Columbus Humane Veterinary Workforce Development Program Bolstered by Columbus Power Players
Crucial funding and partnerships for Columbus Humane’s new workforce development program addresses critical shortages in Central Ohio’s veterinary industry. Severe workforce shortages in local veterinary practices are driving costs and leaving animals without essential care. In partnership with Jewish Family Services, the Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio, The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center and Central Ohio’s VCA Animal Hospitals, students will have access to job placement assistance and continuing education upon completing the program.
The Rachael Ray Foundation™ is providing major funding for the Pathways program, which will feature The Foundation’s name and train diverse candidates for skilled work in local veterinary practices. The Rachael Ray Foundation™ Pathways to Careers in Animal Health program will prepare up to 60 students per year for rewarding jobs in this rapidly growing industry. The program features 160 hours of learning comprised of 40 hours of lecture, 30 hours of lab teaching, and 90 hours of on-the-job training at community veterinary clinics.
Registered Veterinary Technician instructor during lab teaching two students with a kitten.
“This gift is a game changer,” said Rachel Finney, Columbus Humane’s CEO about The Rachael Ray Foundation’s™ $200,000 gift. “Veterinary care is already more expensive than many families can afford. Without skilled staff to meet our community’s needs, thousands of pets are simply going without veterinary care. Now we have a solution that helps both animals and people.”
Columbus Humane and its partners piloted the program beginning in November of 2022, with five students graduating from their lab and clinical hours. Starting in January of 2023, the students will begin their 90 hours of on-the-job training with local veterinary practice partners. After which, they will have the opportunity for job placement, continued education and technical training.
Graduating class of the pilot program with instructors. December 2022.
With more than 100,000 pet families living in poverty in Franklin County, low-cost sick and injured services are critically needed, but none are available. An estimated 66 percent of pets in families experiencing poverty have never seen a vet according to a 2018 study by the Access to Veterinary Care Coalition. In Franklin County, that’s 70,300 pets. Mid-Ohio Food Collective reports an estimated 1 in 5 families in our neighborhoods experience food insecurity, including pets. Families are struggling to keep up with the increased costs of essential needs like food and medical treatment.
“The current challenges facing veterinary medicine have a significant impact on pet owners. Clients are experiencing extremely long wait times to see primary care veterinarians, and as a result, we are seeing exponential increases in emergency room and urgent care visits,” says Karin Zuckerman, Director of OSU Veterinary Medical Center. Those working in the field are becoming burnt out due to the high caseload coupled with staffing challenges. Knowing we cannot meet the demand right now is heartbreaking.”
Columbus Humane is helping address community needs by opening the Essential Care Center to offer low-cost care for sick and injured pets, along with affordable wellness services. As home to The Rachael Ray Foundation™ Pathways to Careers in Animal Health program, students will get hands-on training while providing care to pets who would otherwise not receive it. This first-of-its-kind facility will allow Columbus Humane to distribute more food to pet families, offer essential veterinary care for thousands of pets, and help to fill the more than 200 open positions in animal health in Franklin County through a workforce development program.
Program instructors, representation from Columbus Humane and partner organizations Jewish Family Services and Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio.
To learn more about this workforce development program, donate to the Essential Campaign, and help Columbus Humane open the Essential Care Center visit www.columbushumane.org/essential.
