Is completing an externship mandatory for Penn Foster veterinary technician associate degree students, and if so, what does it involve?
An externship, similar to an internship, allows learners to spend time in a veterinary clinic observing and performing tasks under the supervision of an experienced mentor.
The Penn Foster VT AS program requires two externships: Externship 1 comes at the end of semester 2 and Externship 2 is completed at the end of semester 4.
The externships require students to log 200+ supervised clinical hours each as well as perform a set of standard skills. These skills help students demonstrate their proficiency in the various tasks and prepare them for their VTNE. Externships offer an awarding opportunity for learners, by allowing students to put the knowledge they have learned into practice and grow their confidence in their abilities.
What support does Penn Foster offer for partners and their externship students?
Our partners and their students receive extensive support for their students in externship. Our first differentiator is our dedicated Client Success team who provide detailed resources and direct support to help our partners and their students succeed. Available resources include:
- Guides and best-practices on how to support your students throughout the externship experience.
- Assistance building the right internal infrastructure to match students to externship location.
- Detailed externship application and progress reporting.
- Personalized support to answer any questions our partners may have!
Our Client Success team also includes vet med professionals who help create and curate an elevated externship experience for our partners and their students. These dedicated staff advise the entire team on externship best practices and keep a finger on the pulse of the industry to ensure as seamless an experience as possible!
Does Penn Foster offer opportunities for partners to become externship sites?
We are always looking to partner with locations with large animal and lab species to help serve the needs of our Externship 2 students. Contact us today!
What is a Fast Track Lab and what are the benefits of my organization running one?
A Fast-Track Lab is a location where students can complete large and exotic animal skills as part of their Penn Foster Vet Tech AS degree externship. There are several benefits to running a Penn Foster FTL, such as additional revenue, strengthening your employee pipeline, and helping build up future veterinary technicians.
Is Penn Foster accredited?
Penn Foster College's Veterinary Technician Associate Degree program is fully accredited by the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) as a program for educating veterinary technicians. This accreditation "represents the highest standard of achievement for veterinary medical education in the United States. Institutions that earn accreditation confirm their commitment to quality and continuous improvement through a rigorous and comprehensive peer review."
Additionally, Penn Foster College is nationally accredited. This form of accreditation means that Penn Foster has met the high standards required by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) in Washington, D.C. The DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency.
What are the average completion times for the Penn Foster Veterinary Technician Associate Degree Program?
The average completion times for the Penn Foster Veterinary Technician Associate Degree Program vary depending on the pace at which your students choose to study. For those who prefer an accelerated approach and can dedicate more time to their coursework, the fast-track option allows completion in as little as 9 months. On the other hand, the average completion time, which applies to most learners dedicating a few hours per week to their studies, is typically around 12 months. Penn Foster provides flexibility, enabling your students to tailor their learning speed to what suits them best, whether it's a swift journey or a more moderate pace.
Will students be prepared to take the VTNE? How do they perform?
Students will be prepared to sit for the VTNE exam by studying animal healthcare, animal anatomy and physiology, veterinary practice management, veterinary pharmacology, and more. View test scores for Penn Foster's Vet Tech students.
How does Penn Foster support learners? What resources are offered to students?
Penn Foster is committed to providing robust support to learners, ensuring they have access to a wide range of resources throughout their program. This support includes highly accessible instructors who can be reached via phone, email, and the convenient student portal. Furthermore, Penn Foster grants students access to an expansive learning resource center, a virtual library, engaging webinars, informative videos, and the option to attend virtual office hours. These comprehensive resources are designed to enhance the learning experience and empower students on their educational journey.
What resources are available to Penn Foster Partners?
As a valued Penn Foster Partner, we provide a range of resources aimed at equipping you to better assist your students. Among these resources is our comprehensive marketing resource center, stocked with valuable materials designed to support and guide your students through their educational journey. Additionally, we offer promotional marketing materials to help you effectively promote your program to your employees, ensuring a seamless and impactful learning experience for all involved.
