Photo Caption: The 2013 veterinary technology graduates pledged an oath to dedicate themselves to aiding animals and society by providing excellent care and services for animals, by alleviating animal suffering and by promoting public health. Pictured, first row, left to right: Kimberly Gray (Rutherford County), Chelsea Bandy (Dickson County), Courtney Hancock (Maury County), Raci Aaron (Lawrence County), Gina Kindler (Maury County) and Sandi Allsopp (Williamson County). Second row, left to right: Hannah Smith (Davidson County), Shay Johnson (Davidson County), Cymri Hight (Maury County) and Katie Stewart (Maury County). Third row, left to right: Sarah Glascock (Marshall County), Lara Menegazzo (Davidson County), Shelly Hemby (Marshall County) and Elisa Riddell (Davidson County). Fourth row, left to right: Kassey Powell (Maury County), April Lott (Maury County) and Caitlyn Schwind (Maury County). Fifth row, left to right: Lorrie Logue (Marshall County), Nikki Wilshire (Williamson County), Ashley Lennington (Williamson County), James Dodge (Maury County), Tiffany Jones (Maury County), Marlena Hawkins (Humphreys County), Megan Wheeler (Marshall County) and Caroline Farrington (Franklin County).

(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - June 12, 2013) - - - Columbia State Community College honored graduates of the veterinary technology program in a pinning ceremony on Saturday, May 4.

Nicole Richards, D.V.M., director of the vet tech program, and Kathy Massey and Jerri O'Rourke, both licensed veterinary medical technicians, pinned 25 Associate of Applied Science degree candidates who are ready to jump into their new careers after graduation.

"Most of the class has found jobs," Richards said. "Now they're gearing up for their board exams."
Richards just completed her first year as the director of the vet tech program and feels it was a success. She expressed that she is proud of her students and hopes they continue to learn and succeed in their careers.
A veterinary technician primarily functions as professional technical support to veterinarians, biomedical researchers and other scientists. Qualified veterinary technicians are responsible for clinical pathology, radiology, surgical assisting, office and hospital management, and other related duties.
Columbia State has one of only two vet tech programs in the state of Tennessee. This program offers students the opportunity to become a veterinary technician and receive an A.A.S. degree. For additional information, visit http://www.ColumbiaState.edu/Veterinary-Technology.

Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, the sixth largest higher education system in the nation. For more information, please visit www.ColumbiaState.edu.