{"id":216021,"date":"2025-05-14T17:10:29","date_gmt":"2025-05-15T03:10:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=216021"},"modified":"2025-05-15T08:02:50","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T18:02:50","slug":"learn-about-high-demand-veterinary-career","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2025\/05\/14\/learn-about-high-demand-veterinary-career\/","title":{"rendered":"Learn about a high-demand veterinary career: free Windward CC<\/abbr> info sessions"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading time: <\/span> 2<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>
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Caitlin-Nicole Evangelista prepares Nala for a dental examination.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Students interested in becoming veterinary technicians or assistants are invited to attend free Zoom information sessions to learn about Windward Community College\u2019s Veterinary Technology Program<\/a> and the career opportunities it offers. The program boasts a strong track record of success, with 100% internship placement.<\/p>\n

Each year, approximately 20 students earn their associate in science degree in Veterinary Technology from Windward CC<\/abbr>, and nearly all who want to stay and work in Hawaiʻi<\/span> find jobs in the field.<\/p>\n

To register for information sessions in June and July, go to Veterinary Technology Information Sessions<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Perfect match<\/h2>\n
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From left, Caitlin-Nicole Evangelista current student, John Kaya, DVM<\/abbr> – first Vet Tech Program director, Amanda Pua – Vet Tech graduate and current Vet Tech Program Director Jenny Kelly, DVM<\/abbr>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Many veterinary technology students are hired before graduation through initiatives such as the networking event, Perfect+Match.<\/p>\n

Perfect+Match, held annually since 2022, brings together Windward CC<\/abbr> students and representatives from top veterinary clinics and hospitals across Hawaiʻi<\/span>. The event has proven to be a highly effective pipeline to employment.<\/p>\n

“Perfect+Match has paved the way for my future, leading me to succeed as a registered veterinary technician,” said Joleen Kekahuna, a graduate who now works at Pilina Vet. “Believe in yourself and your skills. In a world where animals can\u2019t speak, you are their voice. Mahalo to the Windward CC<\/abbr> Vet Tech program\u2019s teachers and staff for putting on an event that has been so life changing.”<\/p>\n

Potential employers<\/h2>\n
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Windward CC<\/abbr> students meet veterinary business representatives to explore employment possibilities.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The most recent Perfect+Match was held on May 7. This meet-and-greet provided valuable networking opportunities and opened doors to job offers and internships.<\/p>\n

“The Windward Community College Veterinary Technology Program has helped me gain experience in the veterinary industry while working full-time in school,” said student Caitlin-Nicole Evangelista. “I met Kenny, a manager at the Oahu Veterinary Clinic, at a Perfect+Match event. I currently intern there and interviewed and was offered a job. I am learning more and more each day, and I am excited to further my career working there.”<\/p>\n

Windward CC<\/abbr> offers the only American Veterinary Medical Association accredited program for veterinary paraprofessionals in Hawaiʻi<\/span>. It includes intensive on-campus or hybrid training with hands-on animal care experience. Students learn essential skills in areas such as pharmacology, anesthesiology, surgical assistance, radiology, exotic and large animal nursing, dentistry and veterinary office procedures. They also complete internships at more than 30 partnering clinics and shelters, gaining real-world experience and making connections that often lead to employment.<\/p>\n

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Joleen Kekahuna, center, Windward CC<\/abbr> vet tech program graduate with Windward CC<\/abbr> students.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Connect with veterinary employers, explore career pathways at Windward CC<\/abbr>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":216024,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[71,514,66],"class_list":["post-216021","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-academic-news","tag-uh-community-colleges","tag-veterinary-technology","tag-windward-community-college","entry","has-media"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t