“Qualified veterinary technicians are needed now and the demand for these positions is only projected to increase into the future,” said Dr. Katherine Fitzgerald, dean of veterinary sciences, Ģ����ý. “We designed our program and new state-of-the-art teaching facility space to offer an optimal learning environment with plenty of hands-on opportunities for students to work with animals of all sizes and species, so our vet tech graduates are fully prepared to work in a variety of animal facilities.”

Veterinary technicians assist veterinarians, working with veterinary staff and providing treatment to animals, which can include performing tasks such as surgical preparation, anesthesia monitoring, medical equipment sterilization, radiographic procedures, diagnostic testing, medication administration, client communication and more. As the student progresses through the curriculum, their learning will be a balance of classroom, clinical experiences, and hands-on labs. Trocaire’s veterinary technician associate degree program, which is available both in-person and online, launched last year. Visit the veterinary sciences program offerings for more information.

In addition, Trocaire offers specialized training and hands-on experience in cybersecurity, data analytics, and healthcare informatics to meet the local workforce’s need for talented and specially trained tech workers. Visit the technology professions programs for more information.

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Extensive Renovation Creates State-of-the-Art Facility with Labs and Clinic

today cut the ribbon to officially open its new state of the art veterinary sciences building on Transit Road.

“Trocaire is excited to open this new facility that will allow our veterinary technician students to have both academic and practical experiences at the same location. Working hands-on with a variety of animal species is an important part of the learning required for veterinary technology students,” said Dr. Katherine Fitzgerald, dean of veterinary sciences, Ģ����ý. “Graduates of this program will have knowledge in the care and handling of animals, routine lab and clinical procedures, veterinary medical and surgical nursing, anesthesiology, and diagnostic imaging. We are setting students up for success by providing them instruction by experienced faculty and staff in a state-of-the-art facility that has the most up-to-date veterinary equipment.”

Trocaire has invested in revamping its existing 1,500 square feet of classrooms and former kitchen area at its Transit Road site and added 3,290 square feet of new dedicated veterinary sciences space to the first floor. The department features animal wards, a surgery suite and prep room, dental procedures lab, radiology, several teaching laboratories, and amenities needed for the veterinary sciences department.

“Trocaire is committed to investing in the preparation for high demand careers and we are so excited to offer this veterinary sciences program. Our new learning space offers students the chance to have hands-on experience, so they are prepared for the essential job tasks including conducting lab tests, preparing patients for surgery, administering medications, and assisting with surgical procedures,” said Dr. Bassam Deeb, president, Ģ����ý. “The growth rate in this field should produce about 20,700 new openings nationwide from 2022 to 2032. This ensures graduates will discover a promising career.”

In November 2024, Trocaire announced a partnership between its veterinary sciences department and the SPCA Serving Erie County. The surgery suite will be used for surgeries and services like spays and neuters for shelter pets. Trocaire students under faculty direction will perform procedures while learning the essentials of the operating room and lessening the surgical population at the SPCA’s Gacioch Teaching Hospital and Infirmary.

For more information on Trocaire’s veterinary sciences programs, which include veterinary technology and veterinary assisting, visit trocaire.edu/academics/veterinary-sciences/.

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The veterinary sciences faculty at , a private, Catholic college providing a pathway for students to build careers of achievement and lives of purpose are offering their top five holiday safety tips for pet owners. Pets are like family but have very different needs during this holiday season.

“The holidays can be stressful for our pets with changes to routines including lots of unfamiliar people visiting, loud noises, new smells and changes in environment with decorations,” said Katie Fitzgerald, DVM, Dean of Veterinary Sciences, Ģ����ý. “With our new veterinary sciences department, Trocaire has dived into the world of animal care and safety full force. We want to offer our expertise to the community and help prevent your furry friends from feeling overwhelmed.”

The top five holiday safety tips from Trocaire’s veterinary sciences faculty include:

• Eliminate table food. While it might be tempting to share your holiday feast, it’s safer to keep your pet on their regular daily diet. Holiday foods often contain fatty, spicy, and sweet ingredients which can be dangerous for your pet. And always remember to avoid giving dogs and cats chocolate as it is toxic to them.

• Decorate with pets in mind. Pets may be curious about new, shiny decorations. Try to avoid string, tinsel, or even hooks which could be ingested.

• Watch the lights and candles. Just like shiny decorations, pets may also be intrigued by twinkling lights and candles. Wires from lights may cause harm to pets should they bite the wire or become entangled. Candles can also burn curious paws or active tails.

• Protect pets from plants. Several festive plants and floral decorations available at this time of the year can be both dangerous and, in some cases, poisonous to pets. These include poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly. The ASPCA offers a list of plants on its that are toxic to both dogs and cats. If you believe your pet is ill or may have ingested a poisonous plant, contact your veterinarian right away.

• Remember pets get stressed too. Try to stick to a regular routine as much as possible with your pet. Provide them with a dedicated space of their own with a familiar blanket or toys amidst the hustle and bustle.

Ģ����ý offers an in-person and online associate degree veterinary technician program, which features a combination of classroom learning, clinical experiences, and hands-on labs. Veterinary technicians assist veterinarians, working with veterinary staff and providing treatment to animals. For more information, visit trocaire.edu/academics/academic-program/veterinary-technology/.

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announced a new partnership between its veterinary sciences department and the SPCA Serving Erie County. Once completed, the new surgical suite at the Trocaire Transit Road campus will be utilized to provide basic surgeries and services like spay and neutering for shelter pets. Students under faculty direction will get real world experience and lessen the surgical population at the SPCA’s Gacioch Teaching Hospital and Infirmary.

“Trocaire is pleased to partner with the SPCA Serving Erie County. The vet tech program at Trocaire is designed to provide students the fundamental education needed to hit the ground running in a career assisting veterinarians in their daily routines. We want to offer real world situations, so students are experienced and calm under pressure,” said Ģ����ý Dean of Veterinary Sciences Dr. Katherine Fitzgerald. “Our partnership with the SPCA is a win-win for all. Trocaire students will perform needed procedures on shelter pets while learning the essentials of the operating room.”

Trocaire’s new veterinary sciences department includes all the amenities needed for the care of small animals, including various animal wards, a surgery suite and prep room, dental procedures lab, radiology, and several teaching laboratories.

“This partnership is a testament to the commitment of both the SPCA and Ģ����ý to the well-being of animals in our community,” said SPCA President and CEO Caitlin Daly. “We are grateful to Trocaire for their willingness to open their doors to our animals and to provide their students with this unique learning opportunity!”

“We are excited to work with Trocaire students and faculty. We believe that this partnership will provide our students with valuable experience that will prepare them for successful careers in veterinary medicine,” added SPCA Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allison Kean. “It will also help us to place more animals in loving homes.”

Once Trocaire has completed the medical procedure, the animal will be transferred back to the SPCA where they will be placed up for adoption as soon as possible.

About the SPCA Serving Erie County

Since 1867, the SPCA Serving Erie County has been a champion for Erie County’s animals, providing care, compassion, and shelter to those in need. As a non-profit animal welfare organization, we offer a variety of services to both animals and pet owners, including finding homes for pets through our adoption program, investigating and prosecuting cases of animal abuse and neglect, rescuing and rehabilitating wild animals, educating the community about responsible pet ownership and animal welfare, and our Lipsey Veterinary Clinic offers affordable veterinary care for owned pets.

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Applicants now being enrolled for both in-person and online for Fall 2024

Following approvals from the New York State Education Department and the American Veterinary Medical Association, announced today the official addition of a veterinary technology program to its slate of academic program offerings. This new associate degree program is available both in-person and online beginning Fall 2024.

“Veterinary technicians are the beating heart of the veterinary profession, and we need them to advocate and care for our patients,” said Dr. Katherine Fitzgerald, dean of Trocaire’s veterinary sciences department. “There is already a very high demand for qualified veterinary technicians here in Western New York and we anticipate that need to only increase in the coming years. Our new program provides students with the ultimate flexibility to fit their lifestyle while providing them with the needed skills, curriculum and clinical experience to prepare them for a career in veterinary sciences.”  

Last summer Trocaire announced the establishment of its veterinary sciences department and began the process of applying for approvals from regulatory agencies for the veterinary technician program.

Veterinary technicians assist veterinarians, working with veterinary staff and providing treatment to animals, which can include performing tasks such as surgical preparation, anesthesia monitoring, medical equipment sterilization, radiographic procedures, diagnostic testing, medication administration, client communication and more. As the student progresses through the curriculum, their learning will be a balance of classroom, clinical experiences, and hands-on labs.

In-person classes will be held at Trocaire’s new veterinary sciences department currently under construction on Transit Road in Lancaster. Whether they have selected the in-person or online program, students will have the option to take up to 13 credit hours in the opposite program path as well. Students who successfully complete this degree qualify to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam and be eligible to become professionally licensed.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of veterinary technicians is projected to grow 21% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Approximately 15,000 job openings for veterinary technicians are projected each year, on average over the decade.

For more details on Trocaire’s new veterinary technology program and to apply, visit /academics/academic-program/veterinary-technology/. Sign up today for the first Veterinary Sciences Department Open House on July 25 at 1 p.m. at the Transit Road campus.

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announced today the construction of a new veterinary sciences department at the site of its former hospitality school on Transit Road. The construction is moving along, and the last beam was hoisted in the entry way to make room for the next phase of construction.

“Trocaire is excited to unveil its new veterinary sciences department and share our plans for education in the welfare of animals. We have dedicated resources to construct a state-of-the-art facility that will provide surgical suites and classrooms so students can participate in the most advanced form of learning with animals possible,” said Dr. Bassam M. Deeb, president, Ģ����ý. “This is a huge investment for the college and demonstrates our commitment to providing programs that meet the needs of our students and the community at large. There is a demonstrated demand for professionals in the veterinary sciences arena which we hope to meet going forward.” 

The $5 million project includes the addition of approximately 3,290 square feet of a new, dedicated veterinary sciences department and renovations to 1,500 square feet of existing space. The new area will include amenities needed for the department’s academic programs including various animal wards, a surgery suite and prep room, dental procedure lab, central sterile processing room, several teaching laboratories, a radiology lab, and storage areas. Outside, will also include a fenced-in grassy area for use by small animals.

The new veterinary sciences facility will be isolated from the rest of the building via coded locking doors to ensure the integrity of the surgical and animal treatment and preparation areas from the general spaces in the building. The project is on track to be completed this summer in anticipation of on-site classes beginning this fall.

Last summer, Trocaire announced the establishment of its veterinary sciences department and appointed Dr. Katherine Fitzgerald as inaugural dean. The college is in the process of applying to various regulatory agencies including the New York State Education Department and the American Veterinary Medical Association for approval on new academic programs. The first cohorts of Trocaire’s new veterinary assistant online non-credit program are currently underway.

“It is very exciting to build a robust veterinary sciences program from the ground up here at Trocaire. The community is in desperate need of professionals who can help with the care of animals both large and small. We aim to support our colleagues by providing a well-rounded learning experience to produce educated students who can immediately hit the ground running,” said Dr. Fitzgerald.

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