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-Janet DVM-
Q. How long does this course of study take?
-Guy Hancock DVM-
A. Since most students work full time, the typical semester course load is 5-7 credit hours. With 51 veterinary technology course credits, 28 courses, the program takes approximately 10 semesters to complete.
-Janet DVM-
Q. What is the degree earned once a student finishes the course work?
-Guy Hancock DVM-
A. The degree awarded is the Associate in Science in Veterinary Technology.
-Janet DVM-
Q. Does the distance degree hold the same weight or value as if a student attended in person?
-Guy Hancock DVM-
A. Yes! The transcripts and diploma indicate only the courses taken and the degree awarded. There is no distinction about how many of the courses were taken by distance education vs traditional on campus attendance. The outcomes and requirements are identical for the on campus and distance courses.
-Janet DVM-
Q. How much does the
entire distance program cost?
-Guy Hancock DVM-
A.The tuition is $186.34 per credit hour, so the 51 veterinary technology
course credits cost $9,503.34. Additional fees are $23 per course
technology fee, approximately $800 for books, and monthly fees for Internet
service provider and Veterinary Information Network subscriptions. This
brings the total to approximately $12,207. Florida residents pay a lower
tuition rate which brings their total to $5,273.
Calculations done a few years ago compared the on-campus program costs to the online program. In the online program in those calculations we allocated $2,000 to purchase a computer. The surprising result was that if you commuted more than 8 miles the on-campus program actually cost more. The online expenses can be reduced even more since many people already have a computer, and if not they can purchase a very capable one for less than $1,000. The same calculations set the break-even point for non-residents at 22 miles: driving 22 miles to campus and paying resident fees cost the same as paying non-resident fees in the distance program.
Finally, the costs are spread out and paid semester by semester. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement or advancement incentives that will help with the expenses. Federal student financial aid applies to the program expenses for students who qualify for grants or low-interest loans.
-Janet DVM-
Q. What does the AVMA accreditation add to the program and learning success
of the student?
-Guy Hancock DVM-
A. The benefit accreditation offers to graduates is that it makes them
eligible for certification, registration or licensure exams in the states
that offer them.
The AVMA accreditation process is rigorous, and receiving accreditation means that the program meets all the essential requirements set by AVMA. It is an independent confirmation of a program's quality and comprehensive curriculum.
Initial accreditation was awarded in 1995 following a site visit, and full accreditation was awarded in November of 2000 following a second site visit.
-Janet DVM-
Q. In your opinion, will having a degree make the graduate more employable?
Earn more income?
-Guy Hancock DVM-
A. Our program receives several hundred job announcements annually, several
times the number of new graduates available to fill them. Surveys of graduates
indicate that having the degree enables them to earn approximately $2
per hour more than they would without the degree.
Please click here for Dr. Hancock's bio and contact information.
I would like to thank Guy Hancock, DVM for his time and for sharing this information about the Veterinary Technology Distance Education Program at St. Petersburg Junior College in St. Petersburg, Florida.
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Text: Copyright © Janet Tobiassen Crosby. All rights reserved.
