OCTC Veterinary Technology Students Connect with Employers During Annual Professionalism Day

Selective Program Now Accepting Applications Through May 1 for Fall 2026 Cohort

by Katie Powers

Owensboro, KY (04/16/2026) — Students in the Veterinary Technology program at Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) gained valuable real-world experience and industry connections during the 2026 Veterinary Technology Professionalism Day.

Coordinated by Assistant Professor Tara Groves, the event brought together 19 local and regional veterinary offices, clinics, and hospitals for an afternoon of roundtable discussions and a clinic showcase. The event provided students with the opportunity to engage directly with veterinary professionals, ask questions, and explore career pathways in the field. "We intentionally design this experience to help students build confidence and understand what employers are really looking for," said Groves. "By the time they graduate, they're not just technically prepared, they're ready to step into the workplace."

Students came prepared to discuss key topics essential to career success, including workplace expectations, teamwork, managing stress, and the skills they can bring to the profession as future licensed veterinary technicians (LVTs). Through both group discussions and one-on-one conversations, students gained insight into daily operations, employer expectations, and the evolving landscape of veterinary medicine.

"This event is important because it allows students to hear from previous students who were once in their position," said Erica Carter, a 2019 graduate of OCTC's program and licensed veterinary technician at Jefferson Animal Hospital and Regional Emergency Center. "It shows that the career they're preparing for has a real demand and highlights how important their education is to the future of veterinary medicine."

A unique highlight of the event was the strong alumni presence. Ten former OCTC Veterinary Technology students-now working in management and leadership roles-returned to help guide and mentor the next generation. Their participation reinforced the program's impact and demonstrated a clear pathway from classroom to career.

"Participating in Veterinary Technology Professionalism Day this year was very rewarding for me and my hospitals," said Ben Bates, hospital manager at Kentuckiana Animal Clinic. "We were able to engage with students both in group and individual settings and connect with potential new team members. It was a great experience all around."

OCTC's Veterinary Technology program continues to see strong outcomes and demand. The program currently serves approximately 25 students, including 10 graduating students and 15 first-year students, and has maintained a 100 percent job placement rate since its inception. Many members of the current graduating class have already secured employment opportunities across the region, including in Owensboro, Hartford, Bowling Green, Evansville, and Henderson.

"Events like this reflect the strength of our partnerships with regional employers and our commitment to preparing students for meaningful, in-demand careers," said Dr. Scott Williams, president of Owensboro Community and Technical College. "We are proud to see our graduates not only succeed in the workforce, but return to support the next generation of students entering the field."

As the only fully accredited two-year Veterinary Technology program in Kentucky, OCTC prepares students for careers as licensed veterinary technicians through a comprehensive curriculum that includes clinical techniques, surgical and medical nursing, radiology, pharmacology, and laboratory experience. Graduates earn an Associate in Applied Science degree and are eligible to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). Students also graduate with industry-recognized credentials, including CAETA Certification, Certified Hill's Nutrition Advocate designation, and an optional Artificial Insemination Certification.

Participating veterinary partners represented communities across Kentucky and Indiana, highlighting the strong regional demand for trained veterinary technicians. Organizations in attendance included:

Stone Ridge Equine Care (Evansville, IN); Princeton Veterinary Hospital (Princeton, IN); County Seat Veterinary Hospital (Princeton, IN); U-Vet Animal Clinic (Newburgh, IN); East Pines Animal Clinic (Boonville, IN); Warrick Veterinary Clinic (Boonville, IN); Village East Animal Hospital (Evansville, IN); Kentuckiana Animal Clinic (Owensboro, KY); Towne Square Animal Hospital (Owensboro, KY); Audubon Animal Hospital (Owensboro, KY); Wills Animal Hospital (Owensboro, KY); East Side Animal Hospital (Owensboro, KY); Jefferson Animal Hospital and Regional Emergency Center (Louisville, KY); Greenville Animal Hospital (Greenville, KY); Nashville Road Animal Hospital (Russellville, KY); Lone Oak Animal Clinic (Paducah, KY); Pennyrile Animal Clinic (Madisonville, KY); Wardrip Veterinary Services (Hardinsburg, KY); and Henderson Veterinary Medical Center (Henderson, KY).

OCTC's Veterinary Technology program is a selective admissions program with limited enrollment each year. The application window for Fall 2026 admission is currently open and will close May 1, 2026.

For more information about the program, visit OCTC Veterinary Technology Program or contact Program Coordinator Dr. Laura Boarman at 270-686-4585 or Laura.Boarman@kctcs.edu.

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