The Veterinary Science Technology program, better known as the Vet-Tech program, is designed to help students interested in the veterinary field by granting them opportunities like no other. When going on the Suffolk County Community College (SCCC) website, the description states, “The Veterinary Science Technology program has been designed to graduate well-trained and competent technicians for the veterinary and biomedical research fields. Practical experience with live animals and field experience under typical working conditions form an integral part of the program. The practical experience is achieved by internships with affiliated veterinary clinics, biomedical research centers and the College’s animal facilities.” Moreover, upon further completion with the program, “the student is eligible to sit for the Veterinary Technology National Examination (VTNE) administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards.” This is an exciting opportunity for students interested in this particular major, with further questions answered by a past Vet-Tech student and the coordinator of the program himself.
Janeen Abbatepaolo, a licensed veterinary technician and a former SCCC student, was kind enough to answer a few questions about her time here and further give advice to those who dare to dream. When asked about her experience in the Vet-Tech program, Ms. Abbatepaolo claims it was “wonderful” because she was a second year student — seeing as the first years did not get access to animals. When working with the animals, all of her peers had dogs as patients but she was the only one with a cat — whom she ended up adopting! Overall, it was a “great experience.” As previously stated, Ms. Abbatepaolo is a licensed veterinary technician; when asked how the Vet-Tech program helped with her career, she shared that it “really helped her a lot.” She was taught how to be a receptionist and take care of animals in the program — spraying and neutering those animals. Ms. Abbatepaolo worked at a surgical location and eventually became the head technician! It was truly a “well rounded program,” she elaborated. Lastly, the advice she gives to students who hope to pursue such a career is to try to go farther and become a full-fledged veterinarian, as her only regret is not pushing herself further than just becoming a veterinary technician. Tragically, Ms. Abbatepaolo got into an accident years ago so she is not in the veterinary field anymore. She decided to get into pet sitting/dog walking to keep that close connection with animals; if anyone is interested, please contact Ms. Janeen Abbatepaolo at 631-790-6617.
Dr. William Phelps is the Vet-Tech Program Coordinator at SCCC, he was gracious enough to answer a few questions — those of which were sent in from a curious student on campus. Veterinarians are of very high demand, therefore it’s a highly competitive field and it’s even more competitive to get into this program in particular; when asked if there are any ways to up a student’s chances of getting into the program, Dr. Phelps stated that they are in the process of posting a rubric on the SCCC website of what they look for in students. He shared that they specifically look at grades in courses such as CHE100, BIO101, and MAT007 in that order. Dr. Phelps suggests checking the website regularly or to reach out to admissions for any further questions. Moreover, when inquired about when exactly registration is open for students to begin applying, Dr. Phelps states there’s no exact date. However, it usually opens in October so to keep a look out regularly for that. The deadline remains January 15th, 2025 for fall classes beginning September 2025. Additionally, Dr. Phelps shared that the program is working on a pathway for VST students to continue studies in veterinary medicine — for those in particular looking to become full-fledged veterinaries, joining the Vet-Tech Program will open the door of opportunities! He urges those who are curious to continuously check the website for updates. Further, entering this course is based on application alone; more specifically the aforementioned grading rubric. Dr. Phelps does, however, encourage students to get experience. Since it is based on application alone, Dr. Phelps’ recommendation for students to be able to get the best chance at success going into the program is to get experience in the animal field in order to know it’s something truly desired and liked. Also, to do well in schoolwork, perform well! That’s all he can say, as the application is majorly student dependent.
This is a wonderful program offered at SCCC, one with opportunities some would only dream of. Whatever your dream in the veterinary field is, the Vet-Tech Program is the place to start. As soon as possible preferably, January 15th is just around the corner!
