Jean Said:

Is Penn Fosters Online Career School considered a creditable school to be a Veterinary Assistant?

We Answered:

No. Because no degree is required to be an assistant. Veterinarians don't care if you have a "certificate" or not because none of these programs are regulated by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Most veterinarians that still hire assistants want those with experience. That means you'll be starting out in the kennel cleaning cages and mopping floors. You don't need a degree for that. You learn on the job.
If you're looking for a career in the veterinary field and don't mind a little schooling, then looking into vet techs instead. Vet techs are much more in demand (every clinic uses them), the pay is better and you won't be stuck doing the grunt work for the rest of your life.
Vet tech programs are regulated and accredited by the AVMA. There are a few programs on-line that are accredited (Penn Foster is one). This website lists all AVMA accredited programs in veterinary technology.
http://www.avma.org/education/cvea/vette…

Russell Said:

Anyone enrolled in the Penn Foster Career School online?

We Answered:

No. Honestly a veterinary assistant certificate is useless. Many vets don't hire "assistants" anymore. They have technicians, receptionists, and kennel help. Assistants are often a combination of all 3, but the larger clinics have split these positions up. Many clinics refer to their kennel help as assistants, but do you really think you need to go to school to learn how to clean up after dogs and do the laundry? Most clinics don't care at all if you have a veterinary assistance degree. They care more about practical experience and will start you out in the kennel anyway even if they do have assistants.
Penn Foster does have a vet tech program, but it's not fully accredited by the AVMA. If you want a degree and want to work in the veteirnary field then tech school is a better choice. There are several on-line programs that are fully accredited and you can find them on this website.
http://www.avma.org/education/cvea/vette…

Patrick Said:

Does anyone know anything about Penn Foster career school online?

We Answered:

Penn Foster Career School is a real school. Its nationally accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council, and issues real career diplomas and certificates.

Kristen Said:

Has anyone ever heard of Penn Foster Career online? Is the school just a big fraud or is it the real deal?

We Answered:

Oh its real. The question is how much regard to you have for on-line, for profit institutions. Me, not very much.

Leslie Said:

Is Penn Foster Career School (online) a good place to continue my education?

We Answered:

my sister did that.
she said it wasnt too bad.for what you want to do i think that would be great for you.espically if you have kids and dont want to put them in daycares.

Nelson Said:

I want to know if anyone out there knows if the Penn Foster Career online school is really real?

We Answered:

Yes, it is real, however it's only "provisionally accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (http://www.avma.org/education/cvea/vette… which means "Provisional accreditation is granted to new programs in veterinary technology where students have not completed the entire curriculum and/or the programs have not produced sufficient numbers of graduates to adequately assess outcomes. Programs may remain on provisional accreditation for a period not to exceed five years. A classification of provisional accreditation is not punitive. Graduates of a provisionally accredited program are graduates of an AVMA-accredited program." It does go on to say "Graduates of a program classified as Provisional, Probational, or Terminal Accreditation are considered to be graduates of an AVMA-accredited program in veterinary technology."

That's still kinda confusing to me. You could probably contact the AVMA and get a detailed description if needed.

BUT, there are vet tech programs in California... 13 actually! See the list:
http://www.avma.org/education/cvea/vette…

Good luck!