Department of Rural Resilience and Innovation

In the dynamic world of veterinary education, staying ahead of the curve is essential. At the Appalachian State Veterinary Technology Program, we take pride in our commitment to providing our students with the latest tools and knowledge to excel in the field. To further this commitment, we're excited to introduce the innovative concept of micro-credentials into our undergraduate education curriculum.

Why Micro-Credentials?

Micro-credentials are bite-sized, competency-based certifications that allow students to acquire specialized skills and knowledge in a flexible and convenient manner. They provide a clear pathway for students to enhance their expertise in specific areas, making them highly relevant in today's ever-evolving job market.

Our Micro-Credentials

As part of our continuous efforts to provide top-tier education, we've integrated several prominent micro-credentials into our curriculum. Here's a glimpse of what our students can expect:

• Fear-Free Level One Certification: Fear-Free veterinary care is an approach that focuses on reducing fear, anxiety, and stress in animals during their visits. By including this certification in our program, we empower our students to provide a more empathetic and compassionate experience for their future patients.
• RECOVER Initiative BLS (Basic Life Support) and ALS (Advanced Life Support): Rapid response in critical situations is crucial in veterinary medicine. Our students will gain expertise in life-saving techniques, ensuring they can confidently handle emergency situations in their careers.
• NAVTA Infection Control Leader Certification: Infection control is paramount in any healthcare setting, including veterinary clinics. This certification equips our students with the knowledge and skills to maintain the highest standards of hygiene and safety.
• CAETA (Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy) Certification: Euthanasia is a delicate and challenging aspect of veterinary care. Our students will receive specialized training to approach this sensitive topic with empathy, professionalism, and utmost respect for both the animal and its owner.

Our Partnership with Credential As You Go

We are proud to partner with the Credential As You Go Incremental Credentialing initiative, an organization dedicated to promoting micro-credentials in higher education. This partnership enables us to offer our students a seamless and standardized process for earning micro-credentials, enhancing the value of these certifications in the job market. Currently we are exploring the enhancement of our Leadership and Veterinary Practice Management focus area for our senior-level students with the integration of micro-credentials, as well as a national needs assessment data research project to learn what trends and challenges we need to consider for the future needs within the field.

The Future of Veterinary Education

Incorporating micro-credentials into our curriculum is just the beginning. As our program continues to grow, we are committed to expanding our offerings to provide our students with a comprehensive and competitive education. Our goal is to prepare them not only for today's challenges but also for the opportunities of tomorrow.

Conclusion

At Appalachian State University, we believe in pushing the boundaries of education to empower our students for success in their careers. Our embrace of micro-credentials reflects our commitment to providing cutting-edge training and ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared to make a meaningful impact in the veterinary medicine profession. Stay tuned as we continue to innovate and grow, setting new standards for veterinary education.

For more information about our micro-credential programs and our partnership with Credentials As You Go, please visit our website at vettech.appstate.edu as well as credentialasyougo.org.

Virginia K. Corrigan, DVM, MPH, DABVP, CCRP, CHPV
Program Director, Appalachian State Veterinary Technology Program

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