Veterinary Technology Grads Fare Well on National Credentialing Exam

CONTACT: DR. ROSEANN MARSHALL, EXT. 1359

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9/12/2002
(By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON --- Five out of the six graduates of Tri-County's on-campus Veterinary Technology program who elected to take the national credentialing exam report a passing score. In addition, all four students who completed the two-year degree via distance learning classes passed the exam.

These students were among the 2,513 across the United States and Canada who took the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) in July. This test is used by 36 states and provinces for credentialing veterinary technicians.

Many states, including South Carolina, use the national exam as their written examination for credentialing veterinary technicians, said Dr. Roseann Marshall, who leads Tri-County's Veterinary Technology department. The raw scores are kept on file in New York, and a person may request his or her scores anytime.

The national exam is a timed test consisting of 200 multiple choice questions that test the students' knowledge about pharmacology, surgical preparation and assisting, lab procedures, animal nursing, radiology and ultrasound, anesthesia and office and hospital procedures.

"Our students work very hard to achieve the skills and knowledge necessary to pass this exam and deserve many congratulations," said Dr. Marshall.

A passing score on the national exam allows for increased salaries and a chance to advance in the field, said Dr. Marshall. Employment opportunities also are available in the pet food industry, as well as pharmaceutical companies, she added.

Last year, Tri-County offered the curriculum via distance learning at Midlands Technical College in Columbia. Lectures originated on the Tri-County campus, and advanced video technology allowed students at Midlands to participate in the classes.

The Veterinary National Exam is owned by Professional Exam Services and is sponsored by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards. The Veterinary Technology Testing Committee is a voluntary advisory committee appointed by various groups that assist in the development and maintenance the VTNE.

Tri-County's program, launched in the 1970's and the first technical college in the state to offer an associate degree program in Veterinary Technology, is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association and is endorsed by the South Carolina Association of Veterinarians. It offers training in large and small animal clinical and surgical nursing, various laboratory skills, as well as courses in lab animal technology, office management and computer skills.
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