Scottsdale, AZ, Dec. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Penn Foster College, a provider of online affordable degree programs and individual courses in high-growth fields, today launched its Veterinary Practice Management Undergraduate Certificate. This new program helps prepare students to become veterinary practice managers by providing them with education in the procedures, policies, and management skills needed in the daily operations of a veterinary business.
The need for veterinary practice managers is growing as part of the burgeoning veterinary industry. According to thebalance.com, the veterinary industry currently generates $15.25 billion/year as part of the overall pet care industry, which brought in $58.5 billion in revenues in 2014, offering increasing opportunities for practice managers. By ensuring that daily operations run smoothly in the clinic, veterinary practice managers allow veterinarians to focus solely on practicing medicine rather than the many details of running a business.
The Penn Foster Veterinary Practice Management Undergraduate Certificate offers 19 college credits, covering skills including managerial & financial accounting, veterinary practice systems, planning & leadership, business ethics, and more. The program is offered through Penn Foster’s technology-enabled learning platform, PFx, where interactive, mobile-friendly courses, progress-tracking and goal setting tools, and personal coaches help students complete the program while managing their busy lives.
“The Veterinary Practice Management Undergraduate Certificate is a great addition to Penn Foster’s comprehensive portfolio of veterinary programs,” said Dr. James Hurrell, Director, Penn Foster Veterinary Academy. “Not only does it set up those who want to be go directly into practice management for success by means of its certification, but it’s an excellent option for veterinary technicians looking to move to the administrative side of a practice. The program teaches skills that will help individuals manage the complexities of a veterinary practice and drive the business to greater success.”
In addition to earning an undergraduate certificate, completion of the program satisfies the college semester hours required for the Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) exam offered by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA). Obtaining this certification can translate into higher pay for practice managers: A 2014 Firstline Career Path Study reported that the average hourly pay for certified practice managers was $20.55/hour, compared to $17.62/hour for practice managers without certification.
“Our goal is to help bring new professionals into Veterinary Practice Management and to provide individuals with more earning potential in these roles through industry certifications,” said Dara Warn, Chief Outcomes Officer, Penn Foster. “The Veterinary Practice Management Undergraduate Certificate helps to address the skills gap and provides additional career ladders for our veterinary medicine portfolio.”
In addition to the new Undergraduate Certificate, the Penn Foster Veterinary Academy offers best-in-class veterinary training programs for high demand occupations including their AVMA-Accredited Veterinary Technician Associate Degree, NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant Career Diploma, and Pet Grooming Certificate. More than 18,000 students enrolled in these programs during the past year, and in 2017 the school graduated more veterinary technicians than any other program in the country. Penn Foster is partnered with leading animal hospitals including Banfield Pet Hospital, VCA Animal Hospitals, BluePearl Veterinary Partners, and National Veterinary Associates, helping to upskill their workforce and train the next generation of veterinary professionals.
About Penn Foster
Students, employers and partner organizations rely on Penn Foster to build the skills and knowledge to power the 21st century workforce. For over 125 years, Penn Foster has been dedicated to helping people lead more meaningful and productive lives and to improving social outcomes through education. Penn Foster provides career pathways for opportunity youth and adult learners through diverse and affordable online diploma, certificate and degree programs, offered via its high school, career school and college. With more than 44,000 graduates each year, Penn Foster's online and blended learning programs are delivered in a self-paced, competency-based model wrapped by comprehensive academic, professional and personal support and coaching. For more information, visit https://www.pennfoster.edu/.
###