Vet techs and your pets

NCTA Dean’s Message by Larry Gossen, Ph.D.

For nearly 50 years, the American Veterinary Medical Association has given its stamp of approval to the academic programs of NCTA Veterinary Technology Systems.

The legacy established by founders of the college’s teaching programs for veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants is well known here in Southwest Nebraska. It was one of the first two postsecondary programs in the U.S. to be accredited by AVMA in 1973 (and has continuously received re-accreditation as recently as early in 2021).

In fact, the teaching clinic that will be the site of a Dog Spa Day on Saturday (Sept. 25) is named in honor of Walter E. Long, DVM, the first department head and longtime faculty leader of the NCTA Veterinary Technology program.

Dr. Long passed away at Hastings in 2014, at the age of 87.  He left his veterinary practice at Burwell to come to Curtis in 1968 and launch the first program. Then, it was housed in the “old dairy barn” on campus, which also housed the animal science department.

Dog Spa Day

This week, the student organization affiliated with the academic program, the Student Technicians of Veterinary Medicine Association, offers the popular spa day to the public. Owners bring their dogs in for a bath, check and cleaning of ears, and have toenails clipped.

Our community and the STVMA members take pride in this type of event. Students have a chance to interact in their professional setting at campus while applying their skills. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and walk-ins are welcome. (Proof of rabies vaccination is required). STVMA officers emphasize that a DVM is not available for animal care.

Pet Supply Drive

 The teaching clinic, classroom and laboratories at NCTA provide excellent training for the more than 100 specific skills which veterinary technician students must learn to graduate. Those skills are vital, as well, for the graduate to possess when taking the national certifying exams to become a licensed veterinary technician.

Each fall, STVMA restocks supplies for use in hands-on learning programs, particularly with dogs, cats and feathered friends housed in NCTA facilities. Donations delivered this month can be dropped off at the front desk of Veterinary Technology. They need used or new towels, blankets, pet treats, newspaper, laundry detergent, Pine-Sol, bleach, and toys appropriate for cats, dogs and birds.

Continuing Education

Licensed veterinary technicians and veterinarians can receive 16 hours (8 hours per day) of continuing education for a two-day program Oct. 22 and 23 in Curtis.

The 48^th Annual Fall CE event is sponsored by the Veterinary Technician Continuing Education Association, Inc., which is based on campus.

Many of our Aggie VT alumni and several practitioners will be attending. Proceeds from registrations sustain the non-profit organization and annually provide a student scholarship.

Educational sessions will include small animal critical care, restraining the avian patient, and equine reproduction. Best practices discussions and updates on technology also are planned.

Our NCTA veterinary technology program received new technology this summer through federal funding. We purchased a training mannikin and a simulator for canine care, plus an equine palpation and colic simulator that is shared with the animal science department.

Saturday for the dogs

In addition to Dog Spa Day, Saturday events include the NCTA Stock Dog Team in action at our Livestock Teaching Center.  The Aggies and the Outback Stock Dog Association will host the Fall Public Trial #1 both Saturday and Sunday, starting at 8 a.m.

Come and see some of the amazing work and skills of our NCTA Aggies this Saturday!

Aggie Events:

Sept. 24-26:  NCTA Shotgun Sports Prairie Conference Circuit meet, Lincoln County Wildlife Gun Club

Sept. 24-25:  NCTA Rodeo Team at Ft. Dodge Iowa

Sept. 24-26:  Aksarben Stock Show, Grand Island

Sept. 25-26:  NCTA Stock Dog Team hosts public trial, LTC arena

Sept. 25:  Dog Pet Spa, VetTech Clinic, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sept. 26:  Livestock Judging Team at Aksarben, Grand Island

Sept. 28:  NCTA Round Robin Team Roping, 6:30 p.m., Mill Park

Part of the University of Nebraska system, the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture is a two-year institution with a statewide mission of preparing students for successful careers in agriculture, veterinary technology and related industries. NCTA is known for its affordable tuition, high job-placement rate for its graduates, and for the success of student teams in competitive activities including crops judging, ranch horse events, livestock judging, shotgun sports, stock dog trials, and intercollegiate rodeo. The college is consistently ranked as one of the best two-year schools in the nation.