Meeting & Agendas
Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm
Full-time LVT instructors = 2 (Amanda & Kate)
Professional LVT tech = 2 (Libby & Claudia)
Part-time LVT = 7 (Staff update discussed –
Now have 7 adjuncts and all classes are staffed)
Part-time DVM = 1 (Dr. Sirmons)
Incoming students fall 2024 – 24 students total (which is the cap number)
The concern is the new class and the qualifications having lack of experience.
This year’s incoming group has a good mix of those having ample experience, as well as those with little experience. There is a requirement of having 80-hours of career shadowing, which helps students in the long run.
Kristi (1st year Vet Tech student)
Shared her experience and thought she was the most “green” (having little experience in the field). Explained that she is not a typical student... “The academics aren’t hard, but it’s the skills that is the challenge.”
Advised that first year’s success would be better if they are able to connect with 2nd year students in a way of mentorship to help the 1st year students out.
Informal tutoring of 2nd years would be beneficial. The current kind of tutoring offered, conflicts with student schedules and the ability to be able to attend Friday tutoring sessions.
Discussion: Having a mentorship could work by pairing 1st and 2nd years together at some point during the semesters. Creating a working schedule that gives the space for this will be considered. Having some of the students volunteer to assist their peers, but no pressure added from either cohort. Also, discussions around the options for student connections. Are there any nearby clinics where students can receive hands-on help with their skills?
Information was shared about Allandale Vet Clinic in Austin – the doctor assists through a cohort to help people of color and with socioeconomic situations get a better handle in this field. This information will be shared with Dr. Coombs to be helpful moving forward for the students.
Nicole (2nd year Vet Tech student)
Shared her experience and where she is now. Expressed how she is tired. She had some background, but did not have some of the skills. She feels she has grown a lot in the past two years from being in this program.
Dr. Wilding motioned to adjourn meeting; Dr. Strobel 2nd the motion; ALL responded "I" - meeting adjourned at 7:34pm.
No additional changes to today's agenda.
Dr. Wilding motioned to approve current agenda; Sara 2nd the motion and all accepted by responding "I".
Requested to approve the last meeting's agenda and minutes. No changes to be made to the 7/12/2023 agenda and minutes.
Motion to approved by Dr. Jess Strobel;
Dr. Wilding 2nd the motion to accept the 2023 agenda/minutes as is; and ALL responded "I" in favor.
AVMA update: Vet Tech continues to maintain in good standing with its accreditation. Will be starting the preparations of documentation steps in 2025, leading into the 2026 site visit.
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Qualifying applicants for the program – There has been more outreach and tabling done in the community for the visibility of the program. This year a waitlist was created for students who wanted to be in the program. Two declined and there is still a full class of 24 students to start in fall 2024. Last year there were 21 who started the program and now there are 10 students who may continue into their 2nd year. Trying to attend more high school college fairs to promote the program; with the hopes to increase visibility and awareness of the program.
Question asked: Is there an assistant program? If so where is it located? Answered: Yes, and it’s located - ACC Riverside Campus
This Completion Ceremony will graduate the largest Vet Tec class to date |
This matter has been resolved and the staff numbers have increased and has been consistent. Previously there was a high turnover rate of adjuncts and coordinators, but that has been resolved and the Vet Tech program is fully staffed now.
Scheduled for Friday, August 2nd @ 9am
Everyone is welcomed at the ACC Elgin campus
There are 16 students successfully finishing the program; the largest group to date.
Started having it at the Elgin campus since Covid-19 and offered the zoom as an option during that time. Since then it has been approved to have it on campus each year.
What has been done to help with the funding is:
Assisting students with the cost of the vaccination using budget funds, grant funds, and the student’s medical insurance information to offset some of the cost.
The past three incoming classes have benefitted from the vaccination clinic. It is the hope to be able to continue offering assistance with the cost of the vaccinations for future incoming classes, until we are no longer unable to provide assistance.
100% (with graduating class of 2023) –
Amanda confirmed that the pass rate for 2023 graduates was 100% pass rate.
Dr. Coombs is hopeful and looking for the same pass rate results in 2024.
The VTNE pass rate is tied to our accreditation. If there is a 50% of pass rate or below, there is a chance the program can be placed on probation.
| Uploaded Supporting Documents |
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| 1750965545_2024 VT Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes.pdf |