BUFFALO, N.Y. — "It started a little bit before the pandemic and the pandemic just made it worse actually," said Katie Fitzgerald.

Addressing a shortage across the Empire State and the nation has been a priority for the Medaille University department of veterinary technology chair.

"It's a long and very sort of difficult road and it takes a dedicated student," she said.

Programs like hers feel the strain of getting students into meaningful roles in a timely manner – without cutting corners.

"Certainly we want students to come into the program and be very aware of what they're getting themselves into," Fitzgerald added. "We try to we work really hard to prepare them for what life is like."

At Medaille University, you’ll find students like Caitlyn Gray.

"In the real world, I wanted to be able to make a difference in the field because I know at the moment, it's kind of not doing very well," said the vet tech program senior.

She finished classes and is currently working at a local emergency clinic – which opened her eyes.

"I was pretty optimistic when I joined the field,” said Gray. “I knew that there were problems with staffing and burning out and turnover and low pay definitely, but I didn't realize how significant it was until I got into practice.”

It’s a familiar feeling – just ask fellow senior Rebecca Leon.

"We're kind of in a space where there's not a lot of teachers left in the area, just because a lot of the vets are leaving or getting out of the field," Leon said. "Which is very unfortunate to see."

Rebecca wants people to know just how much work is being put in by those answering the call.

"We still go through the same amount of schooling as human doctors and nurses do," she added. "I think that that's something that not a lot of people know."

Vet tech program junior Marissa Webner was particular about picking a program because she wanted to get as much hands-on experience. For all, it comes at a price.

"Because there are a lot of mental health issues in our field again, you don't see patients because they're happy and healthy all the time," said Webner. "You go through some pretty hard things."

These students remain dedicated and focused on where there’s room for improvement.

"In the field. This is the hardest part of the job. But if you can do it, it's well worth it," said Leon.

In the meantime, vet programs across the state and country will continue to do what they can with the resources available.

"I think the future is bright," Fitzgerald said. "We just have to continue bringing people into the field and letting them know what it's like out there in the real world. And trying to prepare them as best we can."