Veterinary Health Technicians Graduation Ceremony in Kars, Turkey

Graduation Enthusiasm in the Heart of Turkish Livestock

Between June 23 and 25, 2026, the city of Kars, known as one of the main hubs of livestock in Turkey, hosted the graduation ceremony for a new group of veterinary health technicians. Held at the Kafkas University (Kafkas Üniversitesi) campus, the event saw the enthusiastic presence of families, professors, and local officials who gathered to encourage the new generation of animal health specialists [1].

After completing intensive theoretical and practical courses, the students are now ready to work in various sectors, including veterinary clinics, breeding centers, and food health control units. During their studies, these graduates acquired the necessary skills to prevent livestock diseases and improve the quality of dairy and meat products [2].

Strategic Importance of Veterinary Technicians in the Kars Region

The Kars region is heavily dependent on the livestock industry due to its geographical and economic conditions. The graduation of these technicians is not merely an academic event but an injection of specialized labor into the region's economic arteries. Veterinary health technicians play a vital intermediary role between livestock owners and veterinarians, taking responsibility for implementing vaccination programs and primary health care [3].

During the ceremony, speakers emphasized that given the global challenges in food security and zoonotic diseases, the role of these specialists has become more prominent than ever. They noted that the technical knowledge of these young people could significantly contribute to the modernization of traditional farming methods in Eastern Anatolia [1].

Award Ceremony and Professional Oath

The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of certificates of appreciation to top students and the recitation of the professional oath. By pledging to protect animal health and observe medical ethics, the students officially entered the labor market. Many of these graduates expressed hope that they could work in government and private projects to improve the livelihoods of the region's rural population [2].

In his closing speech, the Dean of the faculty congratulated the graduates and announced that Kafkas University would continue to develop its educational programs to align with European Union standards, ensuring that the center's graduates remain internationally competitive [3]. The ceremony concluded with the traditional tossing of graduation caps into the air and commemorative photos in an atmosphere filled with joy and hope.