Students enrolled in the Colby Community College Veterinary Technician program are participating in National Veterinary Technician Week activities Oct. 9-15. The event is sponsored by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, Inc. (NAVTA). The CCC program is the only veterinary technology program in Kansas fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. In addition, CCC was one of the first veterinary technology programs established in the United States, achieving initial accreditation in 1974.

Pets are important members for many families, yet sometimes they don’t receive the care they deserve. As a member of the veterinary health care team, veterinary technicians are educated in the latest medical advances and skills at working alongside veterinarians to provide pets the best medical care possible. They work closely with the veterinarians, veterinary assistants, practice managers, patients and owners to provide the essential link with all involved in the care process.

"Technicians are an integral part of the veterinary health care team, and celebrating National Veterinary Technician Week gives them the credit they deserve. It also provides an opportunity to teach the public about what veterinary technicians do on a daily basis," said Sandy Sponaugle, NAVTA Communications Director.

NAVTA is a nonprofit organization that represents and promotes the veterinary technician profession. NAVTA provides direction, education, support and coordination for its members. Incorporated in 1981, NAVTA is the national organization devoted exclusively to developing and enhancing the profession of veterinary technology.

CCC recently announced the receipt of a $960,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture National Institute of Feed and Agriculture to develop a Distance Learning Veterinary Technology Program. The grant will provide funding for development of distance learning courses and salaries for two veterinarians, two registered veterinary technician instructors and an administrative assistant for the distance learning program.

The new program will be the first distance learning veterinary technology program originating from a Kansas college.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, veterinary technology is one of the fastest growing careers, projected to grow by 36 percent from 2008 to 2018. The distance learning program will allow the college to educate students across the nation with an interest in this high-demand field.

Dr. Jennifer Martin is the director of the vet tech program at CCC. Dr. Cathy McMulkin and Sadie Kenney are instructors for the on-campus program.