Penn Foster Schools haven't always had online programs, but their academic history dates back more than 100 years. As of 2010, Penn Foster had more than 13 million students enrolled online.
Its online veterinary technician program leads to an associate's degree in veterinary care. The program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Students will learn medical mathematics, veterinary office management, animal nutrition and reproduction and animal anatomy and physiology.
Penn Foster also has a veterinary assistant certification program that takes about a year to complete. Participants will learn how to assist with surgical procedures, obtain and update veterinary care records and provide nursing care.
Founded in 1991, the Stratford Career Institute provides affordable training programs in a variety of fields. Study programs earn students an accredited diploma of course completion or certification. All available courses are offered online, with completion taking from a few months to a year.
Its veterinary assistant distance learning course features seven study modules, including animal behavior, care for domestic, wild and exotic animals, animal anatomy and medical terminology. The program is designed to prepare students to work in animal shelters, veterinary hospitals or wildlife sanctuaries.
At U.S. Career Institute, students study online at their own pace in the field of their choice. USCI offers both certificate and degree programs that are accredited by the Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council, Better Business Bureau and State of Colorado Department of Higher Education.
USCI's veterinary specialist course is a professional-level study program that culminates in a Veterinary and Animal Care Specialist Career Diploma. Students will learn how to help and care for animals in emergency situations, proper grooming techniques, how to perform animal examinations and animal handling and restraint procedures.
The Kaplan Higher Education Corp. is comprised of several online schools. Kaplan Schools began in 1937, helping students prepare for professional careers.
The Kaplan Continuing Education School offers online veterinary assistant courses, leading to an accredited certificate of completion. Since this is a continuing education program, Kaplan does require students to have an associate's degree. The course lasts about 12 months, offering classes in surgical assistance, animal nursing care, examination procedures, medications and lab work.