Between classes: Rebecca Murphy
Animal Health Technology Diploma
Valedictorian Rebecca Murphy
Education:
Animal Health Technology, 2010
Currently:
Animal Health Technologist at Trenant Park Pet Clinic
Goals:
To pass the upcoming Veterinary Technician National Exam! To gain confidence as an AHT in a small animal practice, then try new areas of the field. I’d also like to do more volunteer work, like with the Canadian Animal Assistance Team (CAAT) which delivers free veterinary medicine and education to animals in need all over the world. Finally, enjoy some free time with friends and family and perhaps travel.
Family ties
My parents have stood behind me in every choice I’ve made. These past few years have been tough for my family as my mom has been battling Multiple Sclerosis, but my parents have always been there for me to help me in any way they are able.
Why AHT?
The most obvious and biggest reason is that I love animals! I’m also really interested in the science and medical aspect of it. I love being part of a field that advocates for and promotes the health of all animals; it’s so rewarding.
Making the leap
Going from working full time to full time school was hard! It was definitely a challenge to juggle a part time job, school, and other commitments, and to learn to live on a very tight budget.
Valuable lessons
I learned how to be very flexible! Being the second graduating class for the AHT Program meant there were still a lot of kinks to work out, and we often had to travel to many different locations on sometimes short notice to ensure that we got the best practical experience with as many species as possible. During our first year, the program was in the process of being accredited by three different associations in time to allow the first graduating class to be eligible to write the VTNE. This required many changes to our already tight schedule to allow for faculty meetings and facility tours. Working as a team to sort out changes and make sure no classroom time was lost was tough, but we did it and the result was well worth the effort.
Animal house
The craziest moment in class was probably a surgery lab day when we had 4-6 patients from the local animal shelter with unknown histories and sometimes unpredictable temperaments! Mix that with 15 second-year students frantically trying to get everything done in a timely manner and with perfect technique, and you get organized chaos! The days that we had exotic animal handling labs was always fun as well! Snakes, birds, and turtles in a classroom is not your average day at school.
Parting words
It may sound clichéd, but don’t be afraid to get out there and go after what you want! Leaving school behind can seem intimidating but we all chose this program because we wanted to pursue a career that we loved, so get started and work towards it!
Links:
Information sessions
Animal Health Technology Diploma
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Published June 10, 2010
