Alyssa Goehring, Veterinary Technology Student

When most people think of the veterinary field, the first images that come to mind are people interacting with dogs and cats. But as veterinary technician (vet tech) student Alyssa Goehring has learned firsthand, the profession has many challenges and isn't for everyone. Just like a nurse is responsible for the care of human patients on a day-to-day basis, the job of a vet tech is to assist veterinarians with everything from physical examinations to administering immunizations and prepping animals for surgery - and this includes animals both small and large.

"Growing up, I always loved animals and we always had a bunch of them around," says the 2010 Oley High School graduate. "My first job was at the Covered Bridge Boarding Kennel, and I worked there for three years gaining experience with general pet care. I never doubted my decision to enter into this field, even after I saw the complexities involved."

Goehring had been searching for a college that would provide her with the foundation that she needed, and NCC was one of few Pennsylvania colleges where one-third of the coursework entailed laboratory and hands-on experience. Goehring also liked that the vet tech path can provide students with many options in specialization later in their career, from ultrasound to dentistry and in environments ranging from clinics to zoos.

"The professors here try to prepare you for as much as they can," Goehring says. "The courses are cumulative, and it's not just memorizing...it's actual learning. It's real, hands-on experience."

Goehring's class - which is selective and is comprised of students who all went through a thorough interview process - just wrapped up a summer of working with large animals such as horses, cows, goats and sheep. This semester, they are being introduced to small animals. They've also delved into the emotional toll that this line of work can take on a person.

"Last semester we had a full day of class and a four-hour lecture dedicated just to euthanasia, and that's probably going to be the most difficult part," says Goehring. "You have to have certain people skills for this type of job. It's like being a nurse. You have to be able to communicate."

Goehring speaks highly of her peers and points out that because of the small class size, she and her fellow students have had the opportunity to work and study together, and to develop lasting friendships. Those light moments help them work through a curriculum that can be just as tough as it is rewarding.

"It's intense," Goehring says of the program requirements. "You have to be prepared to work your butt off, but it's worth it."