MxCC vet tech program now fully accredited

Partnership with Pieper Veterinary offers classroom space, access to experts, more

MIDDLETOWN — Middlesex Community College announces the full accreditation of the veterinary technology program by the American Veterinary Medical Association and its Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities.

“Middlesex Community College is one of three accredited veterinary technology programs in Connecticut. Over the past five years, the program has grown and made great strides in meeting and often exceeding the 11 standards of accreditation,” Christopher Gargamelli, veterinary technology program coordinator at Middlesex, said in a prepared statement.

The committee conducted a site visit in September, and the college was notified of the news in a report and letter dated Nov. 17 from Dr. Kelly Black, chairman of the CVTEA.

“The accreditor noted the dedicated and innovative leadership of the program director, experienced and collaborative faculty and strong support from off-campus clinical partners among the program’s many strengths,” according to a news release.

Another highlight is the program’s clinical partnership with Pieper Veterinary of Middletown. Their family of hospitals includes primary, specialty and 24-hour emergency care. Through the college’s public-private partnership, Pieper Veterinary provides the MxCC program with classroom space, a dedicated clinical wet lab (surgical suite, treatment area and exam room), access to all areas of the hospital, and access to the expertise of their veterinarians, technicians and staff, according to the college.

The veterinary technology program’s partnership with Yale University allows Middlesex students to work in a large research facility with instruction from skilled laboratory animal staff. Through relationships with eight area farms, students also gain hands-on experiences with a variety of species including horses, bovines, sheep, goats, llamas, alpacas and pigs, the college said.

Students also benefit from nearly 50 approved externships sites, allowing them to explore a practice that fits their needs and those of area employers.

The program accepted its first class in the fall of 2013, and the program was granted initial accreditation by the AVMA-CVTEA.

For information, visit mxcc.edu. Spring semester classes begin Jan. 22. To apply, visit mxcc.edu/you.

Middlesex Community College / Contributed photo The Middlesex Community College veterinary technology program is a clinical partnership with Pieper Veterinary in Middletown, which provides the MxCC program with classroom space, a dedicated clinical wet lab and more.