Veterinary Tech instructor Danielle Wants to Help People Help Animals

At Ashworth, our instructors care passionately about the subjects they teach and the future of the fields they dedicate their lives to. Veterinary technician instructor, Danielle Chesek, has years of experience as a vet tech and now thrives in teaching learners how to succeed on this rewarding career path. Read more about her and why she loves the vet tech profession and how she can help you reach your goals.

Tell us what you teach at Ashworth College and why you’re passionate about it.

Danielle: I am the VT101: Introduction to Veterinary Technology instructor and Veterinary Advisor for the Veterinary Technology program for Ashworth College, evaluate assignments for Ashworth's Dog Obedience Trainer Program, and have been a grader for Penn Foster's Veterinary Academy since 2017. I love ANY subject that pertains to veterinary technology, but I am passionate about VT101 particularly because this course helps prospective veterinary technicians build a strong foundation of knowledge for the rest of the program and for their career in the veterinary field.

How did you get into vet tech?

Danielle: As early as childhood, I recall having a love for animals. It was not until 2004 that I took my love for helping animals to an entirely new level and started college to become a veterinary technician. I was fascinated by everything that was taught in school and I learned so much from my clinical experience. I knew this was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

Tell us a bit more about yourself!

Danielle: I was born and raised in Scranton, Pennsylvania and a graduate of Johnson College (Veterinary Technology). My husband and I have been married for 9 years and we have a 7-year-old son named Christopher. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and gardening. As a family, we enjoy riding bikes, hiking, and visiting state parks. I am an advocate for TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) and have helped humanely reduce the feral cat population in my neighborhood with the use of local TNR programs. Being active in my community is important to me and I enjoy volunteering my time to help improve the future of my city with local boards and organizations.

How can a learner get into a career as a vet tech? Is now a good time to pursue this subject?

Danielle: Now is the perfect time to begin a career in veterinary technology! Over the next decade, employment of veterinary technicians and technologists is expected to grow 15%. I would encourage someone interested in this field to research what the career entails and even shadow at their local veterinary hospital to get a glimpse of the day-to-day responsibilities of a veterinary technician. I would recommend math and science-related courses for any individual still in high school, thinking about a career in the veterinary field.

What’s something you think would be helpful for learners to know to succeed in their studies?

Danielle: I think many students do not expect veterinary technology programs to be so informative and challenging. There is a lot to learn! Students are expected to know anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, surgical nursing and anesthesia, and more! There can be a misconception that veterinary technicians "play with puppies and kittens" all day, but the field as we know it is rapidly progressing and many new opportunities now exist for veterinary technicians. Technicians are now able to become veterinary technician specialists, or even work in areas such as research, academia, zoos, etc. Having an education and proper credentialing is more important now than ever before. Students should expect programs to be challenging and to expect those same challenges while working in the field. When working in the field, the learning will continue - which is one of the amazing things about this field! If a student puts that same mindset towards their studies, the sky is the limit!

What does it mean to you to help our learners get a good education?

Danielle: My goal is to help our students succeed- not only in the program, but in their careers. As their instructor and advisor, I have the wonderful opportunity to help students early on in the program. Ensuring they receive a good education, succeed in their clinicals, graduate, start on their path to find a good-paying job in the field - all reflects on the work we do in our department. My priority is to ensure the students receive a quality education, which will improve their chances of success long term!

What’s the best part about being a teacher?

Danielle: The students! I initially went into their field to help animals, but to now have the opportunity to help students reach THEIR goals of helping animals, is beyond rewarding. I get to form relationships with these students from all over the country and help them succeed in the program. So many of our students are working full time, tending to their families, all while putting themselves through the program and performing clinicals. Their stories and experiences are inspiring!

If you could give our learners one piece of advice, what would it be?

Danielle: Don't give up - even when things get hard, frustrating or challenging. Perseverance is key!

Learn more about preparing for a career as a veterinary technician

If you’re interested in learning more about Ashworth College’s Veterinary Technician Program, you can request information on our website. Our admissions specialists are here to help answer your questions. Call us at 1-800-957-5412 to get started.