About Vet Tech Institute 

Learning the right veterinary technician skills is critical for finding a job in the veterinary technician field. The first Vet Tech Institute was part of the Median School of Allied Health Careers, founded in Pittsburgh in 1958. Since then, the Vet Tech Institute has grown to include seven locations across the United States.  

At the Vet Tech Institute, faculty from the seven locations share teaching methods and curriculum improvements. As a result, students at the Vet Tech Institute gain from being part of a larger organization, with the benefits of being in a smaller, local, focused institution.

Throughout 45 years of experience in providing allied health care career training, the mission has remained focused on providing quality education to benefit students, graduates, and health care professionals. 

The Fort Wayne, IN location of the Vet Tech Institute has a reputation that has attracted students from around the state. Students benefit from this diversity and also are among peers who share their love for animals. Vet Tech Institute at International Business College in Fort Wayne, IN  offers convenient access to public transportation, parking, and recreation. 

For the last reporting year*, International Business College’s graduation rate was 73.4%.  Of those graduates, 94.2% graduated within the normal time for the program. This high rate reflects our committed faculty, hands-on curriculum, and accelerated programs. Compare that number to community colleges graduation rates and you'll see the difference.

The U.S. Department of Education reports that, among first-time, full-time degree- or certificate-seekers attending community colleges:

-11.5% complete in the normal time

-22.0% complete within 150% of the normal time

-28.4% complete within 200% of the normal time.

Further, among bachelor’s degree-seeking students who start full time for the first time at public, 4-year colleges, 29.9% graduate within four years and 54.9% graduate within six years **.

Find out more about the Vet Tech Institute at International Business College by scheduling a campus visit!

*For graduates between 07-01-09 and 06-30-10
**Knapp, L.G., Kelly-Reid, J.E., and Ginder, S.A. (2010). Enrollment in Postsecondary Institutions, Fall 2008; Graduation Rates, 2002 & 2005 Cohorts; and Financial Statistics, Fiscal Year 2008 (NCES 2010-152). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved July 26, 2011 from http://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch.

Program Director

Neal Villanueva, DVM, graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University.  He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Hawaii in Animal Science.  Dr. Villanueva has experience in large and small animals.  He was a mentor to veterinary students at Michigan State University for 12 years and moderator of the Veterinary Integrative Problem Solving course at MSU.  Prior to joining the Vet Tech Institute, Dr. Villanueva was an emergency clinician in Indianapolis. 

Program RVT

Kristin Husband, RVT, is the Program Registered Veterinary Technician at the Vet Tech Institute, Fort Wayne.  She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science that was earned from Purdue University.  She received her Associate of Science Degree in Veterinary Technology from Purdue.  She has worked in mixed animal practice for 15 years with a special interest in equine medicine.   Her duties at the Vet Tech Institute include teaching courses in radiology and large animal, managing the kennel facility, and supporting the staff and the Program Director.

Staff RVTs

Lindasue Gifford, RVT, is an instructor at the Vet Tech Institute, Fort Wayne.  She earned her Veterinary Technology Degree from State University of New York at Delhi.  She has worked in an emergency practice (8 years), a surgical specialty practice (2 years), and a feline only practice (8 years). 

Patricia Howey, RVT, received her Veterinary Technology Degree from Purdue University.  She has had extensive experience in small and exotic animal practice for 37 years.  Ms. Howey started as a part-time instructor at the Vet Tech Institute and became a full-time instructor.  Patricia is also our Animal Shelter Coordinator.

Emily Dill, RVT, has 15 years of clinical experience in small animal and equine practice.  She received her Veterinary Technology Degree from Purdue University.  Emily joined the Vet Tech Institute faculty and is actively involved in wildlife rehabilitation.

Jennifer Riley, RVT, was part of the Fort Wayne Vet Tech Institute’s first graduating class.  She has been working in mixed animal practice for 7 years and is an instructor at the Vet Tech Institute.  In her spare time, she helps at the family farm in Monroeville, Indiana.