Press release:
Anyone who loves animals and is considering a veterinary career should mark Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012 at Genesee Community College on the calendar.
The Veterinary Technology program of Genesee Community College will be holding an information session at the Batavia campus from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Conable Technology Building, room T102, followed by a special presentation of "The Reptile Guys" at noon in the Forum.
The "two-legged" program allows attendees to first learn about careers in Veterinary Technology, the value and benefits of GCC's new Vet Tech program, and a fitting opportunity to enjoy a reptile show featuring local experts in the field of ectothermic vertebrates.
The Veterinary Technology program is one of the newest degrees added to GCC's curricula, and recently introduced a cooperative agreement with the Genesee County Animal Shelter to include a wealth of hands-on learning opportunities.
The information session will explain the two year curriculum careers available after graduation, NY state licensure requirements, and the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). Understanding GCC's application and admissions process, as well as the academic requirements and program pre-requisites will also be covered.
"The Reptile Guys," Gary and Scott, own a pet shop in Spencerport and have been refining their reptile show for the past nine years. They include all types of reptiles in their shows such as pythons, boa constrictors, alligators and many types of lizards providing a "fun, hands-on, experience for both children and adults." They not only introduce numerous reptiles, but also educate attendees on the best care for them.
GCC's Vet Tech students learn about veterinary nutrition, pharmacy, pharmacology, surgical nursing and anesthesiology pertaining to animal care, as well as general studies such as communication and mathematics. The cooperative agreement with the Genesee County Animal Shelter provides students with hands-on training in clinical and agricultural settings.
Under the extensive oversight of GCC's Vet Tech program, second-year students enrolled in the College's Veterinary Technology program work alongside the staff and volunteers at the Animal Shelter located on West Main Street in Batavia.
The agreement is beneficial to students and also the inhabitants of the Genesee County Animal Shelter as GCC students aid in most facets of the shelter's daily operation including such as feeding, cleaning, and kennel duty, as well as reception, client education, transport and record keeping.
They also work closely with the on-duty licensed veterinary technologist or veterinarian in checking vital signs, collecting and processing of blood and fecal samples, ear cleaning, administering medications, and diagnostic testing.
The program is overseen by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) which ensures each and every procedure is documented, follows appropriate animal protocol and that the facilities are inspected a minimum of two times a year. The shelter is also inspected by the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA/ APHIS).
Genesee students do not perform animal experiments of any kind. All animals cared for by GCC students are supervised by a NYS licensed veterinarian and licensed veterinary technician, each with more than 20 years of veterinary clinical experience.
For further information, please contact Kathy Seweryniak at 343-0055, ext. 6187, or keseweryniak@genesee.edu.
For further information on The Reptile Guys, go to: http://thereptileguys.com.
