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COCC’s veterinary tech program set to double in size to help meet area’s demand

(update: adding video, comments from COCC program, Tumalo Animal Hospital)

REDMOND Ore. (KTVZ) -- Big changes are on the way for Central Oregon Community College's veterinary tech program in Redmond, which is set to double in size later this year.

COCC is one of the only schools in Oregon offering AVMA-accredited programs.

Director Beth Palmer has led the two-year program since 2013. Students who finish the program graduate with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Technology.

Palmer says there is a need for more vet techs at local clinics.

They've had such a shortage that they have asked us to go annually, and we have previously accepted students every two years. Starting in fall 2025, we’re going to begin an annual class," Palmer said.

Tumalo Animal Hospital says it can take up to five or six weeks to fill one of the certified veterinary tech CVT) positions.

"Even then, we very rarely ever see a CVT as an applicant. We currently only have two CVTs," said Amie Aleshire, practice manager at the Tumalo facility.

Aleshire says the shortage can mean delays in appointments.

"When we don't have CVTs specifically, we have to pull doctors for special things like giving rabies vaccines, intubating, or inducing patients. So it may take a little more time. It's not quite as efficient," she said.

Currently, 13 students are in the vet tech program at COCC. However, with the expansion, they will increase enrollment to 18 to 20 students in the fall.

Palmer added, "We are working on also modifying our current veterinary technician facility to accommodate two classes at the same time."

A survey by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America shows vet techs now earn 25% more than they did in 2016. However, many still say pay is a major challenge.

Aleshire said, "We don’t make as much as normal human hospitals would. They can charge a lot more."

COCC says students will have access to internships at local clinics, offering hands-on experience to better prepare them for the workforce.

Those in the field say the work can be demanding, but it’s incredibly rewarding.

"It's incredible. And there's a reason why we stick around," Aleshire said.

The two-year vet tech program costs between $15,000 to $16,000, but COCC says there are numerous scholarship opportunities available for students.

Those who want to enroll for fall 2025 have until May 1st to apply.

Article Topic Follows: Pets

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Jillian Fortner

Jillian Fortner is a multimedia journalist for NewsChannel 21. Learn more about Jillian here.

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