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 22nd National Veterinary Technician Week (October 12-18, 2025), meet 11 students in the Veterinary Technology program at App State:
Krystina Brook | Raleigh, NC
Do you have any animals? If so, tell us about them!
“Kodak is our 1.5-year-old German Shepherd. He is silly, outgoing, and loves car rides! He has special sunglasses that he wears when he is out on the town! Oliver is our 11-month-old orange cat, full of that classic chaotic orange cat energy, but also super sweet, smart, and treat-obsessed (especially for his licky treats)...and he also enjoys chasing Kodak’s tail.”
Why did you choose Appalachian State's Veterinary Technology program?
“I chose the Veterinary Technology program at Appalachian State because I wanted to elevate my knowledge in veterinary nursing and challenge myself to grow. I learn best through structured programs, and I found that Appalachian State offers the kind of organized, hands-on learning environment that suits me perfectly. I appreciate the balance between hands-on experience and foundational knowledge, which I believe is essential for both personal and professional growth. I'm excited to deepen my skills and take the next step in my career through this program.”
What has been your favorite part of the Veterinary Technology program so far?
“The people I’ve met through this program have definitely been my favorite part. Working in groups and connecting with others who share the same interests and passion for helping animals has made this experience even more meaningful. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by like-minded individuals who are just as dedicated to making a difference in the lives of animals!”
How do you plan to use your Veterinary Technology degree?
“I plan to use my Veterinary Technology degree not only to grow personally, but also to contribute to the advancement of the industry and the people around me. My goal is to work primarily in emergency medicine, caring for a wide range of animals. I’m passionate about expanding my knowledge and sharing it with both pet owners and my coworkers—so we can build each other up and work together to protect and help animals. Whether they live in our homes or in the world around us, animals deserve to be cared for, understood, and to have someone speak up for them—and I’m proud to be that voice.”
Is there anything else you'd like to share (accomplishments, hobbies, etc.)?
“Some accomplishments I’ve had the honor of earning include my BLS and ALS certifications, completed through both online and in-person training. I’ve also earned my Anesthesia VetGirl Certification, and I’m proud to be a certified open water scuba diver. When I’m not at work, you can usually find me spending time with friends, family, and, of course, the animals! I also volunteer at a farm called Building Connections, which is dedicated to helping neurodivergent children form meaningful relationships with their peers, learn social skills, and strengthen their bonds with animals. It’s been incredibly rewarding to be part of a space where children can grow emotionally and socially through these connections.”
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Virginia Cox | Kannapolis, NC
Do you have any animals? If so, tell us about them!
“I have four dogs, three of them are seniors, and they are all small breeds.”
Why did you choose Appalachian State's Veterinary Technology program?
“I’ve always wanted to work with animals, but no schools in my area offered a course that I was able to do. I had to keep a job, so I wasn’t able to go to school from nine to five and work at the same time.”
What has been your favorite part of the Veterinary Technology program so far?
“The knowledge that I’ve gained.”
How do you plan to use your Veterinary Technology degree?
“By becoming a licensed technician.”
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Sam Crawford | Cary, NC
Do you have any animals? If so, tell us about them!
“Izzy, the light of my life, is my six-year-old female chihuahua mix. She's my emotional support animal. I also have two rats, Alex and Nigel, both male. Alex is mischievous and Nigel is guarded, but they're both sweet.”
Why did you choose Appalachian State's Veterinary Technology program?
“It's the school that offered the program to distance learning students.”
What has been your favorite part of the Veterinary Technology program so far?
“Learning about animal behavior.”
How do you plan to use your Veterinary Technology degree?
“To work with animals in some degree.”
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Ireyona Demary | Lincolnton, NC
Do you have any animals? If so, tell us about them!
“I have two dogs, Silas and Kane. Silas is a boxer mix and will be 12 in November. Kane is a pit mix and will be eight in November. Both are the sweetest boys.”
Why did you choose Appalachian State's veterinary technology program?
“I really thought it was awesome to be part of a program that not only teaches you the importance of being a vet tech and the roles we play in the field, but also gives us the chance to further our understanding of the entirety of the field and all the positions that play such an important role in the health of our patients.”
What has been your favorite part of the veterinary technology program so far?
“I have learned so much about the importance of our role in the field. I have been able to take what I learn and implement it in the clinic I work in to better shape our practice.”
How do you plan to use your veterinary technology degree?
“My desire is to specialize in zoo medicine to work with big cats. It’s a dream of mine that I have wanted for a very long time, and I hope to make a difference in the lives of captive animals.”
Is there anything else you'd like to share (accomplishments, hobbies, etc.)?
“When not working, I enjoy hanging out with friends, going to concerts, and spending time with my family.”
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Sam Edwards | Indian Trail, NC
Do you have any animals? If so, tell us about them!
“I have two cats. The picture with the two of them together is about five years old. Unfortunately, they do not sleep with each other like this anymore. My oldest is 15 years old. I think she kind of looks like an American shorthair tabby. She is known as the princess in our house. She walks around in a very proper and elegant manner, but she is the sweetest and cuddliest cat in the world...IF you are a girl. She tends to only like females and walk away from males, which is very funny. My other cat is five years old, and she is the problem child. She is very sassy and thinks she runs the place. We have to tire her out before all of us go to bed so that she passes out for a good few hours before starting up her shenanigans. She is the sweetest thing, but has the energy of a Jack Russell. I love them both so much!”
Why did you choose Appalachian State's Veterinary Technology program?
“App State was not my first choice because I had no idea they offered the program here. I initially wanted to attend a community college that was about an hour and a half from where I lived, but I did NOT have the money to live near the campus, nor did I have access to a vehicle to travel there and back. I was stressing out to find another college that offers the program that I would be able to attend, and that was when I found App State. I read through the program and noticed it said it was fully online. Despite really not liking online classes, I went for it. I transferred here to save money and to be able to start as a junior so that I would not be required to stay in dorms, and it all worked out great. The process has been smooth since then, and I have enjoyed every second of it.”
What has been your favorite part of the Veterinary Technology program so far?
“I'm currently in my second semester of the program so far, and I think my favorite part has to be learning about animal behaviors and animal anatomy. I have two kitties that will let me do just about anything on them, and when I learn something new. A good example of this is the tapetum. I have a cat with blue eyes and one with green. Blue eyes do not have a tapetum, which is why their eyes have the red glare when you shine a light, but any other color does, which is why their eyes have a green opal glare to it with a light. I learn so many cool things and I love it!”
How do you plan to use your Veterinary Technology degree?
“I plan to use my degree to work as a technician in NC. I know for a fact I want to work in emergency because I like the stress and adrenaline, BUT I have to work myself up to that level. After some time, I think I would like to specialize in anesthesia. I think that would be pretty cool too. I don't think I will be moving anytime in the future, which is good for me and my career because I don't think my body could handle the stress of attempting to take the licensing test AGAIN. I'm already getting stressed about it, and I just barely started the program.”
Is there anything else you'd like to share (accomplishments, hobbies, etc.)?
“I love drawing and hanging out with my friends (when I'm not drowning in classwork and group projects), and I love spending time with my family. I also love working out. As for an accomplishment, I recently was able to pull blood from a jugular vein, and it was very exciting. I celebrated with some ice cream that day!”
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Dani Fields | Charlotte, NC
Do you have any animals? If so, tell us about them!
“I have a Newfoundland mix, two tabby cats, and a ball python.”
Why did you choose Appalachian State's Veterinary Technology program?
“I had heard from an old vet tech I used to work with that this was the program she recommended, and said I would learn a lot more from here than from another program. Also, it being completely online helps a lot.”
What has been your favorite part of the Veterinary Technology program so far?
“I’ve just started, but I feel like it’s the connections I’m making to my current job as a vet assistant and seeing the why in certain things. I also like learning about different types of diseases and parasites in biology.”
How do you plan to use your Veterinary Technology degree?
“I want to work with exotics and laboratory animals in the future, especially in pathology. Diseases and parasites have been a particular interest of mine, and I would like to study and help animals with zoonotic diseases.”
Is there anything else you'd like to share (accomplishments, hobbies, etc.)?
“Aside from animals, I have real interest in art, especially horror art. I have my own Instagram dedicated to the artwork I do, mainly being pen and ink.”
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Sarah Lambert | Hudson, NC
Do you have any animals? If so, tell us about them!
“Yes! One horse named Chloe. I have had her since 2016. Three dogs - Annie, a Beagle; Waylon, a Lab; and Enzo, a Golden Retriever.”
Why did you choose Appalachian State's Veterinary Technology program?
“I wanted to be a vet tech! I currently work at a vet office.”
What has been your favorite part of the Veterinary Technology program so far?
“The observation hours last semester.”
How do you plan to use your Veterinary Technology degree?
“Hopefully, work with large animals.”
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Laura Neagle | Pittsboro, NC
Do you have any animals? If so, tell us about them!
“Three horses (Rocky Mountain), four dogs (long-furred working line German Shepherd, Mini Bull Terrier, Lee County special pound puppy, and Hovawart), five cats, and a flock of mixed chickens.”
Why did you choose Appalachian State's Veterinary Technology program?
“I never finished my Zoology degree, and I always regretted it. I have loved my associate's degree in vet tech, but really wanted a bachelor’s degree. I did not want to pursue the vet tech BS from a completely online college. I wanted a degree from a recognizable institution. When my son was doing his student orientation to start his college career, the college staff mentioned this online degree. It took me two years to think on it. Being 50, I wasn’t sure I could thrive in college classes, much less completely online. So far, I have managed it. I look forward to hopefully completing my long-time goal of a BS and having it be in my career field.”
What has been your favorite part of the Veterinary Technology program so far?
“The fact I’ll have it done in a year.”
How do you plan to use your Veterinary Technology degree?
“To continue in my career.”
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Mary Pettengill | High Point, NC
Do you have any animals? If so, tell us about them!
“I have three kitties named Minerva, Scarab, and Figgy! I also raise a flock of backyard chickens.”
Why did you choose Appalachian State's Veterinary Technology program?
“I chose our program due to the accessibility and flexibility of online courses; there isn’t a tech school in my area where I could have balanced working full-time and taking classes otherwise.”
What has been your favorite part of the Veterinary Technology program so far?
“The study abroad trip to Zimbabwe and Botswana! I had the time of my life traveling, studying, working with animals, and meeting the people I aspire to become.”
How do you plan to use your Veterinary Technology degree?
“I plan to work in either wildlife rehabilitation or become specialized in zoological medicine, working at a zoo with a mission for animal conservation. Either way, my goal is to actively participate in ecosystem management, research, and conservation.”
Is there anything else you'd like to share (accomplishments, hobbies, etc.)?
“I am very proud to serve as our App State SCNAVTA President and would like to encourage all Veterinary Technology students to join our organization!”
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Autumn Poole | Sanford, NC
Do you have any animals? If so, tell us about them!
“A lot! I have three of my own dogs: Luna, a deaf pittie mix; Gigi, a boxer mix; Jace, a small hound/pittie mix; and an epileptic foster dog, Courage, a bloodhound/beagle/etc. mix. Three cats: Two boys and a girl. An arsenal of chickens, including Belgian Duucles, Silkies, Lavender Amerucanas, and Silver Laced Polish.”
Why did you choose Appalachian State's Veterinary Technology program?
“I was part of CCCC's tech program for VMT, but childcare costs and the rigidity of the kennel duty and class schedules did not align with the needs of my family (I have a 2.5-year-old human son, too). I knew I would be completing my bachelor's, regardless, at some point. App State's online program provided the schedule flexibility I needed, combined with the bachelor's aspect, which made it my clear choice over the tech program I was in.”
What has been your favorite part of the Veterinary Technology program so far?
“I have enjoyed joining SCNVATA, as well as watching live differentials and getting to know a few of my classmates.”
How do you plan to use your Veterinary Technology degree?
“I would like to work in critical and emergency care eventually and earn my VTS in that area.”
Is there anything else you'd like to share (accomplishments, hobbies, etc.)?
“I love to cook and garden, I volunteer as an adoption coordinator for a local rescue, and I volunteer and work with high-volume spay and neuter clinics with Sandhills Spay and Neuter!”
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Olivia Spicer | Boone, NC
Do you have any animals? If so, tell us about them!
“Yes, I have a four-month-old black lab puppy. His name is Bandit, which fits him perfectly because he likes to steal everything he can get ahold of. I lucked out on finding him at the humane society because I have been wanting a lab for a long time specifically a black one, which he didn’t look much like a lab when I first got him because he was still very much a baby but now that he’s growing up he’s looking more and more like one each day, also he is mixed with something and it’s making him get a beard sort of like a terrier. It also has been such a rewarding experience getting to teach and show a puppy to the world, and putting to good use the methods on taking care of a puppy from my vet tech classes and seeing him learn commands and cues and what’s right and wrong.”
Why did you choose Appalachian State's Veterinary Technology program?
“I am originally a cell and molecular biology major with a minor in animal studies, hoping to one day get into veterinary school, but I wanted to get as much experience as I could in the field and thought becoming a vet tech first, along with studying my other major, would be a great fit for me.”
What has been your favorite part of the Veterinary Technology program so far?
“I like how the Vet Tech program at App already puts you into real-life situations from the start. In the first vet tech class you will take here, they want you to have at least eight hours of shadowing. This was a great, eye-opening experience for me and made me even more passionate about wanting to continue my journey with going into vet med.”
How do you plan to use your Veterinary Technology degree?
“I plan to take a few years working as a vet tech after I graduate from undergrad, then, if I get into vet school, to work as a vet tech going through school. I also want to gain as much experience and work in different fields of vet med, working as a vet tech to see exactly what type of animals I want to be working with.”
Is there anything else you'd like to share (accomplishments, hobbies, etc.)?
“Some accomplishments that I have in undergrad are that I'm on the executive board for the Biology Club as the historian and social media manager. Some hobbies that I like to do in my free time are playing the viola and taking advantage of the amazing hiking trails that Boone has to offer.”
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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 rri.appstate.edu.
Compiled by Lauren Gibbs
October 10, 2025
BOONE, N.C.
The Veterinary Technology Program at Appalachian State University
The Veterinary Technology Program at Appalachian State University