TCC Vet Tech Students Assist with Animal Care at Tulsa State Fair

Tulsa Community College Veterinary Technology students gained real-world experience at the Tulsa State Fair’s Animal Birthing Center, where they assisted with livestock care while educating fairgoers.

Between the sound of squealing piglets and the steady stream of visitors, the Animal Birthing Center at the Tulsa State Fair is a busy classroom for Tulsa Community College Veterinary Technology students. Instead of learning from textbooks or lectures, students are caring for livestock in real time to gain hands-on experience in large animal veterinary education.

The Tulsa State Fair is held annually for 11 days, beginning on the fourth Thursday after Labor Day. Its goal is to provide the community with education and entertainment, drawing an estimated 1.1 million visitors in 2024. Thirty-seven students are enrolled in TCC’s Vet Tech program, and each student works one shift at the birthing center. Many choose to work additional shifts outside class.

First-year Vet Tech student Erika Critser said working at the Animal Birthing Center was eye-opening after her background in small animal practice.

“It’s my first day here and already the handling, the size of the animals, and the atmosphere are so different,” she said. “I came to TCC because I wanted to learn more about bovine and equine animals, and this is exactly the kind of experience I was hoping for.”

TCC’s Vet Tech program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Graduates receive an Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology and can take the National Veterinary Technician Examination and the Oklahoma licensure examination to become a Registered Veterinary Technician.

An RVT supports and enhances veterinary care in various fields related to animals. They work in private veterinary practice, biomedical research, herd health management, teaching, zoological parks, education, and government services.

At the fair, students are shoulder to shoulder with veterinarians and RVTs, assisting with live animal births, providing care for infant goats (kids), lambs, and piglets, and answering questions from the public.

Faculty member and RVT Kiara Deal said working at the fair offers students invaluable lessons they can’t get in a classroom.

“Students see the full process, from piglets being born to the follow-up care. They give iron injections, clip teeth to protect the mother, and help explain the process to visitors,” she said. “It’s one thing to read about it but doing it in this environment prepares them for their future careers.”

Second-year student Olivia Hilburn, who is set to graduate in May, has worked at the fair before and said the exposure helps students discover different paths in the field.

“In class, you learn the protocols and procedures, but here you’re actually doing them,” Hiburn said. “Some students have never worked with livestock before, so it really shows them that they don’t just have to work with cats and dogs. This career can take you in so many directions.”

Hiburn moved from New Hampshire to be close to family and attend TCC’s Vet Tech program. She said it’s both rigorous and rewarding.

“I’ve been around animals my whole life. Most of us would say we are here because we want to be a voice for animals who don’t have one,” she said. “It’s a really great program. We have to learn so many skills before we can graduate.”

Throughout the Tulsa State Fair, TCC Vet Tech students rotate through the Animal Birthing Center and observing and learning from the livestock and poultry on display. These experiences give students a broader understanding of animal care beyond the classroom and help prepare them for the wide range of situations they will encounter in their veterinary careers.