-Janet DVM-
Q. What prerequisites are required prior to applying to the Veterinary Technology Distance Learning Program, and how many credit hours are needed prior to admission?
-Guy Hancock DVM-
A. At the time of application the student should be finished with or enrolled in the last of the 22 credit hours in the general education course requirements. An exception is that applicants with an AA, BA or BS degree will not be required to take additional general education courses. However, they must have the biology support course even if that was not in their prior degree program.
Secondly, the distance students must work at least 20 hours per week in a veterinary practice. Completion of the distance program depends on a solid and supportive relationship between the student and the employer veterinarian. Prospective students who are not working in a veterinary clinic should try to get a position in a larger facility with multiple veterinarians and graduate veterinary technicians if possible.
-Janet DVM-
Q. What tools will the student need to use the distance learning program? (Type of computer equipment, Internet connection, etc.)
-Guy Hancock DVM-
A. The student needs a computer with a version 4.0 or higher Internet browser such as Netscape or Internet Explorer. A modem and internet access at 28.8 k or higher is necessary. The Internet service provider can be America Online or any other local provider.
Another requirement is that the student must have membership in Veterinary Information Network. This can be accomplished with a student membership, or by using the employers membership. There is a monthly charge for membership.
-Janet DVM-
Q. How are lessons delivered, and will the student get a chance to talk to their professor(s)?
-Guy Hancock DVM-
A. The program is on a semester schedule identical to the on-campus program. A typical distance class meets once per week for a 45 minute live online chat session. These are usually scheduled at 7, 8 or 9 pm EST Monday through Thursday nights. The courses also make extensive use of electronic bulletin boards and email for communications between students and faculty. Faculty can also be reached by phone during their on-campus office hours. Distance students report that they have far more communication with the professors and fellow students than in their on campus courses.
-Janet DVM-
Q. What about exams and finals? Are then sent via email, or?
-Guy Hancock DVM-
A. Midterm and final exams are mailed to a proctor, usually someone at the local community college's testing center. They are administered
by the proctor on the appropriate day and returned by mail to our faculty
for grading.
-Janet DVM-
Q. Technical skills (venipuncture, lab work) and animal handling skills
really need hands-on learning. How is practical veterinary experience handled via distance learning?
-Guy Hancock DVM-
A. Students must work a minimum of 20 hours per week in a veterinary hospital,
and the majority are full time employees. Each lab course has a
list of skills that must be completed during the semester, and students
use the opportunities that arise during the hospital's daily cases. For
skills that cannot be performed in the host veterinary hospital the student
must find other hospitals where they can go to learn them. Student
performance of skills is documented by their supervisors in the workplace,
by exams, by products that the students send to faculty for grading, and
by pictures or video of the student's performing the skills.
-Janet DVM-
Q. How
long does the program take to complete? | How much does it cost?
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Text: Copyright © Janet Tobiassen Crosby. All rights reserved.
