The Veterinary Technology Program at Southern Regional Technical College is part of a new veterinary medicine initiative designed to ease the stress, fear, and anxiety so many pets experience while at the veterinarian.
Known as Fear FreeSM, the training and certification program helps veterinarians and their staff modify their procedures, handling, and facilities to help pets feel safe and comfortable while receiving the medical care they need.
“We truly feel that successfully treating patients includes managing the emotional aspect of veterinary visits. Through certification of our faculty and students, we are preparing students to enhance the emotional well-being of the pets, clients, and staff at a veterinary facility. Happier pets are healthier pets,” says Dr. Jennifer Mason, director of the Veterinary Technology Program at SRTC.
Founded by veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, the Fear Free Certification Program was developed by board-certified veterinary behaviorists, veterinary technician behavior specialists, board-certified veterinary anesthetists, well-known veterinary practice management experts, and board-certified veterinary practitioners experienced in Fear Free methods.
“Providing veterinarians with the tools they need to ease this burden of fear and anxiety for our patients is the pinnacle of my 37-year veterinary career,” said Dr. Becker, who was dubbed “America’s Veterinarian” by Dr. Oz and appeared on Good Morning America for 17 years. “Veterinary professionals are hungry for this information. Animals and their humans need and deserve it. And now it’s here!”
To become certified, veterinarians and veterinary students are required to complete a comprehensive, 8-part educational course and exam. They also have to take continuing education to remain certified.
About Fear Free
Developed by “America’s Veterinarian,” Dr. Marty Becker, the Fear FreeSM initiative aims to “take the ‘pet’ out of ‘petrified’” and get pets back for veterinary visits by promoting considerate approach and gentle control techniques used in calming environments. Utilization of Fear Free methods and protocols leads to reduction or removal of anxiety triggers, which creates an experience that is rewarding and safer for all involved including pets, their owners, and veterinary health care teams. Learn more at www.fearfreepets.com.
About Southern Regional Technical College
SRTC offers over 155 degree, diploma, and certificate programs that are designed to get you quickly into
your desired career, and 28 general education courses that transfer to the University System of Georgia institutions and 19 private colleges and universities in Georgia. SRTC has instructional sites located in Colquitt, Decatur, Early, Grady, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Thomas, Tift, Turner, and Worth counties for the convenience of our students. The College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). SACSCOC is the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states. For the most up-to-date information on registration, class dates, and program offerings, log on to www.southernregional.edu.
Fall semester 2020 begins August 18. Don’t wait, enroll today!