Blinn veterinary technology students gain hands-on experience during free community cat clinic

Approximately 20 cats neutered, vaccinated, and screened during Nov. 1 event   

November 5, 2025

Students in the Blinn College District Veterinary Technology Program recently gained valuable hands-on experience while helping pets and their owners in the Bryan-College Station area.

During a special clinic held Saturday, Nov. 1, Blinn students worked alongside local veterinarians to neuter 18 male cats, administer vaccines, and screen for the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) — all free of charge to the community. These services improve the health of local pets and help reduce cat overpopulation.

“This clinic is a great opportunity for our students because it provides them with hands-on experience working with cats, while also giving back to the community,” Blinn Veterinary Technology Program Director Jessica Salazar said. “We couldn’t make this event a success without the help of veterinarians like Dr. Daniel Hendrix and Dr. Michael Glade, who are committed to teaching our students and making an impact on the health of pets in the Brazos Valley. This clinic is truly a team effort and I’m so proud we’re able to provide this care.”

Held at Blinn’s Post Office Center, the clinic gave students responsibility for every stage of patient care, including intake, medication preparation and administration, surgical assistance, anesthesia monitoring, and post-operative care. Since 2021, Blinn’s Veterinary Technology Program has spayed or neutered 112 animals and completed 20 dental cleaning procedures free of charge to pet owners. The program plans to offer another clinic in spring 2026.

Blinn’s Veterinary Technology Program prepares students to become licensed veterinary technicians (LVTs) through extensive hands-on training and coursework. One of just 15 accredited programs in Texas, Blinn’s Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Veterinary Technology is offered as a traditional two-year track and a flexible, hybrid three-year option. Through a unique partnership with the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, students gain hands-on experience across every facet of the animal healthcare field.

Blinn ranks among the top Texas community colleges in preparing its students to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), one of two tests required to become an LVT. Graduates are prepared for careers in animal shelters, educational institutions, government agencies, laboratory facilities, research, veterinary clinics, and zoological facilities, to name a few.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, veterinary technicians earn a median salary of $45,980 per year. Employment opportunities have expanded as veterinarians increasingly rely on technicians and technologists to perform general care and laboratory work. Between 2024 and 2034, the demand for veterinary technicians is expected to grow 9%, creating an additional 12,200 jobs nationwide.

Due to Blinn’s reputation for excellence and a statewide shortage of veterinary technicians, many graduates accept jobs prior to graduation, often with multiple opportunities to choose from.

To learn more about Blinn’s Veterinary Technology Program, visit www.blinn.edu/veterinary-technology.