Johnson College

On October 13, 2010, Veterinary Technology Program students participated in a free educational Pfizer seminar on small animal dentistry. The students gained firsthand knowledge of dental prophylaxis and examination techniques of the oral cavity by the world renowned Dr. Heidi B. Lobprise, DVM, DAVDC.

From left to right: Kendra Lapsansky, BS, CVT, Johnson College Veterinary Technology Program Instructor; Susan Weber, CVT, Pfizer; Dr. Heidi B. Lobprise, DVM, DAVDC; Rosemary Cook, CVT, Ph.D, Johnson College Veterinary Technology Program Chairperson

Johnson College’s Veterinary Technology Club will hold a free seminar to educate the public on animal first aid on Thursday, October 14, 2010 at 6:30 p.m.

This will mark the third time the Veterinary Technology Club presents this informational animal first aid seminar, which was featured on WNEP 16’s Lecky Live in March of 2010. Ms. Kendra Lapsansky, BS, CVT, an instructor for the Veterinary Technology Program, will be on-hand to give the presentation. Ms. Lapsansky will explain how to recognize and deal with pet health concerns and emergencies. Topics will include what to look for on an injured or sick animal, how to handle a wounded pet, tick removal, and disaster preparedness.

The Veterinary Technology Club is happy to host this event during The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America’s (NAVTA) National Veterinary Technician Week, which occurs from October 10-16, 2010. This year’s theme is “Hands-on-Healing.” According to the NAVTA, “‘Hands-on-Healing’ is the catchphrase about what veterinary technicians do on a daily basis for our clients and patients. Celebrating for one week every year solidifies the yearly commitment every veterinary technician gives to the profession of veterinary technology, veterinary assisting and veterinary medicine.”

The animal first aid seminar is free and open to the public. Please do not bring pets to the event. It will take place in the Moffat Building Cafeteria, located on the College’s campus at 3427 North Main Avenue in Scranton, which is off exit 190 on I-81.

Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP no later than Tuesday, October 12, 2010 by contacting Kendra Lapsansky at 570-702-8964.

Representatives from Johnson College’s Veterinary Technology Club
From left to right: Melissa Yusinski ’11, Clarks Summit; Sara Novotney ’11, Harleigh; Kendra Lapsansky, BS, CVT, Instructor; Elizabeth Mitchell ’11, Hawley; Stephanie Stoll ’12, Milford

Justine Olsommer ’12, a freshman in the Veterinary Technology Program, is competing to be this year’s Greene-Dreher-Sterling (GDS) Fair Queen!

The GDS Fair takes place in Newfoundland, PA from August 31, 2010 to September 6, 2010. The Fair Queen Pageant will be held on Tuesday, August 31st, 2010.

Should Ms. Olsommer win the competition, she would represent and promote the GDS Fair as well as the industry it was founded on – agriculture. According the fair’s website: “The purpose of the Fair Queen Competition is to encourage the promotion of Agricultural Fairs and create better relations between youths and adults in both rural and urban settings.” These duties would continue throughout the year.

“I have grown up with a strong agricultural background… I am attending Johnson College to enhance my knowledge of animals,” states Ms. Olsommer. “I believe that this along with my personality would make me a very good Fair Queen.”

Ms. Olsommer is one of five girls in the running this year. She humbly shares, “Each one of us would make a great Fair Queen. The judges have a very hard decision to make!”

Veterinary Technology student Justine Olsommer ’12 of Canadensis, PA is competing to be this year’s Greene-Dreher-Sterling (GDS) Fair Queen!

Dr. Ann L. Pipinski, President & CEO of Johnson College, has announced the President’s List of students who have completed the Spring 2010 semester with a grade point average of 3.90 or higher.

All students are from Pennsylvania unless otherwise noted.

Class of 2010:

Architectural Drafting & Design Technology:
Philip Ridgeway, Honesdale

Automotive Technology:
Shane Fabiani, Dalton
Dale Piwowarski, Jermyn

Biomedical Equipment Technology:
Eric Shager, Forest City
Daniel Taylor, Lake Ariel

Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology:
Michael Biduck, Inkerman
Gary Race, Tunkhannock
Cory Simon, Hallstead

Computer Information Technology:
Robert Applegate, Hop Bottom
Stephen Cerra, Scranton

Diesel Truck Technology:
Raymond Berger, Palmerton
Anton Toryak, Greentown
Justin Williams, Moscow

Precision Machining Technology:
Logan Tuttle, Honesdale

Radiologic Technology:
Elysia Curry, Montrose
Christopher Russo, Hicksville, NY

Class of 2011:

Architectural Drafting & Design Technology:
Joseph Buselli, Jermyn
Caleb Jahnke, Dunmore
Jordan Lupini, Jessup
Ricky Purdy, Taylor

Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology:
Richard Norgard, West Caldwell, NJ
Christopher Smith, Havertown
Matt Vacendak, Clarks Summit
Gary VanVranken, Tunkhannock

Diesel Truck Technology:
Curtis Herbert, New Milford

Electrical Construction & Maintenance Technology:
Chad Chiorazzi, Scranton
Vito Ciaglia, Dunmore
Nicholas Damanti, Hawley
David Hilstolsky, Wyoming
Jesse Kasper, Scranton
Guy Paone, Scranton
Jason Slagus, Scranton
Nicholas Snyder, Dornsife

Electronic Technology:
Gretchen Bentler, Gouldsboro
David Denault, Dalton
David Krysko, Scranton
Christopher Oakley, Taylor
Robert Reichle, Olyphant
Steven Stankus, Clarks Summit
Jesse Tutino, Scranton

Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning:
Richard Burnett, Carbondale
Jason Kulick, Throop
Eric Szajkowski, Dalton
Walter Wood, Dickson City

Precision Machining Technology:
Timothy DeCicco, Scranton
Jordan Pope, Sunbury

Radiologic Technology:
Michael Burke, Clarks Summit
Antoinette Cassaro, Carbondale
Colleen McGinley, Throop
Ellen Raino, Clarks Summit
Kristy Saravitz, Montrose
Kavina Wentland, Carbondale

Veterinary Technology:
Natasha Coggins, Dunmore
Monica Martucci, Gouldsboro

Dr. Colin Bullmore, Veterinarian and Johnson College Veterinary Technology Program instructor, was recently invited to speak at a Northeast Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association (NEPVMA) meeting.

Dr. Bullmore shared information about Johnson College’s Veterinary Technology program and Animal Care Center. He also stressed the importance of hiring certified veterinary technicians (CVT). Dr. Bullmore questioned, “Would you want an unregistered nurse to work on yourself or a loved one?” He explained, “We are not asking what you can do for a certified technician. Rather we are asking what a certified technician can do for you.” Veterinary technicians are an essential part of veterinary care in areas such as assisting in surgery, taking radiographs and evaluating blood samples. A CVT is qualified to perform a great deal of tasks independently and without veterinarian supervision. Having CVTs on staff increases productivity and enhances the overall quality of pet health care.

NEPVMA is an organization comprised of local veterinarians and veterinary technicians and is a constituent of the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association. NEPVMA holds meetings throughout the year in an effort to provide continuing education, which allows veterinary professionals to maintain state licensing. For more information, please visit: www.NEPVMA.org.

To find out more about Johnson College’s Veterinary Technology Program, visit www.johnson.edu or call 1-800-2WE-WORK.

Dr. Colin Bullmore, Veterinarian and Johnson College Veterinary Technology Program Instructor

Dr. Colin Bullmore addresses veterinarians and veterinary technicians at a recent Northeast Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association (NEPVMA) meeting.

Johnson College’s Veterinary Technology Club will sponsor a free animal first aid seminar on Thursday, March 25, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. The event will take place in the College’s Moffat Building.

Kendra Lapsansky, BS, CVT, an instructor for the Veterinary Technology program, will educate attendees on how to recognize and deal with pet health concerns and emergencies. Topics will include what to look for on an injured or sick animal, how to handle a wounded pet, tick removal, and disaster preparedness. First aid kits, comprised of important tools for caring for a distressed pet, will be available for purchase.

This seminar is free and open to the public. Please do not bring pets to the event. RSVP no later than Monday, March 22, 2010 by contacting Kendra Lapsansky at 570-702-8964.

Johnson College is located at 3427 North Main Avenue in Scranton, which is off exit 190 on I-81 North.

Johnson College’s Veterinary Technology Club Officers
From left to right: Tiffanie Sears ’10, Houghton, NY; Danielle Roth ’10, Erie, PA; Kendra Lapsansky, BS, CVT; Christina Leseberg ’10, Plains, PA; Cheri Schultz ’10, Tunkhannock, PA

The Animal Care Center at Johnson College will provide discounted spaying and neutering services for dogs and cats to income-eligible residents of Lackawanna County on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

This will be the sixth year that Johnson College has celebrated Spay Day in conjunction with the Doris Day Foundation’s Spay Day USA. The College sets aside the last Tuesday of February in order to help control pet overpopulation by providing affordable spaying/neutering services.

Spay Day is made possible by dedicated volunteers. Local veterinarians donate their time to perform the surgeries and seniors in Johnson College’s Veterinary Technology Program assist in surgical preparation, aid the veterinarians during surgery, and provide post-surgical care.

Dr. Rosemary Cook, Johnson College’s Veterinary Technology Department Chair and director of the Animal Care Center, states, “Spayed or neutered pets usually enjoy better health and behavior, guardians save on vet bills, and the community saves on the high cost of caring for stray animals.”

Johnson College’s Spay Day is a one-day only event. Applicants must be Lackawanna County residents and have an annual income of less than $25,000. The discounted fees are: $40.00 for female cats, $30.00 for male cats, and $45.00 for both male and female dogs. Cats should weigh a minimum of five pounds. There is no minimum age requirement.

The deadline for submitting applications is Wednesday, February 3, 2010 and will be strictly adhered to. Submitting an application does not guarantee that your animal will be accepted. Eligible applicants will be contacted by the Animal Care Center with appointment information. Please no phone calls to check on the status of applications.

Applications can be obtained by stopping by the Animal Care Center located on Johnson College’s campus, 3427 N. Main Avenue, Scranton, by visiting www.johnson.edu, or calling 570-702-8961.

From left to right: Danielle Roth ‘10, Veterinary Technology, Erie, PA; Courtney Shumosic ’10, Veterinary Technology, West Nanticoke, PA

On Friday, October 16, 2009, Johnson College’s Veterinary Technology Club sponsored a free seminar to educate the public on animal first aid. Ms. Kendra Lapsansky, BS, CVT, an instructor for the Veterinary Technology program, taught the audience how to recognize and deal with pet health concerns and emergencies. She covered a variety of topics including what to look for on an injured or sick animal, how to handle a wounded pet, tick removal, and disaster preparedness. First aid kits, comprised of important tools for caring for a distressed pet, were available for purchase.

The Veterinary Technology Club scheduled this event in conjunction with The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America’s National Veterinary Technician Week, which occurs during the third week of October. Veterinary Technicians are an essential part of veterinary care in areas such as assisting in surgery, taking radiographs and evaluating blood samples.

If you are interested in Johnson College’s Veterinary Technology Program, please contact the Admissions Office at (570) 702-8900. For information on the College’s Animal Care Center, please call (570) 702-8961.

Members of Johnson College’s Veterinary Technology Club
From left to right (BACK ROW): Stephanie Stoll ‘11, Milford, PA; Margaret Moniz ‘10, Union Beach, NJ; Melissa Yusinski ’11, Clarks Summit, PA; Christina Leseberg ’10, Plains, PA; Brittany Burger ’11, Jermyn, PA; Kendra Lapsansky, BS, CVT, Instructor; Brandi Rhodes ’10, Danville, PA; Cheri Schultz ’10, Tunkhannock, PA; Kristin Wheeler ’10, Picture Rocks, PA; Katelyn Zdaniewicz ’11, Falls, PA; Marissa Slivkanich ’11, Moscow, PA; Jordan Deitrick ’10, Bloomsburg, PA; Kerrie Noll ’10, Equinunk, PA; Kelly Astleford ’11, Blakely, PA; Elizabeth Mitchell ’11, Hawley, PA
From left to right (FRONT ROW): Tiffanie Sears ’10, Houghton, NY; Danielle Roth ’10, Erie, PA; Tasha Gitto ’11, Quakertown, PA; Anna Granteed ’11, Berwick, PA; Angela Holmes ‘11, Waynesboro; Sara Methot ’10, Clarks Summit, PA

The Veterinary Technology Class of 2009 was honored in a pinning ceremony to confirm that the students completed all requirements for their major. The ceremony was held at Genetti Manor on June 7, 2009. Danielle Simmons, CVT, President-elect of PVTA was a guest speaker for the event.

Pictured from left to right: Elizabeth Titman, Orangeville; Danielle Lloyd, Carbondale; Elizabeth Wademan, Tunkhannock; Amanda Shaffer, Mountain Top; Kasondra Banghart, Muncy; Nicole Desjadon, Montague, NJ; Christina Winter, Waymart; Melinda Minick, Nicholson; Kendra Lapsansky, BS, CVT, Johnson College Veterinary Technology Instructor; Annette Palumbo, Moscow; Elizabeth Campbell, Matamoras; Kara Bellissimo, East Stroudsburg; Kimberly Petros, Larksville; Dr. Rosemary Cook, DVM, Sciences Division Chair, Veterinary Technology Department Chair; Danielle Simmons, CVT, President-elect of PVTA

On Friday, April 3rd Johnson College’s senior Veterinary Technology students visited the Animal Emergency Clinic in Pittston, PA for their Surgical Nursing II Class.

The 13 students were greeted by Stacey Harmon and Megan Biduck, two of Johnson College’s former graduates whom are now full-time staff technicians at the clinic.

Harmon and Biduck guided the students through the clinic where they were able to see the endoscopy equipment, which can also remove foreign bodies from a patient. Students were also shown how this expensive tool is cleaned and maintained, as this is a duty of the technician.

The second part of the session, guided by Chris Crossley, one of the clinic’s senior technicians, allowed the students to see the Computed Tomography Scanning Suite and explained how the equipment is used. A sample scan of a boxer dog brain was shown to illustrate the anatomy, and demonstrate how the equipment takes serial cross sectional images and then puts them together to form a three dimensional image.

“This was a great opportunity for our students to see graduates of our program putting their knowledge and skills to work in the real working world,” Dr. Colin C. Bullmore, D.V.M. and Instructor in Johnson College’s Veterinary Technology Department said. “I am sure it was a good experience for them to see their education in action.”

“I thought the trip was interesting,” said Kimberly Petros ’09, Larksville, “We got to see a bigger facility and different machines… We got to see how different an emergency facility can be. I’d like to work [in that environment] once I get more experience in the field.”

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