These North Jersey students are getting hands-on veterinary experience
TETERBORO — Bergen Community College and the Bergen County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center have formed a new partnership to offer students hands-on experience while providing needed care for local animals.
The college's Veterinary Technology Program, accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, emphasizes practical learning experiences to complement theoretical coursework.
An externship agreement was established that allows students to complete two clinical rotations earning them one credit each.
These externships, totaling 125 hours each, will provide students with valuable real-world experience in veterinary surgery and nursing skills.
The Bergen County Board of Commissioners and County Executive Jim Tedesco approved the "innovative partnership" to help both students and the shelter's animals before they find a forever home.
"This collaboration aligns with our mission to support education in veterinary care," Bergen County Commissioner Chair Pro Tempore Dr. Joan Voss said. "We are eager to contribute to the development of aspiring veterinary professionals and provide them with a robust clinical learning environment."
Through the real-world experience the students will gain at the County Animal Shelter, they will be provided the skills and resources necessary to address the needs of a field that has seen a shortage of experts over the last few years, Tedesco said.
The externship agreement, authorized by the Bergen County Board of Commissioners, allows the college and the county to formalize their commitment to fostering the growth of veterinary professionals.
“The partnership between the Veterinary Technology Program at Bergen Community College and Bergen County Animal Shelter has been an integral part of our students’ learning,” Program Coordinator Lisa Picht said.
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The students can experience working with a variety of species as well as different temperaments of the animals, preparing them for future work.
The veterinary technology program provides students with a professional education degree, associate of applied science, to become veterinary technicians. The program is accredited by the American Medical Association and the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities
The program has been designed to develop personnel capable of assisting veterinarians in large animal practices, small animal practices, laboratory animal situations, and related veterinary medical activities, Picht said.
"The staff at the shelter have been more than accommodating to host students and play a big part in their training," Picht said. "We look forward to this continued relationship between the college and the shelter."
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Bergen County students are getting hands-on veterinary experience
