MUSCATINE, Iowa – Muscatine Community College (MCC) is inviting area students to come learn more about MCC’s veterinary technician program on Tuesday, March 21.
The career exploratory event will be from 3:30–5 p.m. at the Muscatine Agricultural Learning Center at 3200 Lucas St.
Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the college’s ag center, meet instructors, and chat with an admissions counselor about financial aid, student life and next steps. MCC is part of Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC).
“This visit day is perfect for anyone considering the veterinary field,” said EICC Assistant Director for Admissions & Community Outreach Heather Evans. “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 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 quality, hands-on training in veterinary technology labs that rival those found in many veterinarian offices, MCC said. In addition to the labs, the facility also boasts a large indoor arena, horse stalls, farmground 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 also is 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 will pay no tuition costs.
The vet tech visit day is open to any individuals interested in the veterinary industry, including parents and families. For more information, visit eicc.edu/vettech.
