Does this look like a good idea?

[ILoveMyAbbyGirl]

I've always wanted to be a vet/vet tech and am in my second year of school here in town. I want to start doing classes online, and this is the college I found that I'm VERY interested in. What do you think?

Everything is meant to be done in 4 semesters, but its at your own pace. They mail you the materials you need, and examinations are given at the end of every semster or 2 semsters (don't remember) and 9-week practicums at a vet clinic at the end of semsters 2 and 4.

Tuition is also a little less than what I'm paying now. For everything I need at Penn Foster, it's around $1400 a semester. Right now, I'm paying almost $2400 a semester.

Online classes means I can work more (I don't get much money to do things, considering I make $300 every two weeks with how little I'm working) and do things at my own pace. I'm really excited for something like this. What do you guys think, worth it or not?

http://www.pennfostercollege.edu/vettech/

[Cataholic]

Megan,
I didn't read the link. LOL. I will share with you that my personal experience is that online courses take a lot of dedication, kind of like working from home. I don't think everyone is cut out to do either. I have also 'heard', but, not lately, that some online programs aren't as widely recognized as your typical brick and mortar type courses.

I would stick where you are, and get finished. Just my $.02.

[emily_the_spoiled]

Hi Megan,

Here is the website for the Vet Tech association

http://www.navta.net/

I would say before making any decisions about changing programs I would check with the association to see about the recognition and accrediation of the Penn Foster program (like Johanna suggested).

[CathyBogart]

Also, check out the statistics for their students' pass rates on the board exams. I had two vet tech schools to choose from...one with a 65% pass rate on the state boards and one that has had a 100% pass rate for the last nine years. Guess which one I chose? :)

[ILoveMyAbbyGirl]

Here's the link to the NAVTA accrediation page. Penn Foster is on the list. =]

http://www.avma.org/education/cvea/vettech_programs/arizona.asp

ETA: I did notice they have a provisional accrediation. Hmm. Comments?

[ILoveMyAbbyGirl]

Also, this is straight from the Penn Foster website...

"Penn Foster College's Veterinary Technician Associate Degree is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) as a program for educating veterinary technicians."

[emily_the_spoiled]

Here is the definition of provisional accreditation:

Provisional Accreditation – Provisional accreditation is granted to new programs in veterinary technology where students have not completed the entire curriculum and/or the programs have not produced sufficient numbers of graduates to adequately assess outcomes. Programs may remain on provisional accreditation for a period not to exceed five years. A classification of provisional accreditation is not punitive. Graduates of a provisionally accredited program are graduates of an AVMA-accredited program.

As CathyBogart suggested, check out their exam pass rates also.

But this is good to find out all this information before investing the time and money to enroll and then find out.

[ILoveMyAbbyGirl]

Forgot to mention that the school I'm at now doesn't offer a vet program. I'm merely here with the intentions of getting some basic classes done to help lead me into vet. medicine. If I want any type of degree in vet. medicine, I have to transfer.

[Karen]

Oh, okay - we didn't know your current school doesn't have a vet tech program. How does the school handle the in-person training a vet tech needs? Do they have vets that will do internships, etc? So much of being a vet tech is hands-on stuff, that's why I am asking!

[ILoveMyAbbyGirl]

At the end of semesters 2 and 4 you have to do a 9-week practicum at a veterinary hospital, in addition to proctored exams at the end of each semester.

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Hey I just wanted to wish you good luck with whatever school you choose! I'm going to vet school to become a RVT at the moment... and I love it!:love:

[ILoveMyAbbyGirl]

I'm excited. I've been reading quite a bit of good reviews about the school. I'm still researching though! =]

[jennielynn1970]

How many of the credit that you have now will be able to be transferred? Will you be losing many credits? It's an Associate's degree for the Vet Tech, so if you want to go on to be a Vet or something else associated with the vet field, Bachelor's or further, will those credits from this new school transfer?

The reason I say this is that I started out at a community college, and transferred a twice before I ended up at the college where I studied Library Science/Education. In the process I lost a lot of credits. It stunk. I just hate to see anyone work hard to get those credits and take those courses, only to have them not transfer. I didn't plan ahead, but figured basic courses would transfer. I think I lost about a semester's worth of credits all together.

Ask if there are any colleges that they are affiliated with that have advanced degrees and will accept all their credits/courses.

[ILoveMyAbbyGirl]

Now I'm just getting frustrated.

I talked to my dad about it. He said he doesn't really care, just to make sure its accredited, and he needs to find out if his insurance will still consider me a full-time student and I'll still be covered. He said he thinks I should go to UW-Steven's Point to get my degree, that way I'll get the "experience" of living in a dorm.

My mom thinks I'm making the wrong choice with Penn Foster. She just said "we need to talk," when I mentioned it to her briefly before school this morning.

Ughh. Nothing's easy, is it?

[Lillycat]

no, not easy trying to pick a good school.....UW is a nationally recognized good university.....

[ILoveMyAbbyGirl]

I'm still leaning towards Penn Foster. I've read so many great reviews, even heard from people at work that they really like PF.

I called a couple clinics today and the two I called said they really had no experience dealing with vet techs that had done an online program. I have a few more I'd like to call, then I'll make my decision.

[Sirrahsim]

It is the general consensus of the people I used to work with that people with online degrees are generally not taken as seriously in the working world as people with brick and mortar degrees. If you are serious about your education, why wouldn't you be serious about putting your time and effort into an actual university? In my opinion, and theirs, online courses are fine if they are for a prereq class or elective, but shouldn't be used to try to complete a "degree"...
Then again my experience was talking with people in the financial field.. maybe a vet tech would be looked at differently.

[Flatcoatluver]

I got my high school diploma from a online school. I am so happy I did, or I probally would have dropped out of school. I loved how flexible it was, I mostly did my work late at night, because that was the time I was most awake.

I say go for it if you feel good with the school. Good Luck. :)

[emily_the_spoiled]

Very reputable universities now offer degrees online (including John Hopkins, Yale, Cornell, and Stanford). I think as long as the degree does not have a heavy lab component and it is a good program online degrees are fine. (I know that I keep looking at one from Hopkins). I attended a "regular" university for all of my degrees but now that I am working fulltime again I do not want to go back to school fulltime (again).

So if an online program works and is recognized, then go for it. Additional education is ALWAYS a good thing

[sumbirdy]

That's the school I'm attending now! (To be a vet tech as well) There are absolutely no colleges close to me that offer any kind of vet classes. You have to take online classes once a week for two hours when you're enrolled in certain subjects. Its really flexible and works for me because I work part-time and then come home and take care of my nephew. You don't have to discard job offers because they don't coincide with your school hours, you can build your school hours around work! It works for me but it isn't for everyone. It's easy to set the books down and forget about them because you really have no teachers reminding you everday, and then you get behind (They give you 1 year to finish 2 semesters, and if you don't finish you have to pay a $75 6-month extension fee, you get 3 or 4 extensions I think) With whichever you choose make sure you stay dedicated.

[Catty1]

Just one question - do you have the self-discipline to do this? Are you easily distracted?

If not, you'd be wasting money, even though the costs are better.

[ILoveMyAbbyGirl]

People have brought that up to me before, about having the motivation to do this. This is something I want-- something I've wanted so badly for so long. If I put my mind to it, I can do it, and I just want to prove everyone wrong.

[Catty1]

NP - not a matter of right or wrong...online courses work great for some people, not so great for others.

Home based businesses don't work so well for me - I have a hard time staying organized and getting all the things done unless I make tons of lists. But this might be just the thing for you.

Will this college give you credit for all the courses you are already taking?

You're sure doing your homework on it anyway. Does the school website mention where its graduates are working now? You might be able to call some of those places and ask what they thin also.

Good luck!

[ILoveMyAbbyGirl]

Okay, so here's my next dilemma.

I'm pretty much set on Penn Foster. I've talked to a few vet clinics, and one clinic I spoke to told me they had 3 employees working there now that were currently getting their vet tech degrees online. She said they had no problem hiring people with online degrees, which made me breathe a little easier.

Now -- I'm thinking of finishing this semester of college here in town, and then taking next semester off. I'm going to start working full-time at Petco, and hopefully they will let me start the grooming program so I can become a groomer and make commission. The girl that finished grooming school 6 months ago is currently making 60% commission and brings home $700 every two weeks, which is double, if not triple what I make now. I'd also like to pick up a part-time job at a little sidewalk-restaurant that's opening soon. Just a few hours a week, something to do on the side. That way, I can work full-time for a while, save up some money, and not have to take out loans to pay for Penn Foster.

But -- my parents are going to absolutely FLIP. They don't like the idea of Penn Foster as it is, but the fact that I want to take a semester break and work before starting Penn... I'm sure they're going to kill me.

I'm torn between making my parents happy and making myself happy. You all know me, I'm very much a people pleaser, and to have my parents angry at me already, this is only going to make it worse and it sucks. Isn't it time for me to make my own decisions and do what I think is right? Besides, I'm twenty, my boyfriend and I would like to get a place together... I think now is my time to blossom and venture out there on my own.

I guess what I'm asking for is some reinforcement, that I'm not making the wrong decision here. My grandparents on my mom's side are all for it, they think it makes sense to be able to do school on my terms and work full-time. My dad and mom hate the idea, and I'm sure my grandparents on my dad's side will hate it too.

Am I making a mistake? Am I wrong to want to do what I want to do?

[Catty1]

You want to work to avoid taking out the loans for school.

If your mom and dad don't like the idea, see if THEY will pay for the schooling! ;)

They might be more agreeable when they see it will come out of YOUR pocket. :)

[buckner]

Megan,

I'm not sure if Penn Foster is "ok" to Health Insurance Companies - I don't think I would still be under my mom's health coverage if I was doing an online degree. Look into that first.

BUT, if you take a semester off, you'll definitely NOT be covered under your dad's health insurance. I have wanted to take a semester off so bad to get my life and mind back in order, but I can't... I have to have that health coverage, it's crazy. I'm insured until I'm 25 as long as I'm a full-time student every semester.. summers don't count.

So look into all that and weigh it.
Is health coverage important to you? It is to me, because I'm sick a lot and have chronic problems that I need the coverage badly.
Would you rather take a semester off and lose the coverage?
Are you ONLY switching to Penn Foster because it seems easier? To me, online courses ARE easier than the ones in the classroom. Don't take the easy road out though, Megan... even if it'll be hard, do what you think is best.

My friend is enrolled at Penn Foster right now, as well as going to private institution. She likes Penn Foster, but never has time for it. Even when she wasn't going to school and Penn Foster was all she was doing, she never found the time to sit down and do the work. Just something to consider.

[ILoveMyAbbyGirl]

That was my biggest fear, was getting knocked off my dad's insurance. I talked to him this morning and he talked to his insurance company and they said they'd still cover me! I was beyond relieved.