STEUBENVILLE — The veterinary technician program at Eastern Gateway Community College has received accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association.

This accreditation will allow Eastern Gateway to continue to provide aspiring vet techs with the opportunity to earn their degree, while benefiting from partnerships with organizations where they can have hands-on experience in the field. Additionally, the program has its own Vet Tech Club, which is engaged with its students and the community.

The student-run organization has participated in several events.

“Accreditation is a significant achievement that speaks to the high standards we uphold in delivering quality education and training of veterinary technicians,” said John Crooks, the school’s interim president. “It validates our curriculum, faculty expertise, and the resources we provide to our students. We want to extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to this accomplishment–faculty, staff, students, and the local animal-loving community that have a paw print within the program. Their support and dedication to excellence has made this accreditation possible.”

Diane Less, founder of the Canfield-based Angels for Animals, said it’s an important step for the program.

“At Angels for Animals, we are committed to building a future where skilled and compassionate techs have the training and experience they need to provide care and support for the animals in our community. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Eastern Gateway, and providing the educational experiences their students need to become great vet techs,” Less said.

The program has three cohorts, and its first graduating class will be this month.