Baker College honors National Veterinary Technician Week (NVTW) with a continued commitment to animal healthcare, service, and recognition. Since 1993, the 3rd week of October has been set aside as a time to recognize the work and dedication of veterinary technology professionals who play an essential role in animal healthcare. This year marks 30 years of highlighting individuals with a national spotlight, an initiative made possible by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). Their mission is to advance the profession of veterinary nursing through advocacy, awareness, and professional development. (NAVTA)
Baker contributes to the animal care world by graduating students with combined classroom education and real-world clinical experience, with a curriculum that covers everything from animal anatomy to patient care in its comprehensive 2-year Veterinary Technology Associate of Applied Science program. Led by experienced veterinary professionals, the program has produced numerous skilled and compassionate veterinary professionals through the years, and current students are making a significant impact in their communities, exemplifying their commitment to developing their skills so they can positively impact the world through their future careers in the veterinary world.
“Our program offers cutting-edge facilities, allowing you to work with the latest equipment, from radiology and surgical suites to diagnostic laboratories. But, it’s not just about equipment. It’s about the remarkable faculty who are not only dedicated educators but also passionate about their work. We pride ourselves on ensuring graduates are not only job-ready but also compassionate and ethical veterinary professionals,” said Skye Mayberry, Vet Tech Program Director.
Throughout the month, there have been service events where students raise money by selling homemade dog treats and cookies to support pets in need. Other contributions Baker students make include assisting in spaying and neutering. This year, they have played a vital role in ensuring nearly 200 dogs and cats from local shelters received this essential care. This effort helps control the local pet population and increases the chances of these animals being adopted.
“As a professor with over a decade at Baker College and 18 years as a (vet) tech, my words of wisdom to our students are, ‘never stop learning.’ At Baker, we provide the students with state-of-the-art equipment here on campus to help them succeed, but the real-life experience they get is invaluable,” said Keren Allen, Assistant Professor.
Jessica Bloos, a 2nd-year Vet Tech student at Baker College, expresses her pride in the program, emphasizing the support provided by both instructors and classmates. “Not only am I proud of the things I learn in the vet tech program, but the people I am learning it with. I have done a lot of soul-searching in different programs before coming to Baker, and I have never met so many driven people from different backgrounds who share the same goal. The instructors dedicate so much time helping us learn and picking us back up when we need it. Experiencing that kind of support from makes me proud and drives me to want to make them proud to have me as a student,” Bloos said.
Other activities students are passionate about include a month-long donation drive for an animal shelter, organized by the student chapter of the North American Veterinary Technician Association (SCNAVTA). They also collaborated with Celtic Canines during the annual Michigan Irish Music festival, helping furry festival-goers stay hydrated and providing nail trims for their four-legged friends. Additionally, they participated in a Doggie Trick-or-Treat to benefit the Humane Society of Genesee County. Vet Tech students are learning, working, and making a positive impact in their communities and embodying the spirit of service and compassion.
Baker College is an independent, private, non-profit institution that grants associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees on campuses across Michigan and online. Founded in 1911, the institution’s mission is to provide an inclusive, innovative, and transformative educational experience, driven by a student-first philosophy. Learn more at baker.edu and follow on X, Meta, and Instagram. The Veterinary Technology Associate of Applied Science program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (AVMA, CVTEA)