BOONE, N.C. — Housed in the College of Arts and Sciences' Department of Rural Resilience and Innovation, Appalachian State's Veterinary Technology program supports a growing need for skilled veterinary specialists in rural communities and advances industry standards by contributing to a more sustainable future for the veterinary profession.
National Veterinary Technician Week began in 1993 and takes place annually during the third week of October. As we celebrate hardworking veterinary professionals during the 20th National Veterinary Technician Week (October 15-21, 2023), meet 20 students in the Veterinary Technology program at App State:
Jennah Bosch | Wilmington, NC
Do you have any animals? If so, tell us about them!
"Kion - a rescue pitbull; Jake from State Farm - a one-eyed cat; Peppermint Sparkles, Lunar Eclipse, and Ed Purrin - three two-eyed cats"
Why did you choose Appalachian State's Veterinary Technology Program?
"Because it offered me a chance to further my education, which will lead to more job opportunities and better pay. I also chose this program because it is online, and it allowed me to stay in my current city and job while going to school."
What has been your favorite part of the Veterinary Technology Program so far?
"Meeting all the amazing instructors and other students and being able to share stories and knowledge with them, while learning so much new material from them."
How do you plan to use your Veterinary Technology degree?
"I hope to be able to teach in a veterinary technology program or work for a company training registered techs in triage, dentistry, or basic skills."
Is there anything else you'd like to share (accomplishments, hobbies, etc.)?
"I enjoy traveling and volunteering. Recently (within the past year), I helped start and implement a non-profit with a mission of continuing to strengthen the human-animal bond by giving scholarships to pet parents in times of emergency so they don't have to euthanize or rehome due to finances."
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Brandi Bruton | Charlotte, NC
Do you have any animals? If so, tell us about them!
"I have 4 pets currently, a 9-year-old chihuahua mix named Enzo, a 4-year-old domestic short-haired cat named Jack, a one-year-old domestic long-haired cat named FC, and a three-year-old ball python named Pigeon!"
Why did you choose Appalachian State's Veterinary Technology Program?
"I really wanted to get a bachelor’s degree and loved that the App State program was distance learning compared to having to uproot my life to go somewhere else."
What has been your favorite part of the Veterinary Technology Program so far?
"I have loved getting to build on the knowledge I have and gaining a more in-depth understanding of disease processes."
How do you plan to use your Veterinary Technology degree?
"I plan to continue on and obtain a VTS in Cardiology. It is my passion, and I would love to work in a university setting doing research once I have my VTS."
Is there anything else you'd like to share (accomplishments, hobbies, etc.)?
"I started in vet med on a whim while trying to get into medical school and fell in love with the medicine and the patients. I started working as an ON ER/ICU assistant and was on-the-job trained in technician skills. After a few years, I transitioned into a specialty practice working as a cardiology technician (current title but will likely change with new laws coming into place) and have been in this position for two-and-a-half years now. I get to see some of the most incredible and complex heart diseases, I work alongside doctors that make learning fun and who challenge us daily, and I even get to run anesthesia for cath lab procedures like balloon valvuloplasties, endocardial pacemaker implantation, PDA occlusion, and we even did the first cath lab heartworm extraction in Charlotte! Not only is my job incredible but we have a rotating technician intern program and I am currently the mentor for the cardiology department and teach new technicians about cardiology."
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Kailey Cody | Hayesville, NC
Do you have any animals? If so, tell us about them!
"I have two German Shepherds: Ana who is 7 and Shiloh who is 3. Both are definitely a handful, but I wouldn't trade them for the world. Both love chasing balls and being very adventurous and active."
Why did you choose Appalachian State's Veterinary Technology Program?
"I chose App State's Vet Tech program because there are so many great things about App, like the school, the town it's in, and the people I have gotten to meet along the way! App State has to be by far the best school that offers this program!"
What has been your favorite part of the Veterinary Technology Program so far?
"Learning about the animals and the importance of taking care of them. Also, just the fact that I learn something new every time I do any kind of work in my classes."
How do you plan to use your Veterinary Technology degree?
"I plan to use my degree to provide compassionate animal care to every animal that I come into contact with and to be able to help treat and diagnose with the knowledge I have obtained."
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Trish Davis | Taylorsville, NC
Do you have any animals? If so, tell us about them!
"I have 4 cats - Stacy, Stevie, Li’l Sebastian, and Smegol - and also two dogs: Piper and Paislee."
Why did you choose Appalachian State's Veterinary Technology Program?
"I chose App because I first attended App State in 2015 fresh out of high school but decided to leave in 2017 to pursue veterinary medicine as an assistant/RVT. I’m an alumni of Gaston College’s Veterinary Medical Technology program (‘21) and heard about the BS continuing program that App State was establishing shortly after graduation. App State is a wonderful university that absolutely provides mountains of opportunity. Everyone has always been so helpful, with faculty and staff who truly care about their students' success. To be a part of such a new program and help shape the next generation of RVTs is an incredible experience! I love being able to pursue my bachelor’s degree while still working full-time as a lead RVT at my hospital. I’m able to bring so much more to the table in my position!
What has been your favorite part of the Veterinary Technology Program so far?
"I love learning! Period. But, my favorite part has been the faculty and staff. Everyone has so much experience from the field and wants to create an even better future for RVTs."
How do you plan to use your Veterinary Technology degree?
"I plan to advance within my company and move towards academia to help shape the next generation of RVTs. I love uplifting my peers and helping them learn and grow in the field. I’m also looking to pursue my VTS in Emergency and Critical Care. I’m already a RVT in NC but I am gaining so much with the program."
Is there anything else you'd like to share (accomplishments, hobbies, etc.)?
"Outside of veterinary medicine, me and my husband, an alumni of App State (‘22), love being outdoors with our dogs! I’m currently a lead technician at Denver Animal Emergency/BluePearl Lake Norman who is extremely passionate about technician utilization in the field."
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Rachel Flake | Wadesboro, NC
Do you have any animals? If so, tell us about them!
"Two siamese mix cats (Gilbert and Petunia), one horse (Tucker), and four chickens (Mary Ann, Wanda, Thelma, and Louise)!"
Why did you choose Appalachian State's Veterinary Technology Program?
"I chose App State's Vet Tech program because I am actually already an alumna of App State. I love the school so much I just couldn't stay away! I have been wanting to pursue a career in veterinary medicine so when App announced that they were starting this program I was ecstatic!"
What has been your favorite part of the Veterinary Technology Program so far?
"Already having experience in a clinic setting, I already have a great deal of on-the-job training. This program has allowed me to bring a formal education into the workplace, making me a well-rounded employee."
How do you plan to use your Veterinary Technology degree?
"I plan to carry on and become an RVT and continue working at the clinic I am currently at."
Is there anything else you'd like to share (accomplishments, hobbies, etc.)?
"I love watching App State football! Go 'neers!!!"
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Adysen Gulley | Lee County, VA
Do you have any animals? If so, tell us about them!
"I have dogs and ducks!"
Why did you choose Appalachian State's Veterinary Technology Program?
"I chose Appalachian State's Veterinary Technology program because it was the best fit to make my dream come true."
What has been your favorite part of the Veterinary Technology Program so far?
"I have loved learning about the field and how to be successful in this line of work."
How do you plan to use your Veterinary Technology degree?
"I plan on becoming a vet tech after graduation."
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Bex Johnston | Greensboro, NC
Do you have any animals? If so, tell us about them!
"Groot - a 5-year-old doberman and service dog; Cletus, a 19-year-old chihuahua; Sirius, a 5-year-old domestic shor-haired cat; and fishys"
Why did you choose Appalachian State's Veterinary Technology Program?
"I've worked in vet med for 16 years and want to be credentialed and eventually teach."
What has been your favorite part of the Veterinary Technology Program so far?
"Team-Based Learning"
How do you plan to use your Veterinary Technology degree?
"Eventually, to teach at a university."
Is there anything else you'd like to share (accomplishments, hobbies, etc.)?
"I love paddleboarding, ultrasonography, emergency medicine, hiking, camping, and my family!"
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Ashley Letulle | Spencer, NC
Do you have any animals? If so, tell us about them!
"I have a 3-year-old black lab/hound mix named Atlas who is a parvo survivor! He loves playing fetch and chasing squirrels. I also have a foster fail tuxedo cat named Samurai Jack, and a cat we rescued from the street named Musubi Man. We also have a beta fish named Peter Parker and a snail named Venom!"
Why did you choose Appalachian State's Veterinary Technology Program?
"Being a mom of two young children, having the flexibility of a fully-online program was essential for my success in my education. Having this degree will help me feel so accomplished and will increase my value in the career field as a veterinary technologist!"
What has been your favorite part of the Veterinary Technology Program so far?
"I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about the Fear Free program, as well as attending my observation hours. Seeing the different environments of vet clinics, shelters, and rescues has been very intriguing!"
How do you plan to use your Veterinary Technology degree?
"I plan to first get established in a companion animal clinic for a few years or so. I would eventually love to work with wildlife - that was my dream as a child and I would love to make it come true. I also have worked as a foster parent for cats and dogs for the last few years and would love to dig more into the rescue industry with my education. Helping animals is my passion and having the knowledge will allow me to serve the community in the best way I can."
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Gabby Loftis | Raleigh, NC
Do you have any animals? If so, tell us about them!
"I have an 8-year-old boxer pitty mix that I adopted about 5 years ago. He’s absolutely the best boy and I adore him with my entire heart and soul. He’s the biggest baby and we joke that he only has two thoughts: toys and cuddles."
Why did you choose Appalachian State's Veterinary Technology Program?
"I chose the program because I want to become an RVT. I already work in veterinary medicine and have for the past 5 years. I needed an online program because I still have to work full-time. I’ve always heard good things about App State, and I figured it was time for me to give college a try."
What has been your favorite part of the Veterinary Technology Program so far?
"So far, it’s been the team-based learning. It’s very new to me, but it’s super neat! I didn’t know that it was a thing until I started class."
How do you plan to use your Veterinary Technology degree?
"I plan to use it to become specialized in Emergency and Critical Care, as I already work in ER. I absolutely love what I do, and I love being able to help the little fur kiddos when they need it the most."
Is there anything else you'd like to share (accomplishments, hobbies, etc.)?
"I’ve never really attempted college before, but now I’m working and doing school full-time, and it’s definitely a big change. So far though, I have all good grades, and I’m still managing a social life and full work schedule."
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Lacey Lovelace | Hudson, NC
Do you have any animals? If so, tell us about them!
"I have 11 dogs (Pits, Rotties, and a few mix breeds), 9 chickens, 3 rabbits, 2 bearded dragons, 2 leopard geckos, and a ferret."
Why did you choose Appalachian State's Veterinary Technology Program?
"I have a passion for animals, and this is a great way to be a part of something I love and have a passion for."
What has been your favorite part of the Veterinary Technology Program so far?
"The VTN class. I love the way the class is set up and how we all learn. Also, learning things about animals I didn't know."
How do you plan to use your Veterinary Technology degree?
"To work in a vet office and interact with all the animals."
Is there anything else you'd like to share (accomplishments, hobbies, etc.)?
"I love my animals and love to work with them and others. I am also a mom of three and two bonus children, so my life stays pretty chaotic but I wouldn't have it any other way."
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Haven Massey | Morganton, NC
Do you have any animals? If so, tell us about them!
"I have a dog. His name is Kodak. He is a German Shepherd mix."
Why did you choose Appalachian State's Veterinary Technology Program?
"I chose the Veterinary Technology program because I was told that I need to go to school to become a vet tech. The person who told me to go to school to become a vet tech has been a veterinarian for 26 years."
What has been your favorite part of the Veterinary Technology Program so far?
"My favorite part about the Veterinary Technology program is getting to go into an emergency clinic for externship. This helped me find an area that I love. I got to work with some great people, and we became friends. I also got to work with one of the students from this program. We have become great friends!"
How do you plan to use your Veterinary Technology degree?
"My plan for my degree right now is to work at the emergency clinic where I completed my first clinical externship."
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Rachel Masters | Boone, NC
Do you have any animals? If so, tell us about them!
"I do not currently have pets, but I recently had two dogs, Sophie and Max!"
Why did you choose Appalachian State's Veterinary Technology Program?
"I chose the Appalachian State Veterinary Technology program because it directly aligns with my career goal of wanting to help all various species of animals, and the program is giving me very good tools to achieve that!"
What has been your favorite part of the Veterinary Technology Program so far?
"My favorite part has been not only learning about the content through the online courses, but having the opportunity to do these skills and tasks through clinical externships!"
How do you plan to use your Veterinary Technology degree?
"In the future, I plan to become a large animal veterinary technician/go into large animal rehabilitation!"
Is there anything else you'd like to share (accomplishments, hobbies, etc.)?
"I am currently a part of the App State Marching Mountaineers, as well as president of one of our music fraternities, Sigma Alpha Iota!"
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Braedyn McClamroch | Banner Elk, NC
Do you have any animals? If so, tell us about them!
"I have one cat named Lorelai, who I named from a favorite TV show of mine! I also have a Doberman named Sydney and two pitbulls named Corabell and Pandora. I love my babies very much, and I've grown up with pitbulls my whole life."
Why did you choose Appalachian State's Veterinary Technology Program?
"I chose Appalachian State's Veterinary Technology program because it was the one thing I saw myself being passionate about and pursuing. It is what God had called me to do as well. I have always had a passion for taking care of animals, and I love the idea of assisting a veterinarian in a clinical setting."
What has been your favorite part of the Veterinary Technology Program so far?
"So far, my favorite thing about the Veterinary Technology program has been broadening my knowledge of animals and their bodily systems. I enjoy learning the anatomy aspect of this program and though it is hard, it is amazing to challenge myself and learn that I can actually do this as a profession."
How do you plan to use your Veterinary Technology degree?
"When I graduate, I plan to work in a local clinic who preferably works on large animals, as well as small animals. I would absolutely love to be a technologist who goes to farms every morning and takes care of large animals such as horses, cows, chickens, sheep, etc."
Is there anything else you'd like to share (accomplishments, hobbies, etc.)?
"When I am not working on my degree, I love to cook for myself and my husband, as well as take care of my plants. Those things bring me so much joy, and I find it's good to balance work with play as seamlessly as possible."
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Makalyn Mills | Charlotte, NC
Do you have any animals? If so, tell us about them!
"A nanday conure. He's sweet but very mean at times especially with other people besides me. He is super important to me, and I see him somewhat as an emotional support pet."
Why did you choose Appalachian State's Veterinary Technology Program?
"As a kid, I have always wanted to work with animals and become a vet, and I picked this program to achieve my dreams."
What has been your favorite part of the Veterinary Technology Program so far?
"I love learning new things about what you have to do in the job and how animals respond to things."
How do you plan to use your Veterinary Technology degree?
"Apply to grad school and hopefully get a job as a vet. If not, I will settle with vet tech and take exams."
Is there anything else you'd like to share (accomplishments, hobbies, etc.)?
"I also like to draw/paint and play video games and guitar."
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Olivia Nance | Wilmington, NC
Do you have any animals? If so, tell us about them!
"I have a 4-year-old collie mix named Miller. She is very energetic. She doesn't skip a beat. I have a 9-year-old dachshund named Reese. She sleeps about 22 hours out of the day and the other two, she is sunbathing outside and rolling in the grass."
Why did you choose Appalachian State's Veterinary Technology Program?
"I chose App State because it is different. It’s different from the other vet tech programs around my area. This program goes more in depth than a two-year program, and that is what I am most excited about."
What has been your favorite part of the Veterinary Technology Program so far?
"My favorite part so far is learning all of the breeds of animals and learning everything about the surgical portion."
How do you plan to use your Veterinary Technology degree?
"I am still debating on that. Large animal sounds like so much fun, so I might do that but if not, I will do small animal."
Is there anything else you'd like to share (accomplishments, hobbies, etc.)?
"I love going to the beach with my dogs and painting."
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Jaylynn Olarte | Charlotte, NC
Do you have any animals? If so, tell us about them!
"I own 2 sharpeis: A two-year-old FS bear coat named Suki who is very sweet and energetic & a 12-year-old NM brush coat named Pumba who is a cranky old man but my soul dog."
Why did you choose Appalachian State's Veterinary Technology Program?
"I chose this program because it being online makes it very convenient for me while I work a full time job at Animal Medical Hospital. I’ve always wanted to graduate with a bachelor's degree as well."
What has been your favorite part of the Veterinary Technology Program so far?
"I have experience with dogs and cats, so when I get to learn things about large animals and exotics that’s my favorite!"
How do you plan to use your Veterinary Technology degree?
"I would love to be able to specialize in either anesthesia or dentistry or maybe both."
Is there anything else you'd like to share (accomplishments, hobbies, etc.)?
"I’m currently working as a vet assistant, assisting in surgeries and dentals. It’s something I really enjoy and can’t wait to learn more in depth about during this program."
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Lexi Patterson | Sanford, NC
Do you have any animals? If so, tell us about them!
"I have three dogs, one cat, and a turtle. My turtle is an African sideneck named Huckleberry, which I have had for three years now. I adopted my 13-year-old black cat Midnight at 7 1/2 years old. I have a basset hound named Benelli who is 4 years old; a French bulldog named Meech who is 18 weeks old; and my bestfriend Tyson who is a chiweenie that is 8 years old."
Why did you choose Appalachian State's Veterinary Technology Program?
"I chose Appalachian State’s Veterinary Technology program because it was a new program offered, and I thought what better than to go to the school I wanted to while being at home. After I spoke with the advisors and administrators at Appalachian State, I knew I was going to school here. I felt so welcomed and encouraged."
What has been your favorite part of the Veterinary Technology Program so far?
"My favorite part of the Veterinary Technology program so far has been the friends I have met and the relationships I have made with my wonderful advisor Hannah Huff. This is an all around amazing program, and I am blessed to be a part of it."
How do you plan to use your Veterinary Technology degree?
"I plan to use my Veterinary Technology degree to care and love for animals the rest of my life. Animals are beautiful creatures that God created, and I want to be sure I can do the best I can for each animal that I come across."
Is there anything else you'd like to share (accomplishments, hobbies, etc.)?
"I have many accomplishments in life but I can’t wait to add graduating from Appalachian State University to my list."
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Krystina Phillips | Moncure, NC
Do you have any animals? If so, tell us about them!
"I have 2 dachshunds, Puddles, who is 14 years old, and Pickles, who is two years old. Chloe is a 12-year-old basset/lab mix. I also have 2 cats, Purrito and Nacho. Currently, I have 24 chickens with one of my favorites being a 3-year-old silkie named Madame Floof, but I love each one of them! I have 3 goats, Duncan, Delilah, and Gizmo, and a very special bottle raised romeldale sheep named Rudy!
Why did you choose Appalachian State's Veterinary Technology Program?
"I chose Appalachian State because I knew this school would provide the best instructors and a great learning experience!"
What has been your favorite part of the Veterinary Technology Program so far?
"I am currently enrolled in 'Emergency and Critical Care,' and I have enjoyed gaining a deeper understanding of disease processes and procedures used in an emergency setting."
How do you plan to use your Veterinary Technology degree?
"I wanted to get a bachelor's degree to build on my knowledge and experience gained in my associate's degree. By doing this, I hope it opens up more opportunities in veterinary medicine!"
Is there anything else you'd like to share (accomplishments, hobbies, etc.)?
"I am a 2012 graduate of Central Carolina Community College. After two years in general practice, I made the move to ophthalmology and have been there for the last 10 years! I have a VTS in Ophthalmology, and I am the current president-elect of the Academy of Veterinary Ophthalmic Technicians. I am a certified RECOVER Rescuer, and I am a committee member for the North Carolina Association of Veterinary Technicians."
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Alyssa Reist | Monroe, NC
Do you have any animals? If so, tell us about them!
"I have one dog—a German shepherd/sheltie mix who is 12 years old—and one sassy calico cat.
Why did you choose Appalachian State's Veterinary Technology Program?
"I wanted to finish up my bachelor's degree so I could have more opportunities with it."
What has been your favorite part of the Veterinary Technology Program so far?
"I have already learned a lot even with just beginning the intro and behavioral portions of the program."
How do you plan to use your Veterinary Technology degree?
"I am planning on going into ER/ICU and possibly pursuing a VTS. I may be interested in getting a necropsy job or something more specialized."
Is there anything else you'd like to share (accomplishments, hobbies, etc.)?
"In my free time, I like to ride horses and do anything outside. I have had my own pet sitting business since I was 7 years old."
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Kelsey Thompson | Monroe, NC
Do you have any animals? If so, tell us about them!
"Back at home, I have two Nigerian dwarf goats (Daisy and Scooter), two mixed breed dogs (Copper and Harley), and one orange tabby cat that is very overweight (Stormi)."
Why did you choose Appalachian State's Veterinary Technology Program?
"I was already getting my bachelor's degree in cell/molecular biology at App State and decided I wanted to add veterinary technology as a second major instead of going to vet school."
What has been your favorite part of the Veterinary Technology Program so far?
"Learning the background knowledge for why we do things the way we do at my job at an animal emergency clinic."
How do you plan to use your Veterinary Technology degree?
"I plan to either go to work with livestock or an emergency clinic for animals. I am also considering working with commercially-raised animals as a career as well."
Is there anything else you'd like to share (accomplishments, hobbies, etc.)?
"For hobbies, I enjoy catching up on sleep, reading fictional books, and watching movies and anime."
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About the Department of Rural Resilience and Innovation
Appalachian State University’s Department of Rural Resilience and Innovation is one of 17 academic departments in the College of Arts and Sciences and serves as a hub for App State faculty, staff and students working on scholarship, teaching and service with rural community partners. The department, which launched in summer 2021, is home to App State’s online, four-year Bachelor of Science in veterinary technology degree and offers seed grants to fund research or service-learning class collaborations that address challenges faced by rural American communities. Learn more at https://rri.appstate.edu.
Compiled by Autumn Dagenhardt and Lauren Andersen
October 16, 2023
BOONE, N.C.
The Veterinary Technology Program in the College of Arts and Sciences at Appalachian State University
The Veterinary Technology Program in the College of Arts and Sciences at Appalachian State University