Dr. Jennifer Wakeling, Veterinary Technology (VTEC) Program Coordinator, took the leap from practicing veterinary medicine to teaching in 2012. After teaching at Douglas College for over ten years, she was recently appointed as the VTEC Program Coordinator. Dr. Wakeling believes that the program is moving in a positive direction due to the experiential learning opportunities that students receive and the impact that the Douglas College Foundation's Fall Campaign fundraiser will have on those studying to become Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs). This campaign will establish an endowment that funds three bursaries a year for students in the third semester of the full time VTEC program.
Removing barriers
Many students find their second year in the VTEC program to be both challenging and memorable. Whether they are working with exotic animals or learning hands-on practical skills at local farms, students have numerous opportunities to expand their breadth of knowledge. Students in their third semester are tasked with taking a full course load (6 courses) and mastering many complex practical skills ranging from dentistry and anesthesia to radiography. On top of this, they must complete assignments, take tests, and for some, they work full-time to earn money.
Dr. Wakeling noticed that some students were unable to reach their academic potential because they struggled to balance work and school. The Fall Campaign aims to strengthen pathways and minimize financial barriers so students can successfully complete their education and move on to meaningful careers in animal care.
"Students who are in financial need will have access to bursaries from the campaign, which in turn reduces stress and allows them to focus on their studies. This leads to better mental health and helps to ensure their success within the program,” Dr. Wakeling explains.
In the future, Dr. Wakeling hopes to see the VTEC program expand by including a part-time, hybrid option. This option would allow more students to enter the program and work while they complete their studies. This would increase the program's capacity and ultimately result in more graduates entering the field.
A vital role to play
A career in veterinary technology is rewarding, and students feel a sense of accomplishment after completing the rigorous VTEC program. The role RVTs play in animal care is vital, as they assist veterinarians with diagnosis, provide prescribed treatments and perform procedures such as blood collection, anesthesia and dental X-rays. They must be knowledgeable and skilled in a wide variety of topics and be able to provide care for many different species. More than ever, the veterinary field needs our help as animal hospitals face a shortage of qualified veterinary technologists.
“There are simply not enough Veterinary Technology graduates in BC to fulfill the increasing demand for RVTs. Strengthening pathways to education and financially supporting struggling students during their studies, could help mitigate this shortage,” says Dr. Wakeling.
The Douglas College Foundation would like to thank Dr. Jennifer Wakeling for supporting the Fall Campaign for Veterinary Technology students. If you would like to make an impact for our VTEC students, please visit our Fall Campaign Webpage.