KANE'OHE — A shortage of veterinary technicians has prompted professionals and educators to consider creating a training program on O'ahu, and something could be available in two weeks or two years, depending on which route they go.

Veterinary technician schools are available on the Mainland and lead to certification and degrees — but in Hawai'i, veterinarians have to train their own staff.

A training program could lead to better-paying positions and professional recognition, said Eric Ako, who owns The Pet Doctor clinic in Kahala.

"We're trying to upgrade, change society's mentality of our profession and help our para-professionals do better, make a better living, provide better training, encourage them to stay in the profession longer, because the driving force right now is we can't find enough people," Ako said.

Right now, kennel help in a clinic might make $7 to $8 an hour, he said, but a trained technician who manages an office can earn a six-figure salary, at the top end of the scale.

Training could cover both animal handling and front desk duties, Ako said.

Hawai'i doesn't certify technicians, but most states do. Ako said he would like to see the Hawai'i situation change. A training program approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association could lead to state certification, he said.

"We could develop a fully accredited program in one to two years," Ako said. "If we do it through the existing adult continuing education system, we could start next month," he said.

The details are being worked out with staff members of Windward Community College, Ako and veterinarian Mark Caspers, said Elizabeth Ashley, interim assistant dean of instruction.

"It's not going to be a full-fledged vet tech program," Ashley said. "We know that because we can't afford all the equipment. It will be something a little less than that."

Questions have to be answered before a decision is made as to what the program will look like, she said. For instance, should the program gear toward national certification or core courses? Then there's the credit, no-credit issue. The college already has a pre-nursing program that could be adapted to a veterinary technician program because so many of the courses are the same, Ashley said.

"We're really excited about it because there are no programs at all in Hawai'i," she said. "We think it's a way we can really contribute to the community."

Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com.