Penn Foster

Internship is dependent on the Vet hospital completing school requirements with the student. The hospitals are usually too busy The internship is Pass or Fail. You will not get partial credit.

Very well rounded program that includes some very demanding skill set practicums. Amazing on line delivery and amazing staff that really desire you to do your best! To complete this degree program you must be able to manage your time well and be prepared to commit yourself to studying daily and keeping on tract. Lots of resources within the student community portals, lots of videos to understand material and lots of support and very responsive instructors. Highly recommend this program.

I went to the school to be a Veterinary Assistant, and will be going back for my Vet Tech. I thought the school was affordable, didn't have to take out any school loans and when i was done with the program, i didn't owe the school any money. On top of all that, its self paced. It took me a little longer to get the certificate and they extended me for only 75 dollars, even work with me when I miss a couple of payments. I didn't need help on the course work so i cant tell you anything about the teachers. I LOVED going to penn foster. AND THEY ARE out of the 8 schools that offer online Vet tech degree, they are now fully accredited through the AVMA. When i had graduated they had just became accredited. If any Veterinary program is not listed on AVMA, DO NOT ENROLL in that school.

Penn Foster was a clear choice for me when I started looking at programs. It is so much more affordable, with books included in the quoted price, and they allow me to make monthly payments rather than taking out a loan. For me, the biggest factor was flexibility. I work full time and I cannot lose any hours. Because the program is self-paced, I'm able to set my own goal for turning in projects and taking exams. I can slow down on class work during an especially busy work week, and pick the pace back up when work is more under control. Due to its online nature, PF is very much a program of "you get out what you put in". Can you fail in this program? Absolutely. You must have your own motivation to keep going - no is going to make you study! The material is tough because the field is tough. I am already working in this field, and to me, for anyone working in the field seeking to get certification, there is no other choice. If you enroll in the program and fully dedicate to it, you will succeed. It will not be easy; you will have to study and research. You have to attend lectures (often taught by Veterinary Technician Specialists!), watch recordings, and read the suggested supplemental material. You will need to visit the veterinary websites suggested by instructors. It is a very difficult course, but Penn Foster does provide what you need to get there. It is AVMA accredited, so you will be able to sit for the VTNE and obtain registration.

Don't bother with this school. It is for-profit and it seems that is all they care about, keeping people enrolled and keeping people paying. The online format is convenient for a lot of people but the use of technology is confusing. Tuition they said was $1500 for the entire curriculum. You could pay in installments, but if you changed your mind, you end up paying $500 just to buy your way out. To keep you in, they will offer you the chance to transfer to another program. Please be careful to read the agreement carefully before signing. Their only concern is making money, save yourself the aggravation. Don't fall for it. It's not as easy and convenient as it sounds. You're better off at a non-profit community college or technical school.

It is hard to get good critical reviews on Penn Foster. Penn Foster is what you make of it. If you read most of the negative reviews you will find that most are from people who find studying at their own pace and staying self-motivated a foreign concept. Most of their complaints are basically of their own making for not doing due diligence on subjects such as transfer credits, etc... Because of Penn Foster's low tuition cost they have many more participants than other colleges whose programs costs considerably more. Because of this statistical fact you are going to get more people who complain on issues that are not really legitimate problems, for instance: 1. All colleges and universities require complete payment before graduation (ALL OF THEM). Ever heard of student loans? Go to any college and try not paying your tuition in full and see what happens. 2. Not all credits are transferable from institution to institution, even among regionally accredited schools. This is the way it is and always has been. Heck I had a local community college not accept transfer credits from Notre Dame for certain subjects. If you are thinking about using Penn Foster as transfer credits then check ahead of time on transferability. 3. Although this should be self-evident, they are not going to hold your hand. They provide the basic needs to get your degree and certification. No frills. Penn Foster is not perfect, but having attended several different colleges they are by far not the worst either. They fulfill a certain niche in our society for military, working adults, etc... and are poorly served by recent high school graduates who expect to have their hands held and or those who cannot honestly engage in self-guided and motivated study. One final note, I contacted the AVMA and found out that Penn Foster fully meets their requirement for distance accreditation and that there are more expensive schools in the US that do not. Interestingly enough Penn Foster is not the highest school on their complaint roster, hmmmm. Again, it is what you make of it. It is too bad that many of the negative reviews, not all, are knee jerk reactions to problems that, truth be known, are of the author's making.

Beware of claims of accreditation. You will not be able to transfer credits to a real regionally accredited college (perhaps Excelsior in Albany). I called admissions as my daughter is interested in the vet tech program. Having a graduate degree in education and being familiar with accreditation standards and processes I am disappointed in the slick sales and poor standards this school represents. It does not take much to be honest to potential students. DEAC is worthless for post secondary (college), being ACE approved is not accreditation. If they are ripping off students as reviews indicate then a father's advice is to go elsewhere. If you want a real college degree go elsewhere. I applaud your motivation to improve your life and accomplish something important. If you are not interested in a college degree that is recognized or if you feel that this place has what you need then press on. But read everything (to include these reviews) and ask questions before you sign up. The bill collectors do not care if you did not do your homework prior to the debt. My daughter will go elsewhere and is already a vet assistant. Ciao.

Don't waste your time. I'm at the end of semester 3 and I'm going to finish. But choice some place else, I wouldn't recommend this program. The instructors are horrible, the courses are ok.

While the cost of this program is good, the quality of education and instructors is extremely poor. There are many technical errors in their curriculum. Many of the instructors are new to the field. The program director is basically a poster boy and has no real power in the program to help the students and defers to other faculty to make decisions. The skills that are required to be performed in the two practicums are AVMA required skills but the school requires pictures or videos. While videos actually show the skill being done. Still photography requires the technician student to stop and pose for each step which would not happen in a clinic scenario. The multiple amount of paperwork submissions required is ridiculous as well. If your supervising veterinarian signs you off on lab skills, it is redundant to have a PF faculty member sign off as well. In my opinion this is a poorly planned program. There is a reason they have 10,000 students register but only an 8% retention rate. While their VTNE pass rates are good, the only reason for this is the ones who actually finish the program are likely to take the VTNE seriously and pass it.

I absolutely love Penn Foster College. It's impossible to come up with even one negative comment. They do offer online programs, so if you aren't a self-starter, or able to motivate yourself to keep going, it's probably not for you. I have taken many online courses through community colleges, and have had some bad luck. I was hesitant to pursue another online degree, but really wanted to take an accredited Veterinary Technology program in order to become licensed as a technician. Penn Foster was my only real option, as many brick and mortar schools do not offer night classes. Boy, am I ever thankful for Penn Foster!! The Vet Tech program is tough, but fair. It definitely enables students to learn everything they need to be knowledgeable in the field, and also to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam. The director of the program, Jim Hurrell, is amazing and inspiring! He is active on the student community, and the Vet Tech Facebook page. He makes himself very available to students, and it's clear he has such a passion for education in the veterinary field! The other major bonus with Penn Foster programs is their amazing affordability!! I have quite a lot of debt because of past student loans, and thanks to Penn Foster, I will earn this degree, and owe the school no money at the end of it all!! They offer a VERY affordable payment plan, and their prices are a fraction of what some of my friends have paid for other schooling in the same field!! I truly believe that if you are able to motivate yourself to stay on track, Penn Foster is the best online school there is! I would recommend it to anyone!

I LOVE PENN FOSTER!! I have been enrolled since 2012. This school is amazing! I am currently enrolled in the Veterinary Technician program to earn my Associates of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology. This Program is nationally accredited by the AVMA and we have an amazing pass rate for the VTNE (veterinary technician national exam) When I decided to enroll with Penn Foster I was living in Oklahoma and the closet brick and motor school was 3 hours away from me. There was no way I would be able to work and go to school. So I found Penn Foster. Not only was it amazingly affordable but I knew it was nationally accredited which was another major plus when you are a Vet Tech Student. And the fact that I was able to move back home to Arizona and bring my school work with me and work full time was a huge blessing! I have never had a bad experience since enrolling. The staff is amazing and always extremely helpful! We have one of the most amazing Program Directors ever! He is always there on our vet tech facebook page and on the school community to help answer questions or serve as a mentor! We also have a amazing student ambassador program (I am one of the 2015 ambassador and was a 2014 ambassador as well!) The ambassador program has given me even more reasons to be proud of my school. It has made me a better person and a better student. I have also met some of the most amazing students who have become amazing friends from everywhere in the US and overseas! If you are looking to further your education whether it be in Veterinary medicine or one of the other amazing programs the school offers please go with Penn Foster! It has been one of the most amazing decisions i have made and i couldn't be prouder to call my self a Penn Foster Student! Amanda

I love Penn Foster School and would recommend it to anyone! This is my third program with Penn Foster, and I am in the Vet Tech Program now. The school is fully accredit, the program is wonderful, the Instructors are very helpful and the classes are fun and challenging. If you are looking for a program that is self-paced and payment plan friendly, then check out Penn Foster! Please note that if you are NOT a self-motivated person and need someone looking over everything you do you will not enjoy what you are learning! :)

Penn Foster is not for everyone, but fortunately...it's the school for me. I'm enrolled in the Vet Tech program and love it! It's an online school, an online program, but it's not easy; it's still college. My top advice I can give to any perspective students is to do your research BEFORE enrolling. Doesn't matter what program it is, always make sure you know Penn Foster's policies, program-related requirements, your state requirements, and any further information that applies to your career. I see several students drop out of their program because they didn't realize what was required of them. For example, Externships and Practicums...some programs have them, some do not. In the Vet Tech program, the Externship is mandatory or else you will not graduate. It's the responsibility of the student, not Penn Foster, to find their own site location where they will perform their externship. Students that did not research before enrolling are usually the ones angry and leaving negative reviews because they didn't know they had to complete an externship, find a proctor or site location on their own, unable to find an externship site that has all the necessary equipment (i.e. film-based radiographs), and etc. On the primary Penn Foster website where you view all the programs to enroll in, you can read an overview of your program of interest. I highly recommend requesting info by mail; I love looking through the brochure and forms. Most questions can be answered there. If one wants to hear from current students, join the Student Community and post to the corresponding program space to get more attention and responses. I love Penn Foster oh so very much. The school has helped me grow. I get all my emails, questions, and concerns answered in a fair amount of time. I have never had issues with Student CARE/Services. There are many frequently asked questions to read from that can resolve issues without having to contact Student CARE. One of my favorite features is the Live Chat. It can be found in the Student Portal's Help Center. If you have a question for Student CARE, besides calling and emailing, you can immediately get it answered through Chat. You just have to access it during business hours. Penn Foster is always in the works of creating something new for their students. They came out with a Study Planner which is available on your student account and can be downloaded as an app on mobile devices. You can create a plan for yourself to keep you on track throughout your studies, plan your graduation date or date to complete your semester. They created meet-ups so that students can get together and express their thoughts about the school and get to know the staff better. Penn Foster rules! Penn Foster Pride!

I'm almost done with my first semester in the PennFoster RVT program, so I know I can't say too much so far. UPSIDES: - I find the program extremely affordable. I don't have the time or money to go to a brick and mortar school. -I work full-time as a vet tech at a clinic that supports my goals and wants to help me with my practicums, etc. I think if I didn't work in the field I'd have a hard time with school. I can already apply things I learn at PennFoster to my job, and both my job and my education are benefitting each other. If you're not working as a tech or assistant, try to do some shadowing. -it's online, and I already do enough driving, I also study better alone at home - when I'm in class, I'm waiting for it to be over so I can go home and study. I'll generally read a chapter and make crap tons of flash cards on Quizlet, then I'll watch the lecture videos while I cook or take a bath, then instead of falling asleep playing solitaire, I fall asleep studying my Quizlet App on my iPhone. I've found a way to make it part of everything I do, and I'm actually motivated to do the studying, I crave the knowledge. That's how you know you want to be in this field I guess. I can listen to the lectures when my eyes need a break, I can play loud music while I'm reading the books, I can rotate the laundry on my day off while I study, etc., I can study when I'm stuck in traffic or on a break at work or can't fall asleep. This is ideal for me. -You can take most of the exams twice - even if I passed the first time, I always retake it and try to get 100%. -The website is easy enough to use. DOWNSIDES: -I AGREE with some of the reviewers that the tests are ridiculously easy. Like, stupid easy, like I can't believe they're giving degrees to the people who are just searching for the answers in their book. Literally they are 20 to 25 questions. If you wanted, you could finish this degree in minimal time. Since I don't want to cheat myself and I want this to be a lifelong passion and career (not to mention I get paid more at most places just having the RVT after my name) I want to understand everything I'm reading, otherwise I'd have been done with the first semester 2 months ago. So, it's your education. I recommend taking advantage of the resources while you have them -GOOD LUCK getting a human being on the phone to talk to. Enough said. -It's annoying waiting for the textbooks to ship, they're not overnighted - that can get old when you just finished a class and are feeling really motivated, but can't do anything until you get your book in the mail. -THE COMMUNITY - I'm always getting emails saying I haven't "updated my status" on the PennFoster community site. I didn't get into this program to be with classmates though, I've got a Bachelor's and never made any friends in classes; I've been in my fair share of them. That's annoying that they want you to be..."social"... which is not my thing. I don't even have a Facebook, so that part is really annoying, but I understand the participation part of your grade. Just suck it up and get it over with. If you have no money, no time, a full-time job, give this program a try. People can complain about the service and the online aspects, but in 10 years nobody will care where you got your degree or how you got it. They will see you've been an RVT for 10 years. I've already got the experience under my belt of being an assistant for so long, now I will have the knowledge and the degree. Besides, who said this program will teach us everything we'll ever need to know? This is a field where we will be learning until we leave it; new ways of doing treatments, new medications, new technologies, continuing education seminars, etc. If that doesn't excite you, maybe this isn't the field for you. In 2 years I could be an RVT, or I could still be trying to pay for a brick and mortar school. The choice is yours.

Wow... i was so excited when I found this site. I have been wanting to write about pennfoster's online vet program since I left! Where to begin! Let's start with the people that work in the office. If you want a school where it takes FOREVER to get a human being on the phone, then choose this school. And then when you actually get someone, their phone lines are so awful that you can barely hear them! I finally had someone own up to it being the school's problem because she said, yeah we are working on FINALLY getting new phone lines. Seriously?! It was 2013 at that time, and I just thought and told her actually... I can't believe with all the money we shell out, they couldn't already have a better phone system. Oh and don't even TRY to call the administrative office. Throughout the span of 4 hours, in the morning I might add, I called about once or twice per hour. You would think SOMEONE would answer the phone right? Nope. Oh and my favorite part, is after having quit this school, I still have payments that I have to make, which was the ONLY good thing about this school, and it's funny how on the coupon books it gives you ways to make a payment. You wouldn't believe it, but one of those ways is to pay on the WEBSITE, that was SHUT DOWN, because you're no longer a student. Although, still keep your id, cause that's the ONLY way you'll get to speak to anyone or to make a payment. Next: the actual classes. Now I know it's a huge convenience having online classes, but that still shouldn't mean that no one should be introduced to each other or at least the teacher even. The online school I'm attending now actually has nicely set up discussion boards, where the teacher themselves are actually fostering an environment where they want their students to connect with one another. Wouldn't you believe it, that the students are showing signs they're thankful for that? So basically if you want a school where you have absolutely NO communication from the teacher, only when you have questions, and no communication from your fellow students... then this might be a good fit for you. Also, I gotta say, the tests they have set up are RIDICULOUS! I know it's online, but COME ON! Their exams would be 10-20 questions, when you've 4 chapters worth of reading! To be honest, I hate studying, but I'd at least want to be more challenged then that. How do they expect someone to pass a major vet exam, that would ultimately fully certify me, and they only ask me 10-20 questions! Here again, for the amount of money you're paying, you should expect more. At least more communication. The only good thing I'll say is that the books were definitely HARD CORE reading. One last thing. I know for some people online school for vet tech is a great fit. But to me, I honestly think that the best way to fully be immersed in this type of program is to physically be in a school. My learning style is hands on, so I learned real fast this wasn't the type of study for me, and at least in this field. (I just wished I would've found out sooner instead of now being stuck with a huge bill.) To be honest, for you pet lovers, would you really want someone working on your beloved pet, that only went to online school and then a few months of required shadowing with a professional? Just saying. You can't do in 2 years what it took those professionals YEARS to do.

I am a student in the vet tech program and I would never recommend Penn Foster College for anything. First off they are not regionally accredited so if you want to transfer Penn Foster College (PFC) credits to a real college/university you can not. PFC does not care that its credits are worthless, I have asked. They will hardly ever answer your questions and when they do its always a round about answer so your question about accreditation, credits, or any other important info will not be answered. If you are a person who smiles when fed crap, doesn't ask questions, and has no ambition to ever go to a real college than PFC is for you, for the rest of you.....GO TO A REAL COLLEGE.

First off, I will state that even though people may have some issues with Penn Foster, it is not a scam. Furthermore, while is was not in the distant past, the Veterinary Technician program is now one of the only few online program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) - they are fully accredited and was initially accredited in 2006. Here is the list of accredited online programs on the AVMA website: https://www.avma.org/ProfessionalDevelopment/Education/Accreditation/Programs/Pages/vettech_distance_learning.aspx. Since I have previously earned a diploma from Penn Foster in Dog Obedience and instruction and found them adequate and affordable, I am going to go through the Veterinary Technician program as well. Where I live, there are no brick and mortars VT programs, so this is a more viable option than moving to a city that has one (plus, there is the cost factor - most brick and mortar programs are at least $32,000, while Penn Foster, is a little over $5,000 for the whole program). As for issues with finding a vet to complete the practicums with, Penn Foster partners with both Banfield and VCA hospitals - the first hospital that I sent a request to, which is a Banfield hospital, agreed to let me complete my practicum there. It is helpful to let the office managers know that the Penn Foster program is AVMA accredited and to copy/paste the curriculum, as well as some of the practicum expectations and requirements. You must also carry your own medical insurance to complete the practicums. Most of the other online accredited programs follow a similar setup as Penn Foster - except they are on some type of semester system so it will take you a lot longer, especially for someone who can work at a faster pace. Also, most of the other programs will make you complete a practicum that forces you to care for laboratory animals - no thanks!

I am enrolled in Penn Foster right now and I am working up to get my Associate Degree as a Veterinary Technician. Right now im already a full time Vet Tech at a local clinic and im just trying to finish my college education. When I first enrolled I really enjoyed the program but shortly after I realized how hard it was to keep up. I wish Penn Foster made it easier to understand what exactly we as students need to be learning. Its more like they throw a bunch of jumbled information at you and its your responsibility to know what to do with it. They need a more organized way of actually helping their students and giving them some real answers. I feel like i need more of an instructor to help me know what information I should be taking in exactly. They take weeks to ship your materials and you have to watch Webinars which no one shows you how or what to do. Im almost done with my first semester and I am overwhelmed. I learned more on the job experience than I have here. I recommend to spend your money elsewhere. When I first signed up i signed up for the veterinary certificate instead of the degree program so i called and it cost me $200 to switch over. All they are doing is stealing your money. Ive met people that have enrolled in Penn Foster but non actually ended up finishing it.

I attended Penn Foster's vet tech associate's program for two semesters before leaving. I do not want to come off completely bashing this institution; it may lead to employment for some people. It just was not for me. There is really no classroom interaction and very little interaction with instructors. They basically just send you their proprietary textbooks, which are really more like cheap paperback pamphlets, then have you take multiple choice quizzes online to move forward in the course. The answers can be found (word for word actually) easily with a Google or Yahoo Answers search, making it obvious that many students cheat their way through the school's prefabricated lesson plans (or lack thereof). To be fair, I did receive a couple of decent "real" textbooks that I decided to keep, like a very complete medical dictionary and a great anatomy and physiology reference book. That was about it, though. Towards the end of my time at Penn Foster I started interning at a local animal rescue. It did not take me long to realize that the education I received during this course did not come close to preparing me to work an actual vet tech job. Some of the basics were covered at the school, but I was taught everything I learned at Penn Foster, plus some, in about two weeks of interning. The bottom line is if you are looking for a respected vet tech degree along with training that will prepare you for your state's exam, you may want to keep looking. Chances are you will learn WAY more during your required practicums for the course than you will during the actual course, but it may be a challenge finding a vet that will take you in.

I started this program in Feb of 2007. Due to them taking their time sending materials, not crediting me with time spent in online groups, not giving me info about my first practicum, I had to start the program all over at the end of my 3rd semester. Here it is 2013 and I'm still trying to graduate, never mind that I'm already licensed by my state and don't actually need to finish this program, but have to for me GI Bill. Getting straight answers from anyone there is next to impossible, and they certainly aren't service oriented. You'd be better off going somewhere else. I would never recommend this school to anyone.

I have been trying for 2 months to find a clinic that will sign my agreement form to perform Practiums. I am active duty miltary, and work swing shifts, so it is very difficult to find a clinic that will work with my hours. I finally found an animal shelter that is open every day from 9am-6pm which is perfect! But they were having complications accepting me because of Penn Foster. I contacted the education office, specifically Diane Placidi, to see if she could work something out with the shelter, and oh boy. Was this lady DAMN rude. She was in the middle of "moving here desk," so she was really irritated and specifically told me that. I am active duty miltary. I work 12 hours shifts, I am trying to go to school, she had no sympathy for my issue at all. I am also about to deploy for possibly 6 months, and told her that I needed to get this practium done before I deployed, and agian she didn't care. I also stated I was very confused on how to submit the paper work. There is a video that shows a checklist, which we don't even recieve. It also just states that you can fax it or mail it, it doesn't exactly state the number or the address, or if we could even e-mail it or who to talk to. All I am saying is if you are able to go to a different school, do it. This school is EXTREMLY outdated. I will google search some homework assignments for better understanding of what the questions mean, and I find the questions on yahoo answers from as early as 2004. I am still giving hope to this school, praying that everything will work out.

Penn Foster school is awesome, I would recommend it to anyone! This is a fully accredit school! I am in the Vet Tech program and it is wonderful, the Instuctors are very helpful and the classes are fun and challenging. If you are looking for a program that is self-paced and payment plan friendly, then check out Penn Foster! Please note that if you are NOT a self-motivated person and need someone looking over everything you do you will not enjoy this program or what you are learning! :)

I am in the end of my second semester of the vet tech program with Penn Foster and would never recommend this school to anyone trying to obtain a degree in this field. I am going to be dropping the program in the next week and will be contacting someone about all this mistreatment. I am currently waiting to recieve my proctored exams that should take up to no more than two weeks to be sent to your proctor and it has now been almost a month. Within these past weeks I have been emailing, calling, posting, everything and anything to try to get some sort of response. At this point I would be happy with a blank email... anything to show the school still exists. No one will respond to anything at all and this isn't the first time it has happened although it is the forst time I have sent over 10 emails within two weeks regarding the same question with not so much as a "read your student handbook" response tha I typically get. I haven't even began to try asking why my practicum site is taking over a month to either be approved or disapproved since I can't get a response on my first dilemma. I was excited when they got rid of devil Dr. Margi and her crap staff, but sadly things have not changed for the better. So my recommendation is to go anywhere else except Penn Foster snd if you're already enrolled I would really consider getting your money back (as if that is even possible... I'm sure I'll get nothing back) and getting out ASAP. Keep in mind I've been told at many Vet practices they do not hire or teach (internships) to Penn Foster students because of how terrible the program is.

The program has changed. New Head Director. New instructors. Improved community (they will be changing it again fall 2012). Some things need to be improved in the community section, so I too kcharge and becoem a student leading students since I have already worked in the field 18 years. We need more like that. The program is not simple. It is easier for peopel already in the field lookign to complete the degree for state requirements. Yet I am an office manager of a clinic and will be glad to assist future students. The program can be really ruff. Yet here is the thing. Those long proctored exams atthe end of each semester. THose Practicums, will make the National Exam much easier. You will be used to sitting for long tests if you do it right.

Hi, I just wanted to get a bit more updated review about penn foster. I have been in this program for 4 months now. I am still in "semester"1, note semester are not regular school semesters they are "units of study", when you complete one you move on. I hear about Margi and how rude she was, I have never met her, but there is a new director of the program named JIm Hurrel, he is very nice and informative and he actually cares to teach. They haved started a "community" site which aloows for facebook/mysoace gathering of students and directors, even the president of the school is on there so that really make you feel a lot less "alone". The webinars can be really good, very informative. The p grades are easy to obtain just take as much classes as you can take and there is no issue. The book are very well written and have accurate information, and they really do make you "think common sense wise" about the subject being discussed. materials are very decent, just have to read them multiple times to get the full idea and point of view of the authors. Yes, the one thing that is indeed anoyying about the school is the praticiums and clinicals. It very frustrating, because you have 225 for each section you do after semester 2 and 4. Which is subjected to review and acceptance by , 1. the clinic where you did them , and 2. by the school. Getting both to cooperate with each other is nigh impossible. Putting it bluntly the Dr.'s may feel that they dont have time for such nonsense, but the programs wants a vet tech to train you in clinicals. Also there is indeed no help from school finding a place, there is wheree you have to have gumtion to get out there and apply yourself as a professional, and hit the pavement. Which I think is a good thing. However can be more time consuming to do this, and you are already 6 months into program , the program by the way takes only 8 months or so to complete if evreything in this world were perfect, so prepare to ask for extensions. Really as far as online vet school goes it really good, I am impressed and happy so far can't really complain. Also any issues i had , I had someone to call or email and they responded quickly and resolved issue and did it with a virtual smile on their face, so . I guess I am lucky. For all those that had unfornate experiences with margi or other personel I am sorry, I hope you find a school that makes you feel apprecaiated or give it another shot, it really is better now from what I have seen.

I love this school. Have a 3.9 GPA. If you lack common sense, don't take this program (better yet-don't go to school). Since when have you ever heard someone say they love everything about their schooling experience? That is what I thought. Penn Foster is overall a 10 out of 10 school. They have been very helpful over the phone and via email. This program is challenging. Do not take it if you do not want to work hard. But in this day and age, everyone should be trying to work their hardest. I love this school and recommend to everyone.

I am a 3rd semester student in the VT program...because my credits don't transfer anywhere else (that I would want to go). I certainly would not take the VT course with this school. Looking at the other comments, it appears that most of the complaints about Penn Foster come from the vet tech students. It is true that Dr Sirois WAS very rude to most of the students. I still have her emails to prove it. My husband sat and listened in on her comments to students once and couldn't believe how unprofessional she acted. She is, however, no longer at Penn Foster, having suddenly resigned with no explanations given to the students. I am worried what will happen with the program's accreditation at this point. Those of you who are posting "rose colored glasses" remarks and are still in your first semester...beware. You haven't attempted your proctored exams yet! You better know every word and concept in your books before you take that test...because it is closed book, short answer/short essay only and you will have ten minutes to respond to each question. AND...the grading is so subjective all you can do is pray that you pass. I hold three different college degrees and WAS a 3.8 GPA student when I entered Penn Foster. Disagree with a question marked wrong on any test? Good luck getting a response from anyone in the education department. The online forum and the webinars are archaic in view of other online course presentations I've used, and the webinar conductor "Citrix" is a pain in the rear to work with when their system fails. But it is a pretty easy task to log on once a week for a couple minutes and log back out of the forum and sit through 2 hours of webinars per month to get that infamous "P" grade that everyone thinks is so hard and elusive to get. The two biggest pitfalls for students in the VT program are (1)finding a veterinary clinic that will allow you to do your "hands on" part of the program (Practicum 1 & 2) and (2)finding a clinic that still does film xrays, not digital. These are both required to complete the VT program...and Penn Foster will give you absolutely NO HELP with this. If you are already in the program, start looking now for clinics to work in.

I'm an Army Wife and mom of a three year old. I've always loved animals and have always wanted to work in the vet world. When I discovered what a Vet Tech IS, I decided to do some research on schools and found Penn Foster. It has everything I was looking for. Flexible schedule perfect for me. The only drawback I find is that you have to at least log on to the forums once a week, and get a "P" for your Participation. Which I thought was stupid since it's an online course. Individual studies... what's the point of participation? But it's not something out of this world. Just log on, you don't even need to start a topic or reply. So far I'm in the middle of my first semester and haven't had the need to contact and teachers. I love it because I feel I'm completely on my own school. "Janice University". I'm the boss of my time, I'm the boss of how long I take taking a test or studying. The books are super easy to understand too. I love it!

I am aware this is an online institution....however...they do not even provide you with a list of participating organizations in which to obtain internships with. They kind of leave you on your own-to fend for yourselt. Penn Foster isn't a highly respected school, so some practices are weary of letting you train with them....THUMBS down!

I am a military spouse currently enrolled in the Vet Tech program. I am extremely pleased with everything so far. If you take the first lesson seriously -(learning strategies) and actually take notes as you do your course work - outline your vocab - and review for a day or so before exams - you will do just fine. You do have to be dedicated and keep up with your work to succeed, but that's what you're paying to do! The people saying that this program is a scam don't know what they're talking about. Everyone learns differently, and obviously distance learning wasn't working for them. The program director can seem a little high strung - but you don't have to deal with her too terribly often, and I just don't pay her any mind. Check it out for yourself and make your own opinion. I did and am so glad to have enrolled!! I'm also an ARMY spouse - and enrolled for free using the MyCAA. The active military spouses enrollment advisors were wonderful and still help me out with questions regarding tuition fees to this day. A great experience overall!

I am in my first semester of the Vet Tech program. The class participation requirements are NOT horrible. You have to attend a minimum number of webinar hours per month, plus log into the discussion forum twice a week. That's it, not rocket science. You do have to be extremely disciplined about studying, but as long as you put the time in, you should do just fine. A good student will do well even in an average school.

I am a seccond year or third semestor student. I have been a vet tech and just wanted my dagree so I returned to school. They have an A.V.M.A. accredited program. It is difficult and you have to work hard!I went to pierce collage and was 6 credits shy of my dagree. Married a marine and moved. They supply all your books which saves you time and allot of money. The staff was always pleasent when I called with problems. I am shocked by the poor reviewes

The main instructor is very rude and extremely non-helpful... this program is run just as SHE likes it... She makes rules at her own pace - a friend of mine had a login name with VT in it because she was from Vermont and because the instructor didn't like her to write VT in her name, she made her change it - and blocked her account until she did! This program was overall very poor and I learned absolutely nothing from it...

Penn Foster is an awful school! They treat their students with disrespect and are rude and unprofessional at every turn. They mislead the students to believe that it is "go at your own pace". They tell you that you can finish the program in 14 months but then once you have signed up and they delay your progress again and again, they say that it takes at least 3.5 years to finish the program! They will not defer your student loans even though the person I spoke to before I signed up said that they would. The head of the program Dr. Margi is rude and unprofessional. Stay away from this school they are horrible people!

I read a lot of the previous posts. Be clear that if you are not completely self-motivated and competent in figuring things out on your own, you may want to listen to what the previous comments said. I am not a person that finds it particularly difficult to read and follow directions. I have not even had to ask a question of anyone yet. Everything is clearly outlined for you. If you are a self-sufficient learner, this is a perfect program for you. If you need someone over your shoulder directing you every step of the way, look somewhere else. The curriculum is comprehensive, the semester final exams are TOUGH, and there is almost 5 months worth of interning involved so the course is no walk in the park. Good education for a good price.

Terrible Experience! Emailed instructor to ask a question and was referred to the FAQ page. I emailed back to tell her that I had already read the FAQs many times and they didn't answer my question. She told me 'I expect a more professional tone from you in the future' and then said that if I continued to email her she would report me to the student affairs and have me expelled. I am now trying to get the transcript from Penn Foster as I have enrolled in a REAL school with REAL teachers and I haven't gotten it yet. I first placed my request over a month ago. When I first called to order the trascript, the lady said that it was no problem and she took my money and said she was sending out. I called 2 weeks later because I hadn't gotten it yet, and the person I spoke with said that they couldn't mail it out until I had made a payment (why was I not informed of this 2 weeks ago) So I made the payment and had the request for a transcript re-submitted. I called the following week to see why I still didn't have it. The person I spoke with this time said that they didn't see where I had called and no order had been placed. Placed the order AGAIN. Called a week later (Still no transcript) and was told that it had been mailed out the previous Monday (I had called the Wednesday before, why it took 5 days to mail it out, I don't know) So basically, they stole $10 bucks from me for the transcript and wasted over a year of my time.

I did not rate anything, just left it as is. I am in my first semester and don't want to make judgments from my frustrations. As someone mentioned before, the class participation/forum requirements are truly a nightmare. I am still at a loss as to whether I will get to move on because I have been told so many things about the forum requirements. I've been told all I have to do is log in for so much time and others have said I have to ask questions, BUT every single time I ask a question, it is not posted and I get VERY RUDE remarks from "the boss"...I guess it's a wait and see thing for now.

everything you read about the program director at penn foster's vet tech program is true. as someone else said, there are some procedural things regarding requirements that are never very clear and when you ask about them, this lady will straight-up crawl down your throat... i have actually received what i consider hateful responses from her regarding questions i had about some of their vaguely represented policies. i am not unhappy with the school as a whole. my instructors are great, i usually get my materials in a timely manner and if ever i contact an instructor via e-mail (besides the director), i always get a prompt and helpful reply. make sure you understand what you are getting into before you enroll for this program and remember it is alot of work and the class participation/forum requirements are a nightmare.

BEWARE! Do your research before signing up for this school. From what I have experienced, they do not care about anything except getting your money. Most vets will hire without the technician certificate anyway. DO YOUR RESEARCH! MAKE certain they answer ALL your questions and I would advise to talk to current and former students. After doing my research, I totally changed my mind and I am happy that I did. Penn Foster has a lot of work to do in order for anyone to call it a REAL school. Grade: F

i have been reading alot of students comments on of the instructors of the vet tech program of penn foster, i have to agree bout the boss , she is very rude and does not help students like they need i agree the forums she post need to be cleaned up because its kind of common sense when you get emails for the same questions and her only reply is check the FQA , i have a made a complaint bout how she talks to students on forums, i think most of her forums are just for her to hear her self talk 9 times out 10 they have nothing to do with the program, and wow also its taken me 10 days to find out why i havent recieved my next set of books , its due to the fact the army hasnt paid them yet and i said it takes time for that your working with the military here so i had to shoot through to get my books and its been three days since i made the complaint and they r all back ordered , so next semester i see my self not returning there if this doesnt get fixed

I am learning quite a bit, and I already have my bachelor's degree (this is a second career). You have to be a self starter to succeed. You have to know the material to succeed. The rest is up to you. The online classes are pretty good. The forums need some improvement. I like the fact that I can type a question to an instructor and I can hear her response while seeing her screen. I am just about done with my first semester and it is much, much cheaper than the alternatives and I have few complaints so far, perhaps because I paid all at once. My biggest complaint is the VET TECH program director. No doubt she gets 1,000 emails a day asking the same things, but rather than attempt a real solution, she goes on little tirades in her posts and tells you to read the FAQs.If you can't find an answer, you might want to look again and again or ask a fellow student. You would think with so many people asking the same questions, she'd understand that THINGS AREN'T CLEAR! This is not anything to do with course materials, but rather procedures. However, I do not have to see her face, I do not have to talk to her, I just keep from emailing her what I really feel, and put how I really feel in THIS review. I know I am not alone, and this is a means to an end. I'd probably love my job if I never had to interact with my bosses. This program allows me to do it. For the cost, I will gladly deal with this as a problem. She annoys me, but she will get it in the end.You can't speak negatively about penn foster on the forums or they will not put your posts up, as all posts are moderated. Keep in mind that these personality conflicts happen in actual RL and actual brick and mortar schools, where it is harder to just do your work and move on. I guess, in short, I've found all the students and instructors, sans the director (who also teaches later courses), helpful and supportive. It works for me.

I just finished my second semester in the Penn Foster Vet Tech program. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Science and a Master's Degree as well, so I have some experience with education (vet tech is to be my 2nd career). I must say that the material and courses are high quality and I have learned a lot. I appreciate the fact that PF is a complete distance learning program, and just received the full AVMA accreditation. Having said all that, the school management is poor at best. There are frustrating delays at every turn. While the school has no problem holding students to their deadlines, they don't seem to mind when students have to wait and become delayed due to the school's incompetence and mismanagement. Worst of all, the Program Director writes snide comments in the forum routinely, because she is obviously overwhelmed with the mess she has created - having way too many enrollees (which I'm sure bloats her ego) but then not being able to service them in a professional manner. Penn Foster is an OK path to a vet tech degree if you need flexibility in the schedule and cannot afford a high cost school. Plan on being frustrated and disappointed along the way, however. Good luck and wish me luck - I'm still not sure I'll ever complete the program with all of the associated challenges.

First let me say, I have not participated in the Penn Foster program myself. I work with 4 people who have been in the veterinary field for ten or plus years, who are attending the vet tech program through Penn Foster. All of them are dealing with issues. the core of which seems to be a lack of communication with program vacilitators. Most of them did this program to save money or time, because they have degrees in other areas, but do to law changes in our state now need to be registered to do their job. Matny of them have tried to resolve issues, but are shut out by program directors. Materials are delivered at the pace of the company, not by the student! Some of them have been delayed by the company to the point of being asked to pay an extension fee. Questions regarding proctured exams and internships are not answered and discouraged. I feel terrible for my co-workers who are some of the most highly trained veterinary professionals I have meant, who just want to continue their careers, and are getting no support by the institution supposed to be getting there. Oddly,Penn Foster has no delays with there billing department!

I am in the process of finishing up my 4th semester. I would have never been able to get my degree had it not been for this distance learning program. I am a Mom and work full time, there is no way I could take the time to get to classes at a school. Penn has given me the abiltiy to take the courses I need to get my degree on my own time, at my own pace. I have never had an issue with shipments or with getting an answer from student services or an instructor. The on-line class time required is minimal and more than enough opportunity is given to you to get the manditory class time completed. The work is hard, you won't be handed your degree, you will have to earn it, which is what college is all about.

Grealty disappointed when I found out that federal aid was not accepted. Also. Working with the VA(veteran affairs) is very difficult. College transfers are not disclosed until you enter that particular semester. Class discussions are difficult to attend until you've logged in hours and hours of discussion forum time. You can't wokr at tou own pace unless you pay for the whole semester up front. You must wait for class times and shipments before moving ahead. Internships, have lots od details that are to meet due to technology advances, specifically refering to radiographs nned to be in non-digital format.

I tell you what i took this program got the job. I was one of the only ones who paid less for my training while most of my co-workers did a 4-6 month class training and did a M-F 8-5 kind of schedule. Well my schedule was laid back, i paid less and i got the same job and training as my co-workers. So heck yeah this school was worth it!! Hope any prospective students will take this route to better themselves :)

I have just completed my first semester in this program and would strongly recommend Penn Foster to anyone searching for a creditable online college. A lot of people think that getting an online degree is just taking the easy way out. Well, let me tell you, you REALLY have to know your stuff to get your degree! At the end of each semester you must take a proctored exam, with some of the subjects closed book and other open. On these exams you must answer in written form, with only a very few questions where you match answers. You would NOT be able to pass these exams if you didn't actually know what you were doing. Also during the 2nd and 4th semester there is a practicum where you're actually in an approved vet clinic practicing everything you have learned hands on. The textbooks are great and updated as often as at any college in the country. The online classes are improving all the time. And often times you're given DVD's, CD's or CD-ROM's to help you better understand the concepts of the lessons. This was a HUGE help for me in the biology section. The teachers are also quick to respond to any questions that you may have. There is also a forum where you can communicate with other students and search for answers to questions that you may have. As with any online college, it's not for everyone. You must be very self-disciplined to be able to handle keeping up with your studies and learning the subjects. This college is EXTREMELY affordable. Just to give you an idea of the savings, the amount that I spend for my first semester would've been the same amount or less than what I would've spent on JUST books for 2 quarters at the local college in my town. Everything is paid for in your tuition, except for your proctored exam fee, or if you are in need of an extension on your studies you will have to pay a fee. You have a total of 6 years to complete your studies. You are given 1 year to complete each semester and are allowed to add an extension if you need more time. I believe that this college is doing great things to try and make it so anyone can have a shot at getting a college degree. Providing an affordable education that you're able to complete at your own time.

Don’t challenge their incompetence unless you want to be their target and then be discriminated against. We have received false accusations by the Director (I believe this is the position title-don't want to name names to prevent her embarrassment) and threats of discipline (Pen Foster, Vet Tech school). You will find your posts will be denied without providing a legitimate reason, if you can get one at all. If you ask to specify what rule they claim to have broken, because you can't find a violation after reading the rules, they will not or could not specify. The typical response is 'I'm not going to restate the rules'. They wouldn't even provide the reference. School personnel know the director is "hard to work with", but it appears the school doesn't do anything about it. When asked if they have a student advocate or some type of mediator, they apparently don't have one, from what we are told. Tests, speaking specifically of the math, are written poorly and I hope you don't try to use what you learned in life, you will be embarrassed. Basic instruction in math, like teaching you, a fraction is the same as a ratio. A ratio of 1:3 is not 1/3 as they claim, it is 1 of 4 or ¼ (there are 4 units, the 1 + 3 = 4 so 1:3 ratio would be 1/4 as fraction). At least this is what worked for me through second semester calculus. Also, so far as I am able to determine at this point, don't expect an objective proctor test. Any educator should know essay tests allow for excessive subjectivity and enable them to arbitrarily give lower scores to their targets. These are only my opinions, developed while observing and helping a friend through the courses. I hopefully, you have a different experience. If my recommendation means anything, after receiving 4 degrees from associates through a masters in established colleges and universities: Don’t waste your time and money with the Pen Foster Vet college. If you are already in the program, I recommend cutting your losses and get an education at an established college or university in your community. I’ll remain anonymous at this time to prevent further discrimination and retaliation against my friend. We are checking into a discrimination suit, and if successful, then our names will be public record at that time. Good Luck, and Best Wishes in your decisions.