Bergen County And Bergen Community College Form Partnership To Enrich Veterinary Technology Education

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TETERBORO, NJ – The Bergen County Board of Commissioners and County Executive Jim Tedesco are excited to announce a new innovative partnership between Bergen Community College (BCC) and the Bergen County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center.  BCC’s Veterinary Technology Program students will now have the opportunity to gain hands-on externships at the Bergen County Animal Shelter, providing care for the animals before they find a forever home.

BCC’s Veterinary Technology Program, accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, emphasizes practical learning experiences to complement theoretical coursework. Recognizing the County’s commitment to training future veterinary care professionals, an Externship Agreement has been established, allowing BCC students to complete two clinical rotations, each earning one credit. These externships, totaling 125 hours each, will provide students with valuable real-world experience in veterinary surgery and nursing skills.

Bergen County Commissioner Chair Pro Tempore Dr. Joan Voss expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “This collaboration aligns with our mission to support education in veterinary care. We are eager to contribute to the development of aspiring veterinary professionals and provide them with a robust clinical learning environment.”

“We are always proud to establish partnerships between the County and Bergen Community College,” said Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco. “This is just another example of the amazing opportunities that BCC has to offer. Through the real-world experience our students will gain at the County Animal Shelter, we are providing them with the skills and resources necessary to address the needs of a critical field that has seen a shortage of experts over the last few years.” 

The Externship Agreement, authorized by the Bergen County Board of County Commissioners, allows BCC and the County to formalize their commitment to fostering the growth of veterinary professionals.

“The partnership between the Veterinary Technology Program at Bergen Community College and Bergen County Animal Shelter has been an integral part of our students’ learning,” Program Coordinator Lisa Picht said. “They can experience working with a variety of species as well as different temperaments of these animals, preparing them for the future workforce. The staff at the shelter have been more than accommodating to host students and play a big part in their training. We look forward to this continued relationship between the college and the shelter.

The veterinary technology program provides students with a professional education degree (associate of applied science) to become veterinary technicians. The program has been designed to develop personnel capable of assisting veterinarians in large animal practices, small animal practices, laboratory animal situations, and related veterinary medical activities. The program is accredited by the American Medical Association and the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities. Additional information is available at bergen.edu/vettech.

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