MUSCATINE, IOWA (November 1, 2022) — According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, veterinary technician jobs are expected to increase nearly twenty percent in the next five years. The “COVID-19 pet boom” produced a surge in pet adoptions that the country has never seen before — in nearly twenty million American households — spurring an even greater demand for veterinary care.
Muscatine Community College (MCC), an Eastern Iowa Community Colleges’ campus, is inviting people to learn more about this in-demand field and our Veterinary Technician Program on Wednesday, November 9, 3–5PM, at the Muscatine Agricultural Learning Center, 3200 Lucas Street in Muscatine.
Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the college’s Ag Learning Center, meet instructors, and chat with an admissions counselor about admissions requirements, financial aid, and student life.
"This visit day is perfect for anyone considering the veterinary field,” said MCC Admissions Counselor, Kari Hanson. “We talk about the differences between vet techs and veterinarians, what MCC's Vet Tech Program looks like, and the career as a whole. It has helped many students decide if this is the right path for them."
The program’s curriculum includes both small and large animal care. Courses are taught by experienced veterinary technicians and veterinarians who are keenly aware of the expectations of future employers.
"I receive requests weekly from area veterinary hospitals looking for graduates to employ,” said MCC Vet Tech Program Director, Dr Dan Drahos. “We could easily graduate twice as many students and still not meet the demand for vet techs in the area.”
Students are provided with top-notch, hands-on training in veterinary technology labs that rival those found in many veterinarian offices. In addition to the labs, the facility also boasts a large indoor arena, horse stalls, farm ground, and classrooms. The Center was made possible through a partnership between MCC, the Muscatine Community School District, and the Muscatine Friends of the FFA.
The program is also covered by the Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship, a state-funded program for students pursuing a high-demand career paths. As the name implies, the grant covers any remaining gap between federal and state grants/scholarships, as well as tuition and qualified fees. Regardless of a student’s personal income situation, students enrolled in the program pay no tuition costs.
The visit is open to any individuals interested in the veterinary industry, including parents and families.
For more information, visit eicc.edu/vettech.
Questions? We’re here to help. Call us toll-free 1-888-336-3907 or e-mail eiccinfo@eicc.edu.
