Penn Foster : Veterinary Technician Reviews

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PFC Vet Tech

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on January 19, 2012

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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.

Great Affordable school !!!!

By: leslielynnrodeorebel (In Progress) on November 23, 2011

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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

Awful program, and rude people....

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on July 25, 2011

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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 horrible!!!

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on June 29, 2011

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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!

Quality Online School

By: ryanlampel (In Progress) on June 4, 2011

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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.

Horrible School

By: farenbryan1221 (In Progress) on May 19, 2011

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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.

Not so sure

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on February 24, 2011

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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 hear about the program director is true.

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on February 11, 2011

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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.

Do NOT enroll at Penn Foster!! A total scam!!

By: myopinion8888 (In Progress) on January 26, 2011

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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

penn foster vet tech program

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on December 1, 2010

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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

some good, some bad

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on August 27, 2010

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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.

School Management is POOR

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on May 26, 2010

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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.

Ask questions!

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on April 28, 2010

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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!

All I hoped for

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on February 11, 2010

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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.

not the college for everyone

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on November 3, 2009

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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.

Great school i learned a lot

By: roxcomp (Graduate) on October 5, 2009

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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 :)

Great College And Great Deal!

By: fiendish_thingy (In Progress) on September 26, 2009

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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.

Become a target

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on June 10, 2009

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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.

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