On-Line courses for certification of veterinary technicians

[ptpadmin]

A veterinarian who has joined the Protect the Pets movement recently posed this question.” One of my new veterinary assistants is very excited and feels she has found what she has been looking for. She would like to go on to become a CVT. She found an on-line course (Penn Foster) for CVT. I have not heard of any one graduating from one of the on-line tech programs so I don’t know what to tell her about the quality of the education. Do you know anyone or have any thoughts on these programs. It says it is an accredited program for CVT (not assistant)” Does anyone have experience with these programs? Can anyone shed some light on this question? Thanks, Dr.Robb

[mrparhamrvt]

I am actually finishing my bachelors through St Petes program. Took my associates at a brick and mortar type. definite differences and my understanding is the requirements are much more rigorous for those to earn the AVT (associates in veterinary technology) requiring many hours of documented work (video journal etc) with a mentor. My understanding is as a DVM, you must be very willing to teach and help out. The biggest complaint I have heard are that the requirements are higher because there is less faculty involvement and it is therefore harder to prove the students actually KNOW what they are studying.
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Melanie R. Parham, RVT (AVT)

[ptpadmin]

Thanks Melanie,
I have let the doctor who incquired for her tech know of your comprehensive response. It will help her make the best decison. Thanks for your input! Dr. Robb

[mrparhamrvt]

Please free to have her contact me personally or even through this forum. I can give her a list of the many schools that ARE fully AVMA accredited ... that is the biggest thing!! Also, there is a new school (DL) that is starting up with the lowest fees I have heard of yet. AND they look much better right now than Penn Foster. The scary part of PF is that they received provisional accreditation, never made it up to full and were immediately knocked back down to probational. They only have so long before AVMA pulls the accreditation completely if they don't get their act together and start teaching & graduating high quality students who can actually pass the VTNE.
Or better yet, she can actually go to the AVMA website. They have a list of the DL programs available with their accreditation status listed as well.
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Melanie R. Parham, RVT (AVT)

[mrparhamrvt]

PS Pet peeve here... her veterinary assistant. No school or credentials, she isn't a technician.
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Melanie R. Parham, RVT (AVT)

[ptpadmin]

You are right, old habits are hard to die. thanks for the correction. Doc