Test-Bed Veterinary Clinic Doubles Number of Students in Vet Assistant Program in Just One Year
Treats over 900 Pets in First 12 Months, While Nurturing the Next Generation of Veterinary Professionals
BOSTON and Westford, Mass. Feb. 28 2017 – It’s been one year since Angell at Nashoba opened at Nashoba Valley Technical High School and the test-bed veterinary assistant program has doubled in size, with 36 of the school’s 738 students choosing to devote their studies to the fast-growing veterinary medical profession, the clinic announced today.
Technical training abounds at Nashoba Valley Technical High School with nearly twenty programs on offer spanning automobile repair, electrical technology, restaurant management, carpentry and more. But it is the veterinary assistance track—and the clinic’s rigorous academic and experiential training environment—that has captured the students’ imagination.
Carley Robinson, a sophomore student enrolled in the veterinary assistant program, is spending her days in the clinic learning the craft. “All I’ve ever wanted to do is work with animals. I feel so good about my future because even though I’m still in high school I’m learning real-world skills that can immediately be put to use in a growing veterinary practice.”
The astounding growth in student enrollment comes as the clinic’s reputation for quality basic veterinary care for low income pet owners expands across Nashoba Valley.
Nearly 1,000 Animals Treated in One Year
To date the clinic has seen just under 1,000 pets for various conditions such as ear and skin infections, cruciate ligament ruptures, dental procedures and mass removals. The clinic also spayed and neutered 56 pets and administered more than 300 rabies vaccinations.
This activity is overseen by the clinic’s medical director, Dr. Laurence Sawyer, whose dual role sees her administering veterinary care to patients while at the same time mentoring students to ensure they are career-ready upon graduating.
“The level of growth and enthusiasm for this program has exceeded my expectations,” she said. It’s thrilling to watch these students in action here at the clinic. Their eyes light up when they realize they are able to actually apply what they have learned about in the classroom.”
Preparing the Next Generation of Veterinary Leaders
Clinic students interested in a career in veterinary assistance perform tasks such as client and patient intake, record keeping, appointment setting, animal restraint and laboratory testing, with guidance from Dr. Sawyer and two veterinary technicians.
Angell at Nashoba provides discounted spay, neuter and other surgical services, vaccinations and basic veterinary care for cats, dogs and other pets. The clinic’s services are offered exclusively to the region’s population of low income pet owners who cannot afford care for their animals at general veterinary practices.
To qualify for care, the owners must meet income guidelines of no more than 275 percent above the federal poverty level. This includes Massachusetts SNAP (formerly known as EBT or Food Stamps), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), public housing and the fuel assistance program (LIHEAP). Owners can also provide a voucher from the Massachusetts Animal Fund or the Massachusetts Spay and Neuter Assistance Program for spay or neuter services.
Angell at Nashoba is open weekdays from 7:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. throughout the year. The clinic does not provide overnight care, specialty care or 24/7 emergency service, as Angell’s Boston and Waltham facilities do, but will refer cases as appropriate to surrounding specialty veterinary referral hospitals. Appointments can be scheduled via phone at 978-577-5992. To learn more about the clinic and the services it offers, click here.
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About Angell Animal Medical Center
Angell Animal Medical Center cares for more than 60,000 animals a year and is one of the most acclaimed veterinary practices in the country. Angell has 88 doctors and an experienced support staff who work as a team to ensure high quality general wellness, emergency and specialty care. With nearly 40 board-certified specialists and technology that includes an MRI specifically designed for animals, Angell is committed to providing a broad range of specialized expertise and experience, but delivers this care with one-on-one compassion that animals and their owners deserve. Angell is open for emergencies 24 hours of every day of the year, and offers night and weekend appointments with our specialty services. For more information visit www.angell.org
About Nashoba Valley Technical High School
Established in 1968, Nashoba Valley Technical High School is a public, four-year, career-focused high school fostering academic, personal and professional success. The school promotes a lifetime of learning and achievement, providing students with quality teaching, specialized instruction in 20 industry-approved technical programs, personalized academic support and leadership development opportunities. Students are ready to thrive in a global environment. And what’s more, these young men and women develop a strong sense of community, social responsibility and personal integrity that will take them as far as they want to go. For more information visit www.nashobatech.net
