Right Place, Right Time:

STUDENT PURSUES VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY DEGREE

by Heather Darrow

Photo by Nick Young, Collin College photographer

After staying at home to raise her three children, Melissa Lewis was looking for her next adventure. An animal lover with three dogs of her own, she decided she wanted to make her mark on the world by working for Veterinarians Without Borders. However, she learned that she needed to be a licensed veterinary technician to achieve her goal. Then she discovered that Collin College offered a Veterinary Technology degree at the Wylie Campus, just minutes from her house.

“I’ve always loved animals, and thought I would become a veterinarian but decided to get married and start a family,” Melissa said. “I want to work with a mobile veterinarian and help the homeless by vaccinating and spaying/neutering their pets, because they don’t have the means to do that. I want to put a stop to the breeding and euthanizing cycle.”

Melissa enjoyed her side job as a pet nanny, traveling to people’s houses to take care of pets when they were out of town. When her youngest child entered kindergarten, she decided the time was right to apply for the program.

“I filled out the application, interviewed, and received a scholarship. All the doors were opening,” she said.

Melissa’s favorite class so far is parasitology, the study of parasites. She was thrilled when her 5-year-old daughter pointed to an image in her textbook and she was easily able to identify it.

“She is not grossed out at all,” she said laughing and admitting that she takes after her mother. “It is the coolest thing to see a hookworm egg under the microscope.”

Melissa said she appreciates the fact that the college’s Veterinary Technology lab is filled with models, like turtles without their shells, which allow her to understand animal physiology.

According to Dr. Sabrina Cummings, a veterinarian and the director of Veterinary Technology, students in the program are trained to administer medication, perform laboratory diagnostics, assist with surgeries and dental cleanings, monitor anesthesia, and problem solve.

“The Veterinary Technology program offers an innovative learning environment, cutting-edge technology, and hands-on opportunities,” Dr. Cummings said. “Our students will gain proficiency in essential tasks they will need to use in the veterinary field every day.”

Melissa said the program is rigorous, but she is learning to balance school and home life.

“Thankfully, my family has been very supportive. The instructors and Dr. Cummings are amazing. They’ve been through it, so they understand what you are going through.”

Melissa is looking forward to putting her new skills into practice when she begins her clinicals next year.

“You are never too old to go back to school,” she said. “I like this program because there is not a lot of fluff in it. If you are looking to get into the field and have no experience or if you want to further your career and get licensed, this is a great opportunity.”

For more information about the Veterinary Technology program, visit www.collin.edu/department/vettech/. For more information about the Wylie Campus, visit www. collin.edu/campuses/wylie/. •