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Prospective Students |
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How DEVTP works
By definition, a distance education (DE) program is an instructional curriculum that can be completed entirely or partially at a location other than the parent college campus. DE is designed to break down the common barriers to adult education; namely distance from a campus and the inability to leave work and family to attend college. The DEVTP program breaks down the barriers for those aspiring to be credentialed veterinary support staff by providing a curriculum that is completed while you are on the job with minimal disruption of the work and family routines.
Each of the courses in the four levels of the program are 12 weeks long. The prerequisite and general studies courses are 16 weeks in length. Level 1, 2, 3, and 4, courses begin in January, May, and September. Depending on personal and work schedules, students can usually complete one to four courses per semester. According to past student surveys, each student can expect to devote approximately 4 to 6 hours per week per course in studying, completing written assignments, examinations, and completing clinical assignments.
Students are also required to have a preceptor to guide them through their studies. The preceptor must be a veterinarian or a credentialed veterinary technician (See Preceptor Guidelines for more information). This individual serves as the student's mentor and as an instructor in clinical exercises. The preceptor is also responsible for verifying that written assignments have been completed and administering and monitoring examinations in some upper level courses.
After you have registered for a Level 1 course with the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), you will receive an information packet from AAHA. It will contain several items including instructions on how to obtain your course workbook, ordering information for textbooks and other class supplies, a schedule of when assignments are due, and the all important Student Data Form. You are also required to complete submissions for Off-Campus Clinical Instruction and designate your preceptor(s). Forms for this will be sent to you from Cedar Valley College (CVC) after you return your Student Data Form. When completed, you will return your OCCI and preceptor designation forms to CVC by fax, mail, or e-mail. We must receive your Student Data Form prior to the start of class so that we can get you the information necessary for you to be a student. All OCCI facilities information must be completed during the first six-weeks of the term that you are enrolled in the program.
Students are responsible for submitting Weekly Preceptor Checklists found in the course workbooks. This is a listing of assignments that are due each week. You must submit each week's list at the appropriate time to receive credit for the course. Your preceptor must sign each required item to verify that you completed the course assignments.
Almost every week you will have some combination of written assignments and clinical exercises to complete. These assignments should be submitted according to the required schedule. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact the program staff at 877-353-3482.