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Ksenia Banes, CVT

“I am a CVT (Certified Veterinary Technician) and currently work as an ophthalmology technician. None of this would have been possible if I had not attended Dallas College. 

“My experience in the Vet Tech program prepared me to both pass my boards and also feel prepared for a real-life career. It helped me see many opportunities for veterinary technicians. There is a common misconception that all graduates of vet tech programs go on to work at a general small-animal practice, but the truth is that your options are endless as long as you are willing to continue to learn! 

“My experience at Dallas College was both challenging and rewarding. I gained knowledge and confidence and felt supported and helped along the way by my instructors. I have very warm memories of attending the large-animal lab and meeting my teachers and other students. I felt like I already knew them, and, better yet, I felt like they knew me! 

“Thanks to Dallas College, I doubt I will stop my education and professional growth. I've just started looking into additional certification as a Veterinary Technology Specialist (VTS) in ophthalmology, one of the newest additions to veterinary specialties. I have confidence and motivation as well as the skills necessary to study and learn out of the classroom. I've gained all that through Dallas College. I love telling about my experience with Cedar Valley's program. I have recommended it to others and will continue to do so.” 

Ksenia Banes earned an associate degree in Veterinary Technology in 2014 from Cedar Valley through its distance learning program and drove in from Illinois for graduation. She worked at a small animal practice for a year before applying to the veterinary ophthalmology practice where she currently works in Wheeling, Illinois.


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Myriah Stevens

Myriah Stevens

Radiologic Technologist Parkland Memorial Hospital of Dallas
“When a patient who is in pain, upset or nervous tells you that you made them feel better or just simply tells you 'thank you' with a smile, it makes your hard work worth it. That is the reason I am in this field, and that is what will keep me in it forever.”
Radiologic Sciences
Kristy Sweeney

Kristy Sweeney, RDCS

Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer, UT Southwestern University Hospitals, and Adjunct Faculty, El Centro Diagnostic Medical Sonography
“My experience at El Centro was wonderful. The program included online classes plus clinicals three or four days a week. We had the flexibility to do our homework at our own convenience, either doing a little every night or doing it all over the weekend, whatever worked best for us.”
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Sarah Taylor

Sarah Taylor, A.A.S. (ADN), RN

Registered Nurse, Adult Oncology Unit Medical City Dallas
“The best part of my education was the nursing staff. They are just so caring and supportive. They’re there to make sure you get all of the help and support you need. The most important thing I learned is that you’re never too old to set a goal and achieve it.”
Nursing
Shawn Terry

Shawn Terry, B.A., RRT, RCP

Respiratory Care Practitioner, Parkland Health and Hospital System Adjunct Faculty, El Centro Respiratory Care Program
“Respiratory therapists are not just technicians trained to deliver treatments and therapies with different types of equipment. We have to truly comprehend a wide range of topics and how they relate to a patient’s condition.”
Respiratory Care Program
Ksenia Banes
Ksenia Banes, CVT
Ophthalmology Technician Eye Care for Animals Wheeling, Ill.
Veterinary Technology
School of Health Sciences
Updated September 16, 2025