NCTA Alumna Builds a Lifelong Career in Veterinary Medicine and Leadership
Curtis, Neb. – From her roots on a family farm in Tekamah, Nebraska, to managing a leading small animal and exotic hospital in Omaha, Christina Knadjl’s journey in veterinary medicine reflects the transformative power of hands-on education and dedication to lifelong learning.
A proud graduate of the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) Veterinary Technology program, Christina says her time in Curtis laid the foundation for her professional and personal success.
“I truly enjoyed the small-college atmosphere where professors knew you by name and cared about your success,” she shared. “Living in the dorms helped me build lifelong friendships and connections. I was involved in several activities, including the livestock judging team, student ambassador program, and Collegiate Cattlemen. Some of my favorite memories include dances, field trips, and the sense of community that made NCTA such a special place.”
Those experiences shaped a career that blends compassion, skill, and leadership. Christina is now a Licensed Veterinary Technician and Practice Manager at a small animal and exotic hospital in Omaha, Nebraska.
She credits NCTA’s hands-on learning environment for preparing her to step confidently into the workforce. “The hands-on skills and one-on-one instruction I received gave me the confidence and practical knowledge needed to excel in a clinical setting. The emphasis on applied learning was invaluable in preparing me for real-world experiences,” she said.
Christina’s career has spanned more than a decade of specialized veterinary practice. She worked for 14 years at a large veterinary referral center in Colorado, serving in the Internal Medicine and Intensive Care Units before advancing to manage the ICU. Her drive for professional growth led her to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management with a minor in Human Resources.
She also became board-certified in Veterinary Hyperbaric Medicine, leading her hospital’s hyperbaric department and training veterinary teams across the United States and Canada in hyperbaric safety and operation. Additionally, she is a Certified Veterinary Burnout Professional, an achievement that reflects her dedication to promoting mental well-being within the veterinary field.
“Veterinary medicine can be demanding, and it’s vital that we recognize and address the challenges we face to maintain a healthy and sustainable career,” she said.
Today, Christina continues to give back to the college that helped shape her path. She serves as an Alumni Recruiter for NCTA and mentors students in the college’s online veterinary technology program.
“NCTA is one of the best veterinary technology programs in the Midwest—and arguably in the entire U.S.,” she said. “The small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and emphasis on hands-on learning make it truly unique. You’ll graduate confident and well-prepared for real-world veterinary practice. The sky’s the limit as a veterinary technician. You just have to believe in yourself, set your mind to it, and go for it.”