Progress 08/01/10 to 07/31/15

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience included the 174 students who were enrolled in the Colby Community College Distance Learning Veterinary Technology Program prerequisite and/or core program courses during the fall, spring, and summer semesters during the entire reporting period. These students were served by the project through formal online science-based education in veterinary medicine and have benefited from innovative teaching methodologies throughout the curriculum. Of the students served by the project, 67% were Caucasian, 4% were Hispanic, 3% were African American, 1% were Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and 1% were American Indian or Alaskan. 24% of the students chose not to identify their race. The college does not track whether or not off-campus or part-time students are socially, economically, or educationally disadvantaged. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The Distance Learning Veterinary Technology Program faculty members attended continuing education conferences annually throughout the project. Conferences attended included the Central Veterinary Conference in Kansas City, MO in 2012 and 2013. In October 2012, the program coordinator attended an AVMA site visit for another online veterinary technology program to help prepare the CCC DLVTP for its upcoming AVMA accreditation site visit. In July 2013, two DLVTP facculty members and the program director attended the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators Biennial Symposium in Denver, CO. A Distance Learning Veterinary Technology Program faculty member attended the Missouri Veterinary Technician Association/Kansas Veterinary Technician Association Fall Conference in October 2014 in Kansas City, MO. A second DLVTP faculty member attended the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine Annual Conference for Veterinarians in Manhattan, KS in June 2015. Finally, the third DLVTP faculty member attended the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association Summer Conference in Pinehurst, NC in June 2015. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The Distance Learning Veterinary Technology Program is advertised on the Colby Community College website. The curriculum and other information regarding the program can be accessed from the website. Prospective students are able to access the information online and have been able to find the program easily using Internet search engines. Since the program is AVMA accredited, information about the program can also be found on the AVMA website. Finally, television and radio ads have been used to further promote the program. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Several major activities have been completed during the reporting period. First, the Distance Learning Veterinary Technology Program courses were developed and taught. Second, a partnership was developed with Kansas State University at Salina for a 2+2 Bachelor of Science in Technology Management for students who have earned an online Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology from Colby Community College. Third, the program earned initial accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Finally, the first student graduated from the program. Since the program was awarded initial accreditation by the AVMA, its graduates are eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), which is necessary for them to become credentialed veterinary technicians. In conclusion, this project has begun to address the critical shortage of veterinary technicians in Kansas by offering individuals an opportunity to complete an online degree in veterinary technology. This first individual graduated from the program in May 2015. Several additional students are expected to graduate from the program in upcoming semesters. Students who graduate from the program will have gained knowledge in a variety of topics that they could begin applying throughout their careers in the veterinary field.

Publications

Progress 08/01/14 to 07/31/15

Outputs
Target Audience: The target audience included the 121 students who were enrolled in the Colby Community College Distance Learning Veterinary Technology Program prerequisite and/or core program courses during the fall, spring, and summer semesters during the reporting period. These students were served by the project through formal online science-based education in veterinary medicine and have benefited from innovative teaching methodologies throughout the curriculum. Of the students served by the project, 56% were Caucasian, 6% were Hispanic, 3% were African American, and 2% were American Indian. 33% of the students chose not to identify their race. The college does not track whether or not off-campus or part-time students are socially, economically, or educationally disadvantaged. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? A Distance Learning Veterinary Technology Program faculty member attended the Missouri Veterinary Technician Association/Kansas Veterinary Technician Association Fall Conference on October 4, 2014 in Kansas City, MO. A second DLVTP faculty member will be attending the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine Annual Conference for Veterinarians in Manhattan, KS on June 6-9, 2015. Finally, the third DLVTP faculty member will be attending the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association Summer Conference in Pinehurst, NC on June 25-28, 2015. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The Distance Learning Veterinary Technology Program is advertised on the Colby Community College website. The curriculum and other information regarding the program can be accessed from the website. Prospective students are able to access the information online and have been able to find the program easily using Internet search engines. Since the program is AVMA accredited, information about the program can also be found on the AVMA website. Finally, in June 2015, television ads will air on two television stations to further promote the program. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? This grant ends on July 31, 2015. So, there is nothing to report.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The major activities completed included earning initial program accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), graduating the first student from the program, and educating online students. On September 12, 2015, the program was awarded initial accreditation by the AVMA. Graduates of AVMA accredited programs are eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), which is necessary to become a credentialed veterinary technician. The program's first graduate graduated on May 15, 2015. This graduate and other students who will graduate from the program will enter the workforce as competent veterinary technicians. Throughout the program, the students are gaining fundamental knowledge regarding veterinary medicine and applying it during their mentorship courses. The actual use of fundamental and applied knowledge in the workplace setting will benefit the students throughout their careers as veterinary technicians. Therefore, the objective of addressing the critical shortage of veterinary technicians is being met as students progress throughout the curriculum and graduate from the program. Finally, the instructors taught Distance Learning Veterinary Technology Program students in all of the program's online courses. In conclusion, the most significant results achieved during the reporting period included earning initial program accreditation by the AVMA, graduating the first student from the program, and educating online students. During the reporting period, students who completed the veterinary technology courses gained knowledge in a variety of topics that they could begin applying throughout their careers in the veterinary field.

Publications

Progress 08/01/13 to 07/31/14

Outputs
Target Audience: The target audience included the 81 students who were enrolled in the Colby Community College Distance Learning Veterinary Technology Program prerequisite and/or core program courses during the fall, spring, and summer semesters during the reporting period. These students were served by the project through formal online science-based education in veterinary medicine and have benefited from the innovative teaching methodologies throughout the curriculum. Of the students served by the project, 68% were Caucasian, 4% were Hispanic, 2% were African American, and 2% were American Indian. 24% of the students chose not to identify their race. The college does not track whether or not off-campus or part-time students are socially, economically, or educationally disadvantaged. Changes/Problems: A one-year extension to the grant was awarded to allow additional time for the program to have its initial American Veterinary Medical Association accreditation site visit and to allow students to continue to progress through the program. The program's first class is anticipated to graduate in May 2015. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The Distance Learning Veterinary Technology Program faculty members attended the Central Veterinary Conference in Kansas City, MO in August 2013 to obtain veterinary continuing education. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The Distance Learning Veterinary Technology Program is advertised on the Colby Community College website. The curriculum and other information regarding the program can be accessed from the website. Prospective students are able to access the information online and have been able to find the program easily using internet search engines. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? During the next reporting period, the Distance Learning Veterinary Technology Program will have its initial American Veterinary Medical Association accreditation site visit. In addition, the instructors will be teaching online classes to students within the program. The first class is anticipated to graduate in May 2015.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The major activities completed included course development and online student education. The courses that were developed during the reporting period included: VT263 Large Animal Clinical Procedures, VT264 Large Animal Clinical Procedures Mentorship, VT289 Large Animal Diseases, VT290 Veterinary Radiology, VT291 Veterinary Radiology Mentorship, VT296 Veterinary Surgical Nursing, VT297 Veterinary Surgical Nursing Mentorship, VT283 Veterinary Anesthesiology and Analgesia, VT284 Veterinary Anesthesiology and Analgesia Mentorship, VT292 Veterinary Dentistry, VT293 Veterinary Dentistry Mentorship, VT298 Veterinary Critical Care and Clinical Skills, VT299 Veterinary Critical Care and Clinical Skills Mentorship, VT282 Veterinary Coagulation and Transfusion Medicine, VT287 Veterinary Cytology, VT288 Veterinary Cytology Mentorship, and VT210 Veterinary Technician National Examination Preparation. In addition, the instructors taught Distance Learning Veterinary Technology Program students in several online courses. The objective of addressing the critical shortage of veterinary technicians is being met as students progress throughout the curriculum. Once the students begin graduating from the program, they will enter the workforce as competent veterinary technicians. Throughout the program, the students are gaining fundamental knowledge regarding veterinary medicine and applying it during their mentorship courses. The actual use of fundamental and applied knowledge in the workplace setting will benefit the students throughout their careers as veterinary technicians. The most significant results achieved during the reporting period included the completion of curriculum development and online student education. During the reporting period, students who completed the veterinary technology courses gained knowledge in a variety of topics that they could begin applying throughout their careers in the veterinary field.

Publications

Progress 08/01/12 to 07/31/13

Outputs
Target Audience: The target audience included the 38 students who were enrolled in the Colby Community College Distance Learning Veterinary Technology Program prerequisite and/or core program courses during the fall, spring, and summer semesters during the reporting period. These students were served by the project through formal online science-based education in veterinary medicine and have benefited from the innovative teaching methodologies throughout the curriculum. Of the students served by the project, 97% were Caucasian and 3% were American Indian. The college does not track whether or not off-campus or part-time students are socially, economically, or educationally disadvantaged. Changes/Problems: A one-year extension to the grant was awarded to allow additional time for curriculum development and to allow students to continue to progress through the program. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The Distance Learning Veterinary Technology Program faculty members attended the Central Veterinary Conference in Kansas City, MO in August 2012 to obtain veterinary continuing education. In October 2012, the program coordinator attended an AVMA site visit for another online veterinary technology program to help prepare the CCC DLVTP for its upcoming AVMA accreditation site visit. Finally, two DLVTP faculty members and the program director attended the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators Biennial Symposium in Denver, CO in July 2013. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The Distance Learning Veterinary Technology Program is advertised on the Colby Community College website. The curriculum and other information regarding the program can be accessed from the website. Prospective students are able to access the information online and have been able to find the program easily by using internet search engines. In addition, the college promoted the program through television advertisements to help recruit additional students. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? During the next reporting period, the Distance Learning Veterinary Technology Program instructors will be developing the rest of the courses in the program. In addition, the instructors will be teaching online classes to students within the program. Finally, the program will be preparing for the American Veterinary Medical Association accreditation site visit scheduled for September 2014.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The major activities completed included course development and online student education. The courses that were developed throughout the reporting period included VT132 Introduction to Veterinary Pharmacology, VT134 Veterinary Immunology, VT142 Veterinary Pharmacology, VT277 Veterinary Technician Microbiology, VT278 Veterinary Technician Microbiology Mentorship, VT135 Small Animal Clinical Procedures, VT136 Small Animal Clinical Procedures Mentorship, VT147 Small Animal Diseases, VT268 Laboratory Animal and Exotic Pet Medicine, VT269 Laboratory Animal and Exotic Pet Medicine Mentorship, VT133 Introduction to Veterinary Parasitology, VT137 Animal Facility Management and Sanitation, VT138 Animal Facility Management and Sanitation Mentorship, VT143 Veterinary Parasitology, VT144 Veterinary Parasitology Mentorship, VT273 Veterinary Hematology, VT274 Veterinary Hematology Mentorship, VT148 Veterinary Clinical Chemistry, and VT149 Veterinary Clinical Chemistry Mentorship. In addition, the instructors taught Distance Learning Veterinary Technology Program students in several online courses. The objective of addressing the critical shortage of veterinary technicians is being met as students progress throughout the curriculum. Once the students begin graduating from the program, they will enter the workforce as competent veterinary technicians. Throughout the program, the students are gaining fundamental knowledge regarding veterinary medicine and applying it during their mentorship courses. The actual use of fundamental and applied knowledge in the workplace setting will benefit the students throughout their careers as veterinary technicians. The most significant results achieved during the reporting period included curriculum development and online student education. During the reporting period, students who completed the program’s online veterinary technology courses gained knowledge in a variety of topics that they could begin applying throughout their careers in the veterinary field. Another related accomplishment included developing a partnership with Kansas State University at Salina for a 2+2 Bachelor of Science in Technology Management for students who have earned an online Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology from Colby Community College.

Publications

Progress 08/01/11 to 07/31/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: During the reporting period, several projects were completed that contribute to the goals and objectives of the project. For example, during the 2011 fall semester, the Colby Community College (CCC) Distance Learning Veterinary Technology Program (DLVTP) curriculum outline and course descriptions were developed for inclusion in the 2012-2013 college catalog which is available online at http://www.colbycc.edu/current-students/catalog. Syllabi with course outlines were also developed. In addition, course offerings were prepared for publication in the CCC Spring 2012 Class Schedule and Enrollment Guide which was available online on the CCC website www.colbycc.edu prior to and during the spring semester. The DLVTP officially began offering classes on March 8, 2012. Courses developed by the PD and DLVTP instructors during the reporting period included VT116 Orientation to Veterinary Technology, MA109 Math for Veterinary Technicians, BT203 Veterinary Office and Computer Skills, VT119 Breeds of Domestic Animals, VT121 Medical Records, VT123 Basic Nutrition of Domestic Animals, VT124 Mentorship Preparation, VT272 Veterinary Clinical Experience I, VT279 Veterinary Clinical Experience II, and VT294 Veterinary Clinical Experience III. DLVTP faculty taught VT116 during the spring and summer semesters and taught MA109, BT203, VT119, and VT121 during the summer semester. During the 2012 spring and summer semesters, several outreach activities were undertaken to connect with the veterinary and educational communities as well as the general public to generate awareness about the DLVTP and encourage enrollment in the program. DLVTP brochures and recruiting letters for high school counselors and veterinary hospitals were developed and were mailed to high school counselors and veterinary hospitals in several states. During the summer semester, letters and recruiting brochures were also sent to pre-veterinary medicine advisors at several colleges. DLVTP webpages were developed to provide general information regarding the program to individuals searching for online degree opportunities in veterinary technology. These webpages can be accessed by visiting the DLVTP homepage at http://www.colbycc.edu/distance-learning-veterinary-technology-progra m. In addition, DLVTP faculty members attended several college fairs to disseminate DLVTP brochures and to generate awareness about the new program. Furthermore, CCC marketed the DLVTP using Facebook and Google advertisements during the spring semester and using television and radio station advertisements aired in the Wichita, KS and Topeka, KS markets during the summer semester. The marketing goal was to reach potential students and generate public awareness of the new online program. As prospective students contacted the program, academic advising was provided regarding the DLVTP application process. Student transcripts were evaluated in regards to completion of prerequisite coursework. To assist with this activity and with follow-up of prospective student inquiries, a database was developed to track DLVTP applicants and the completion of their prerequisite coursework. PARTICIPANTS: The following individuals worked on this project during the reporting period: Dr. Jennifer Martin, Project Director (PD), Dr. Shad Clymer, DLVTP Coordinator/Instructor, Dr. Beth Fenton, DLVTP Instructor, Melissa Vogt, RVT, DLVTP Instructor, and Wendi Ehlers, DLVTP Administrative Assistant. The PD, with the assistance of the on-campus program instructors, developed the DLVTP curriculum, course descriptions, course outlines and finalized the course syllabi. The PD developed the application and webpage materials. After receiving approval from Higher Learning Commission, the PD submitted the American Veterinary Medical Association Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities Application for Accreditation of Programs for Educating Veterinary Technicians. The PD served on the search committees for the DLVTP faculty members and staff. In addition, the PD was involved in recruitment and correspondence activities. The PD served as the academic advisor for individuals who applied to the program. The PD developed the following courses during the reporting period: VT116, VT119, VT124, VT272, VT279, and VT294. The PD developed articulation agreements between the DLVTP and two community colleges to help their students transition to CCC and also assisted with the development of an articulation agreement between the DLVTP and a university to provide a 2+2 option for graduates to pursue a baccalaureate degree. Dr. Shad Clymer developed the course VT123 and taught VT116 during the summer semester. He was actively developing VT134 during the reporting period. He developed the recruiting letter sent to pre-veterinary medicine advisors. In addition, he sent out introductory emails to students who requested information about the DLVTP, which included a link to the DLVTP Facebook page. During the reporting period, he was in the process of developing videos featuring the DLVTP to send to prospective students. Dr. Beth Fenton developed BT203, MA109, and VT121, and actively worked on developing VT122, VT135, VT136, VT147, VT268, and VT269 during the reporting period. She taught VT116 during the spring semester and BT203, MA109, and VT121 during the summer semester. In addition, she taught VT140 and VT141 during the spring semester for the On-Campus Veterinary Technology Program. Melissa Vogt taught VT119 during the summer semester and was actively developing VT133 during the reporting period. Wendi Ehlers assisted students with program related questions and helped new applicants with the admissions process. She assisted the program faculty members with support tasks related to course and instructional video development. She uploaded exams and other course materials into eCollege, edited and linked audio files to PowerPoint lessons, and video recorded and edited online presentations. Other tasks included sending out mass mailings to high school counselors, veterinary hospitals, and pre-veterinary medicine advisors at colleges and universities. In addition, she developed and maintained the DLVTP Facebook page. No training or professional development was provided by the project during the reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience included the ten students who were enrolled in the Colby Community College Distance Learning Veterinary Technology Program prerequisite course VT116 Orientation to Veterinary Technology and/or core program courses during the spring and summer semesters in the reporting period. These students were served by the project through formal online science-based education in veterinary medicine and have benefited from the innovative teaching methodologies throughout the curriculum. Of the students served by the project, 90% were Caucasian and 10% were Hispanic. The college does not track whether or not off-campus or part-time students are socially, economically, or educationally disadvantaged. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: A change was made to the budget to allot monies for TV and radio advertisements. Instructors for the program were hired on January 23, 2012, March 26, 2012, and June 4, 2012 and the administrative assistant was hired on January 23, 2012. This was a significant delay from the anticipated start date of these positions, which was caused by a delay in the anticipated date of approval of the substantive change application submitted to the Higher Learning Commission. The substantive change application was not approved until December 19, 2011 thus delaying the college's ability to advertise and hire for the new positions. This also delayed the ability to begin offering the program prerequisite course VT116 until the spring semester and core program courses until the summer semester.

Impacts
During the reporting period, students who completed the program's online veterinary technology courses gained knowledge that they could begin applying throughout their career in the veterinary field. Students completing the course VT116 Orientation to Veterinary Technology became aware of the profession of veterinary technology including various career pathways and degree options within the field. The students were also introduced to the basics of online education including how to navigate the CCC website, and how to use the college's online learning management system and online enrollment portal. Proper netiquette and use of message boards was also discussed. The students also learned about the resources available to individuals in the CCC online learning community such as online tutoring and online access to the college's library. Time management and organizational and study skills best suited for the online learner were also reviewed. Students who completed the course VT119 Breeds of Domestic Animals learned to recognize breeds of dogs, cats, cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and pigs and learned about normal and abnormal animal behavior. Following completion of this course, students could apply the information they learned about breeds and common behavioral problems to patients in their veterinary hospital. Students who completed the course MA109 Math for Veterinary Technicians improved upon basic math skills, practiced conversions of units of measurement, and learned how to solve common mathematical problems used in veterinary hospitals related to medical dosage calculations, solution preparation, and intravenous fluid administration. Following completion of this course, students could apply the decision-making and problem-solving skills they practiced in the course to common mathematical problems seen veterinary practice. Students who completed the course VT121 Medical Records learned proper methods of medical charting and also studied the legal aspects of record keeping in veterinary practices. The critical thinking skills applied in this course could be applied daily in clinical practice while taking patient histories and completing medical records. Students who completed the course BT203 Veterinary Office and Computer Skills learned about the business and professional aspects of veterinary practice, including ethical and legal considerations, client communications, public relations, accounting, scheduling, records management, and telephone skills. Students could directly apply the information learned in this course to the front office work within their veterinary practice. To better assist students in this and other online programs, CCC developed general online orientation information, online tutoring, and online career counseling to better serve online students. Other services currently provided to online students include online textbook ordering through the CCC Campus Bookstore and online library resources from the H.F. Davis Memorial Library.

Publications

• No publications reported this period

Progress 08/01/10 to 07/31/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: None to report. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Jennifer Martin, Project Director (PD), worked on this project during the reporting period. The PD thoroughly reviewed the Accreditation Policies and Procedures of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) to determine the steps necessary to earn AVMA accreditation for the Distance Learning Veterinary Technology Program (DLVTP) and began completing the application material. Furthermore, the PD read through the wealth of information available online regarding each AVMA accredited distance learning veterinary technology program. After studying this material, the PD contacted the program directors of distance learning programs structured most similar to the future design of the new program for recommendations regarding admissions criteria, number of faculty, and general best practices. After reviewing this information, the PD determined how to best launch the new program. The PD began preparing for upcoming projects that would begin once the grant budget changes were approved. For example, this included items such as the design of the curriculum and the layout of student mentorships among others. The PD assisted in the completion of the substantiative change application submitted to the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The PD also developed several online course shells that will later be modified for use within the DLVTP. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Due to budgetary issues and space limitations with Colby Community College's partners located in Manhattan, KS (Manhattan Area Technical College and Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine), and the partner in El Dorado, KS (Butler Community College), Colby Community College was unable to start satellite programs at those locations. In lieu of those satellite programs, Colby Community College is developing a Distance Learning Veterinary Technology Program. This program will allow students from Kansas and across the nation to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology from Colby Community College. Adjustments were made in the grant materials and budget to reflect this change. A letter indicating approval of the budget changes was received on August 25, 2011. This approval letter was after the first accomplishments report reporting period. After receiving approval of the grant changes and budget, Colby Community College has been quickly moving forward with this project. Details will be discussed in the next accomplishments report.

Impacts
None to report.

Publications

• No publications reported this period