NDSU’s veterinary technology program has received continued full accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association. At its meeting May 2-4, the association’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities granted the accreditation based on the evaluation report from the Oct. 16-18, 2013, site visit to NDSU.
Greg Lardy, professor and head of animal sciences, said the Department of Animal Sciences is excited to receive the news. “The program has served the veterinary community in the region for many years and we look forward to continuing to train qualified veterinary technicians into the future,” Lardy said.
The notification letter from Rachel Valentine and Karen Martens Brandt of the association’s Center for Veterinary Medical Accreditation said the next full accreditation site visit is scheduled for 2019.
“The continuation of full accreditation is a substantial and wonderful achievement for our program,” said Stacey Ostby, lecturer and co-director of the program. “The dedication and passion of our faculty, staff and students are contagious and have allowed our program to continue to improve and grow with each passing semester. I am privileged and proud to be a part of such a wonderful university, department and program.”
Teresa Sonsthagen, senior lecturer and program co-director, said, “Maintaining our accreditation is vital for our students to continue in their careers, as our credentialing examination, the ‘Veterinary Technician National Exam,’ is only given to graduates of accredited programs. Being fully accredited is a cornerstone of our program.”
NDSU’s veterinary technology program, which educates technical support professionals for veterinarians, biomedical researchers and other scientists, began operation in 1976. It has been continuously accredited since 1979.
The program is housed in Robinson Hall. Its facilities include a small animal surgery suite, radiology room and darkroom, classrooms and a veterinary wellness clinic.
For information on the program, visit www.ag.ndsu.edu/vettech/.
NDSU is recognized as one of the top 108 public and private universities by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.
