San Juan College issued the following announcement on Sept. 9.
For Hafdis Hafsteinsdottir, working with animals was a dream since she was a little girl living on a farm. San Juan College Veterinary Technology program, which is delivered completely online, is helping turn her dream into a reality-even from a distance, a long-distance.
Hafsteinsdottir is a citizen of Iceland and one of San Juan College’s international students. Not only does “distance” learning have new meaning for her, but the successes she’s had as a student are also noteworthy.
“The keys to success for an online program are dedicated instructors who help guide you in your journey coupled with a program that provides a strong support system,” says Dr. David Wright, assistant professor of Veterinary Technology. “Many courses at San Juan College have embedded tutors, as well as, academic coaches to offer additional encouragement and direction.”
Hafsteinsdottir couldn’t agree more with Dr. Wright. She researched online veterinary technology programs, and San Juan College consistently appeared in her searches. “I emailed Sherry Hair, SJC Veterinary Technology program coordinator, to ask if international students could apply,” Hafsteinsdottir said. “The rest is history. Sherry and the other staff are beyond helpful – distance did not hinder their ability to assist me. They have been there to support me every step of the way.”
Hafsteinsdottir graduated with her veterinary assistant certificate in May and is now working toward her Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Veterinary Technology. Completing her AAS degree prepares her to apply for a veterinary technology license in Iceland.
Clinicals for Vet Tech students
Part of the veterinary technology degree requires students to complete clinical work in a veterinary hospital. Prior to COVID-19, Hafsteinsdottir worked in an Iceland clinic full time while taking classes online. However, because of the pandemic, the clinic had to lessen her and other clinic employees’ hours to half time. The clinic divided employees into two teams – each team worked one week on and one week off.
“This was a precaution that many veterinary clinics followed,” she explains. “If a staff member happened to be diagnosed with COVID-19, we wouldn‘t need to shut the clinic down for an entire two weeks. This modified schedule allowed us to continue to serve our patients.”
While COVID-19 may have changed Hafsteinsdottir‘s hands-on clinical hours, she was able to continue with her online studies.“The instructors at San Juan College were so understanding about me being from Iceland,” says Hafsteinsdottir. “They realized that some things are different here and were willing to work with me. And being that the program is completely online, I was able to continue working toward my degree without any delays.”
Future Plans
“I am excited and look forward to my career as a veterinary technologist,” exclaims Hafsteinsdottir. “After I graduate, I plan to continue working at this clinic. Thanks to the support and dedication of my instructors, I know that I am prepared for a successful future. I would highly recommend this program to anyone, regardless of where they live.”
More about the Vet Tech program at SJC
The Veterinary Technology program, established in 2006, was one of the first completely online programs offered at San Juan College. Students from across the U.S. and world enroll in the program – from military personnel and spouses, to both international and local students in San Juan County. To date, more than 530 associate degrees and over 2,000 certificates have been awarded.
Original source can be found here.
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