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Contact: Melissa Peveto
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466
5/1/98
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATCHITOCHES - The Veterinary Technology Program at Northwestern State University will continue its full accreditation status through December, 1999, according to the program's director Brenda Woodard, D.V. M. Accreditation was awarded by the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities, a committee of the American Veterinary Medical Association, based on 11 essential requirements.
The program was first accredited in 1981 and holds the distinction of being the only accredited program in veterinary technology in Louisiana.
The programs strengths cited by the committee include dedicated faculty and staff, a growing enrollment, increasing retention, and a good relationship with the university administration. The affiliation with the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, well maintained facilities, a high quality student body, well rounded academic curriculum and the existence of the only such program in the state were also noted as strengths.
"Being accredited means the students are able to sit for board exams and that is particularly important for not only the school but the students as well. It adds meaning to our program," said Woodard."
NSU's veterinary technology program has doubled in size over the last five years with approximately 65 majors this semester. Graduates of the program work with veterinarians as a member of the veterinary medical team, assisting veterinarians and other scientists in capacities similar to those of registered nurses and other medical assistants in the human medical field. Veterinary technicians are trained in the care and handling of animals, in basic principals of normal and abnormal life processes and in routine laboratory and clinical procedures.