Veterinary technicians and technologists play a critical role in caring for West Virginia’s creatures, yet less than 300 are registered statewide to provide support to more than 700 licensed veterinarians — a scenario akin to having one nurse for every three doctors at a hospital.
To help boost those numbers and ensure proper care for pets, large animals and more, West Virginia University is partnering with West Virginia State University and the West Virginia Department of Agriculture to launch the state’s first four-year veterinary technology program. A $450,000 gift from Cheat Lake Animal Hospital is providing start-up funding, including support for a recently hired director.