Veterinary Medical Technology Student Lands Internship, Shares Experience
Ashlan Ricks
Ashlan Ricks, a Veterinary Medical Technology student at Nash Community College, was recently selected for a one-year paid internship at Charlotte Animal Referral and Emergency (CARE). The program allows interns to rotate for a month at a time in emergency, cardiology, intensive care unit, surgery, neurology, oncology, ophthalmology, internal medicine, rehabilitation, large animal, dentistry and exotics. CARE is a 24-hour specialty and emergency clinic located in Charlotte, NC. Ricks is among only 10 interns selected from across the United States.
Nash Community College’s Veterinary Medical Technology program is one of only a few in the State. “Without this program, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” she said. Ricks, of Rocky Mount, is a graduate of Nash Central High School. She plans to graduate from Nash in May 2023.
The curriculum is designed to prepare students to assist veterinarians in preparing animals for examination and surgery. Some tasks include collecting specimens; performing laboratory, radiographic, anesthetic and dental procedures; assisting in surgery; and providing proper care for animals and their environment.
“In this program, I have obtained so many skills, from restraining to collecting and from prepping animals to assisting in surgeries,” Veterinary Medical Technology student Ashlan Ricks said. “All skills that benefit the animals we treat by improving their chances of adoption and a life.”
The role of a veterinary technician in a veterinary practice is similar to that of a nurse.
“I have not only learned about the care and wellbeing of animals but I have learned about teamwork, confidence and leadership,” Ricks said. “My class, consisting of 11 females, has been the most supportive, energetic, eager to learn, willing to help, and crazy individuals I have ever met. I love them and love that I’ve gotten to share my journey with them!”
The college’s first Veterinary Medical Technology student cohort began taking classes at NCC in the Fall 2018 semester. Since that time, the program has earned accreditation. The Veterinary Medical Technology program is accredited by the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) as a program for educating veterinary technicians.
“Without the affordable tuition here at Nash Community College, I don’t know where I would have taken my first step toward my career of interest.”
College officials recently announced the naming of a new building by the Braswell family of Nashville, NC. The Braswell Veterinary Medical Technology Building will add a 2,755 square foot housing state-of-the-art laboratory space, a dental clinic and office space. In addition, construction is underway for the Nash County Pet Connection Center located adjacent to the campus at 3600 Eastern Avenue.
Ashlan Ricks addresses attendees at the Braswell Veterinary Medical Technology Building groundbreaking ceremony
While enrolled at Nash, Ricks completed a four-week externship at NC State University to gain experience with ruminants and farm animals. She is currently employed at Coats Veterinary Hospital in Rocky Mount.
“This semester, I have also been presented with the opportunity to work at Points East Veterinary Specialty Hospital, where I will learn emergency, triage and intensive care of small animals.” Ricks also has applied to complete a one-year paid internship.
Ricks is the recipient of the Veterinary Medical Technology program’s 2023 Excellence Award.
For more information, please visit nashcc.edu/vmt.
