Tolles Career Center Graduate Achieves Dream of Becoming a Veterinarian

Plain City, Ohio – When many children dream of becoming veterinarians, few actually turn that dream into reality. But for Dr. Carlie (Snodgrass) Buergel, a graduate of the Tolles Career and Technical Center and Hilliard Bradley High School, that dream has come true. With determination and the foundational support from Tolles, Dr. Buergel now serves as a veterinarian at Byland Animal Hospital in Loudonville, Ohio, treating both pets and farm animals.

Dr. Buergel’s journey began in Tolles' Pre-Veterinary Technician Program, where she gained hands-on experience and connections in the veterinary field. She graduated from Tolles in 2016 and went on to earn her Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science and later, her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from The Ohio State University in May 2024.

“Tolles helped me realize that I wanted to go into the veterinary field,” Buergel shared. “Many people said it was going to be tough to get into veterinary school, but through determination and perseverance, I made it.”

Her path was shaped by experiences like an internship with Dr. Andy Niehaus at Ohio State, organized by Tolles' Pre-Vet Tech Instructor Pam Snider. Dr. Niehaus, a professor working with large animals, became an invaluable mentor to Buergel, providing her with surgical and clinical insights that solidified her interest in veterinary medicine.

In addition to her technical skills, Buergel was actively involved in Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), where she competed in state and national veterinary science contests, even placing second in a competition at Disney while at Ohio State. Buergel also co-founded HOSA’s first alumni chapter at Ohio State, further demonstrating her leadership in the field.

Now, Dr. Buergel gives back to her alma mater by serving on the Tolles Pre-Vet Tech program's advisory committee, where she offers insight into both the veterinary school application process and the demands of the profession. Her unique perspective, having been both a student and now an employer in the field, provides Tolles with invaluable guidance in shaping curriculum for future aspiring veterinarians.

“Carlie’s experience here at Tolles played a vital role in her entrance to vet school,” Snider remarked. “Now, she has come full circle, serving on our advisory board with a wealth of knowledge and practical experience.”

Dr. Buergel’s story underscores the impact of career tech programs like Tolles in helping students jumpstart their careers. Her success is an inspiration for future students who share similar aspirations, showcasing that with the right foundation and perseverance, dreams can indeed become a reality.
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For more information on the Tolles Pre-Vet Tech Program, contact Pam Snider at [email protected] or call 614-873-4666.​