This month is National Vet Tech Month, and it recognize the occasion Saskatchewan Polytechnic has put the spotlight on its Veterinary Technology program’s remote learning option. 

The two-year remote learning program allows students in rural areas to receive instruction through online lectures and self-study labs. Students are also able to learn right inside of vet clinics with a mentor and only have to travel into Saskatoon six times during the duration of the course for in-person learning. 

Mollie Hastings is a student taking part in the remote program, while doing her clinical studies at the Prairie Animal Health Centre in Weyburn and Estevan. 

“Not as many people are going into the profession anymore and I just wouldn't be in it if they didn't come up with a distance program because I'm at home, I have a life, I was pregnant at the time and I couldn't move away to Saskatoon for two years,” Hastings explained. 

She compared being a vet tech to being like a nurse for animals. They assist the veterinarian while helping explain procedures and medication to pet owners. 

Hastings is now in her second year of the program alongside Kristin Caldwell, chief of veterinary operations at Prairie Animal Health Centre, as her mentor. 

She said being able to work remotely and learn in a vet clinical has proven to be a huge advantage. 

“Once you've got your lecture and theory behind it and when your clinic’s staff think you're ready to use your skills, you can perform labs and get hands-on with real patients. You also get to learn how a clinic operates, and what the da-day is like,” Hastings said. 

You can find more about Sask Polytech’s Veterinary Technology on the school’s website.