…I’ve been so blessed to be given multiple opportunities to advance my career beyond what I thought was possible. Where I am today is in itself my biggest accomplishment.
My goals moving forward include continuing to gain knowledge and skills related to my field, continuing to teach and mentor veterinary and veterinary technician students to the best of my ability, and to advance my career as a veterinary technician by gaining a veterinary technician specialty in physical rehabilitation.
BC: What best piece of advice would you share with current college students?
JB: Have a passion for what you do, and do it to the best of your ability. Hard work does not go unnoticed.
BC: What would you want others to know about Baker College?
JB: Baker did a great job in preparing me for my field. When I graduated, I felt equipped and confident. I felt supported by the knowledgeable faculty and staff throughout my time there. It was so advantageous to have teachers who were still practicing veterinarians and veterinary technicians…they brought real world, up-to-date knowledge and experience to my education at Baker.
BC: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
JB: I’d like to say, “thank you” to the whole team of teachers and my classmates in the veterinary technology program at Baker College of Jackson. Without your knowledge, advice and support, I would not be the veterinary technician I am today.
Do you feel like a future in veterinary technology is right for you? Learn more about the Veterinary Technology Program Baker College.