Erin Dahlstrom
Swisher,IA
Summary
Veterinary medicine and veterinary technology professional with experience in instructional technology and healthcare education. Coordinates simulation-based learning and supports student mentoring. Leads program improvements to maintain high accreditation standards and operational excellence across diverse training environments.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Instructional Services Coordinator
University of Iowa Health Care
Iowa City, IA
04.2026 - Current
- Coordinate and facilitate simulation-based education for medical students and residents, enhancing learning across multiple clinical specialties.
- Manage the preparation, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of high-fidelity simulation equipment and manikins in clinical settings.
- Schedule learners and coordinate simulation events to support educational objectives.
- Assist faculty with simulation sessions and participate in post-simulation debriefings.
- Prepare simulation environments, equipment, and learning materials to support effective educational experiences.
Program Director / Registered Veterinary Technician
Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids, IA
09.2014 - 01.2026
- Directed an AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technology Program, overseeing curriculum, accreditation, compliance, and daily program operations.
- Served as primary liaison to the AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA), managing accreditation reports and documentation.
- Built and maintained partnerships with veterinary hospitals throughout a seven-county region to support student internships and workforce development.
- Organized annual career fairs and strengthened employer relationships, resulting in increased student placement opportunities.
- Collaborated with college leadership to evaluate curriculum and implement continuous program improvements.
- Led advisory committee meetings to align curriculum with current industry standards and enhance program relevance.
- Updated student policies, laboratory safety procedures, facility manuals, and emergency protocols.
- Analyzed Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) performance trends and implemented targeted strategies, leading to improved student success.
- Mentored students through academic, professional, and career development.
- Managed compliance with USDA, IDALS, IDPH, controlled substance regulations, hazardous materials, and laboratory safety requirements.
- Supervised and instructed veterinary technology students on best practices during surgery rotations. This included supervising and instructing students in all aspects of preparing the animal for surgery, including physical exams, blood draws, anesthetic induction, and IV catheter placement.
- Supervised and instructed second year veterinary technician students on best practices to perform oral exams, dental cleanings, and taking dental radiographs.
- Established and maintained relationships with local animal shelters in order to procure animals for animal behavior course and surgical and dental labs.
Instructor / Program Coordinator
Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids, IA
07.2017 - 07.2021
- Coordinated clinical internships for Veterinary Technology, Veterinary Assisting, and Humane Officer Training students, enhancing hands-on experience and professional readiness.
- Designed and delivered curriculum, lectures, laboratory instruction, examinations, and student assessments.
- Supervised and evaluated student performance in classroom, laboratory, and clinical environments.
- Established partnerships with veterinary practices to broaden experiential learning opportunities for students, fostering career readiness.
- Maintained affiliation agreements and memoranda of understanding with veterinary clinics and animal shelters to ensure quality training opportunities for students.
Registered Veterinary Technician
Edgewood Animal Hospital
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
01.2011 - 08.2011
- Assisted veterinarians with physical exams.
- Created templates and medical notes for patient files.
- Provided pet owners with information and instructions about preventative healthcare for their animals, as well as specific needs and care for an ill or injured pet.
- Prepared animals for surgical procedures including physical exams, blood draws, and running lab tests prior to surgery. This included blood tests, urinary and fecal tests, and radiographs.
- Placed IV catheters
- Administered and monitored patient anesthesia
- Performed dental cleanings
Certified Veterinary Technician
Arapahoe Animal Hospital
Boulder, CO
06.2009 - 12.2010
- Delivered advanced anesthesia, surgical, laboratory, and dental support to enhance patient care.
- Implemented a chemotherapy administration system that improved safety for patients and staff.
- Trained veterinarians and technical staff on chemotherapy safety protocols to ensure compliance and reduce risk.
Certified Veterinary Technician
The Animal Doctor
Broomfield, CO
05.2007 - 06.2009
- Delivered comprehensive surgical, anesthesia, laboratory, and nursing care.
- Collaborated with Colorado State University veterinary oncology specialists to establish improved chemotherapy safety practices.
- Oversaw daily tasks of veterinary technician interns, enhancing training and skill development.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IAAssociate of Applied Science - Veterinary Technology
Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids, IAProfessional Mentorship & Leadership Development Program
MentorVet Tech
Skills
- Simulation Operations & Medical Education
- Curriculum Development
- Accreditation & Regulatory Compliance
- Clinical Education Coordination
- Instructional Program Management
- Project & Event Management
- Veterinary Practice Information Management Systems (Cornerstone, Avimark, IDEXX Neo)
- Microsoft Office Suite
- SharePoint & Microsoft Teams
- Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
- Microsoft Teams
- Faculty & Staff Collaboration
- Student Advising & Mentoring
- Relationship Building
- Healthcare & Veterinary Education
- SharePoint
Affiliations
- Chair, AVTE Fellows Committee
- Member, NAVTA Student Chapter Committee
- Member, Association of Veterinary Technician Educators (AVTE)
- Member, Iowa Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA)
- Member, National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
- Former Board Member, Association of Veterinary Technician Educators (AVTE)
- Former Member, Iowa Veterinary Medical Association Veterinary Technician Committee
Timeline
Instructional Services Coordinator
University of Iowa Health Care
04.2026 - Current
Instructor / Program Coordinator
Kirkwood Community College
07.2017 - 07.2021
Program Director / Registered Veterinary Technician
Kirkwood Community College
09.2014 - 01.2026
Registered Veterinary Technician
Edgewood Animal Hospital
01.2011 - 08.2011
Certified Veterinary Technician
Arapahoe Animal Hospital
06.2009 - 12.2010
Certified Veterinary Technician
The Animal Doctor
05.2007 - 06.2009
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Iowa
Associate of Applied Science - Veterinary Technology
Kirkwood Community College
Professional Mentorship & Leadership Development Program
MentorVet Tech