Progress 11/01/24 to 10/31/25
Outputs
Target Audience: During this reporting period, the primary target audiences reached by this project included prospective students, regional veterinary professionals, institutional stakeholders, and secondary education partners within West Texas. Efforts were directed toward local and regional veterinary clinics, licensed veterinarians, and veterinary technicians to establish clinical partnerships, advisory committee participation, and externship opportunities in preparation for program accreditation and launch. These activities included outreach to clinics regarding program participation, review and distribution of clinical affiliation MOUs, and advisory committee meetings. The project also engaged prospective students and secondary education audiences, including high school students, agriculture teachers, and families, through recruitment and outreach activities such as Open Roads Promise events, FFA camps, and direct communication with interested students and parents regarding program requirements and career pathways. Additionally, institutional audiences were reached, including Howard College administrators, faculty, library services, advising staff, and accreditation liaisons. Engagement with these groups supported curriculum development, SACSCOC and THECB approval processes, resource acquisition, and institutional readiness for program implementation. Collectively, these audiences represent the key stakeholders necessary to support the development, approval, accreditation, and future sustainability of the Veterinary Technology A.A.S. program. Changes/Problems:During this reporting period, the primary change in project approach involved an adjustment to the program implementation timeline related to staffing and sequencing of accreditation activities. While the original project timeline anticipated earlier student enrollment, the project experienced challenges in recruiting and hiring a qualified Veterinary Technology Program Director. Difficulty identifying a candidate who met both institutional requirements and AVMA CVTEA qualification standards resulted in a later-than-anticipated hire, which delayed subsequent curriculum finalization, accreditation preparation, and program implementation activities. Once the Program Director was hired, progress resumed in alignment with the original project scope and objectives. Institutional approval and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) approval processes proceeded as planned and were completed within the original approval timelines. However, the delayed staffing hire required an overall shift in the program launch schedule to ensure adequate time for accreditation preparation, clinical partnership development, and program quality assurance prior to student enrollment. As a result of the staffing delay, Howard College requested and received a No-Cost Extension to extend the project performance period through October 31, 2026. This extension allows sufficient time to complete AVMA CVTEA accreditation requirements, finalize clinical partnerships, and ensure all program infrastructure is in place prior to enrolling students. The extension did not alter the project goals, scope, or total award amount. No other major changes to the project's approach, scope, or methodology occurred during this reporting period. No special or additional reporting requirements beyond standard USDA NIFA REEport reporting were specified in the award Terms and Conditions. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?During the next reporting period, project activities will focus on completion of AVMA CVTEA accreditation requirements, finalization of program infrastructure, and student recruitment and enrollment in advance of the planned program launch. Efforts will continue toward completion of the AVMA CVTEA self-study, documentation of curriculum and clinical competencies, and preparation for a future site visit. The project team will also continue to monitor and respond to the SACSCOC review process as needed. Clinical affiliation agreements will be finalized with regional veterinary clinics, humane societies, and animal care facilities to ensure adequate externship and experiential learning opportunities for students. Program policies, student handbooks, course syllabi, and instructional materials will be finalized to support program implementation. The program application process will open by February 1, allowing prospective students to apply for entry into the Veterinary Technology A.A.S. program. Recruitment, advising, and selection activities will continue throughout the spring, with the goal of finalizing the first cohort of approximately eight students by June 1 for enrollment in August 2026. Additional activities will include procurement of instructional equipment and supplies necessary for laboratory instruction, continued faculty and staff training, and expanded outreach to secondary education partners and regional veterinary employers. Planning for mentorship and continuing education opportunities will continue, with an emphasis on alignment with workforce needs and long-term program sustainability. These activities will support successful accreditation, enrollment, and implementation of the Veterinary Technology A.A.S. program. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?During this reporting period, project results and progress were disseminated to communities of interest through targeted outreach, stakeholder engagement, and institutional communication activities. Information regarding program development, institutional approval, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) approval, and planned implementation of the Veterinary Technology A.A.S. program was shared with regional veterinary professionals, including veterinarians and veterinary technicians, through direct communication, advisory committee activities, and outreach related to clinical partnerships and program participation. These efforts supported awareness of the program, accreditation planning, and future workforce collaboration. Progress and program information were also disseminated to prospective students and secondary education audiences, including high school students, agriculture teachers, and families, through recruitment and outreach activities such as Open Roads Promise events, FFA camps, and direct communication with interested students and parents. These efforts increased awareness of career pathways in veterinary technology and informed prospective students of upcoming application and enrollment timelines. Institutional dissemination occurred through ongoing communication with Howard College administrators, faculty, advising staff, library services, and accreditation liaisons. These internal efforts supported curriculum development, resource acquisition, completion of institutional and state approval processes, and coordination of SACSCOC and AVMA CVTEA accreditation activities. Collectively, dissemination activities during this reporting period ensured that key stakeholders remained informed of project progress and supported the continued development and future launch of the Veterinary Technology A.A.S. program. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?During the next reporting period, project activities will focus on completing AVMA CVTEA accreditation requirements, finalizing program infrastructure, and implementing student recruitment and enrollment activities in preparation for the planned program launch. Efforts will continue toward completion of the AVMA CVTEA self-study, documentation of curriculum and clinical competencies, and preparation for a future site visit. The project team will also continue to monitor and respond to the SACSCOC review process as needed. Clinical affiliation agreements will be finalized with regional veterinary clinics, humane societies, and animal care facilities to ensure adequate externship and experiential learning opportunities for students. Program policies, student handbooks, course syllabi, and instructional materials will be finalized to support program implementation. The program application process will open by February 1, 2026, allowing prospective students to apply for entry into the Veterinary Technology A.A.S. program. Recruitment, advising, and selection activities will continue throughout the spring, with the goal of finalizing the first cohort ofeight students by June 1, 2026for enrollment in August 2026. Additional activities will include procurement of instructional equipment and supplies necessary for laboratory instruction, continued faculty and staff training, and expanded outreach to secondary education partners and regional veterinary employers. Planning for mentorship and continuing education opportunities will continue, with an emphasis on alignment with workforce needs and long-term program sustainability. These activities will support successful accreditation, enrollment, and implementation of the Veterinary Technology A.A.S. program.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
During this reporting period, progress focused on foundational program development, personnel onboarding, curriculum completion, accreditation preparation, and partnership development necessary to support implementation of the Veterinary Technology A.A.S. program. In support of Objective 1, Howard College finalized the Veterinary Technology A.A.S. curriculum and degree plan, including course sequencing, credit and contact hour alignment, and laboratory components. The program has received institutional approval and approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). Required documentation has been submitted to SACSCOC and is currently under review. Preparatory work toward AVMA CVTEA accreditation continued, including review of accreditation standards, development of accreditation crosswalks, preparation of self-study materials, and coordination of clinical competencies. A full-time Veterinary Technology Program Director was hired and actively engaged in curriculum development, accreditation preparation, and institutional coordination. Due to the sequencing of accreditation requirements, the program is scheduled to enroll its first cohort in August 2026 under an approved No-Cost Extension. With regard to Objective 2, no student cohort was enrolled or graduated during this reporting period. Activities during this period focused on ensuring program readiness prior to student enrollment, including curriculum approval, accreditation preparation, and development of instructional and clinical infrastructure. In support of Objective 3, preliminary planning for continuing education opportunities was initiated. The Program Director engaged with professional organizations and continuing education providers to explore potential integration of emergency and critical care-related certifications and training modules into future program offerings. Progress toward Objective 4 included outreach and coordination with regional veterinary clinics, humane societies, and animal rescues to establish clinical and volunteer opportunities for future students. A standardized clinical affiliation and student participation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was developed and revised in alignment with AVMA CVTEA standards and applicable state regulations. These materials are being used to formalize partnerships that will support hands-on learning once the program launches. In support of Objective 5, initial steps were taken to develop a mentorship framework through engagement with local veterinary professionals. Advisory committee activities, outreach efforts, and planning discussions established relationships with veterinary technicians and veterinarians who will support mentorship, externship supervision, and professional guidance for students upon program implementation. Overall, activities during this reporting period advanced the academic, administrative, and partnership infrastructure required for successful accreditation, enrollment, and implementation of the Veterinary Technology A.A.S. program.
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Progress 11/01/23 to 10/31/24
Outputs
Target Audience:We worked exhaustively to find a Project Director, and have hired Mrs. Amanda Macer. We are now in the beginning stages of creating the program on the timeline that was initially created just delayed since we could not find the right prospect to lead the Veterinary Technician Program. Changes/Problems:There have been no major changes to the overall objectives of the program; however, our timeline has been significantly extended due to challenges in hiring a qualified Program Director. This delay impacted our ability to move forward with curriculum development, accreditation, and student recruitment. With the hiring of Mrs. Amanda Macer in June 2024, we have overcome this challenge and are now making steady progress. While we are operating on a three-year delay, we remain committed to completing all planned objectives, ensuring compliance with accreditation requirements, and successfully launching the program. No special or additional reporting requirements have been specified in the award Terms and Conditions. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Mrs. Macer attended the AVTE (American Veterinarian Technician Educators) conference in Houston on July 26-28, 2024, with plans to attend the conference in 2025. She learned valuable information and networked with other Texas Veterinary Technician Programs to help her develop the curriculum and course sequencing for our program. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We have actively engaged with the veterinary community, local humane societies, and Howard College leadership to keep stakeholders informed about the program's progress. Local veterinarians and clinics remain highly supportive, expressing strong interest in hiring graduates and offering mentorship and clinical training opportunities. The Happy Day Humane Society of Howard Countyand various small rescue organizations are eager to collaborate, recognizing the program's potential to provide students with hands-on experience while supporting animal welfare efforts. Within Howard College, faculty and staff have been kept informed through internal meetings, and we have participated in community discussions to maintain awareness. With the hiring of Mrs. Amanda Macer, we are now focusing on structured outreach, including student recruitment events, program updates on Howard College's website and social media, and strengthening clinical partnerships. While delays have been a challenge, support from the community remains strong, and we are committed to launching a high-quality veterinary technology program. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?During the next reporting period, we will finalize the curriculum development, ensuring that all syllabi are completed and required texts are selected for each course. We will continue outreach to the community and area veterinary clinics, strengthening partnerships to secure hands-on training opportunities for students. A key focus will be supporting Mrs. Amanda Macer in obtaining her licensure, an important step in program leadership and accreditation. Additionally, we will engage in discussions with AVMA and CVTEA to clarify accreditation requirements and make tangible progress toward program approval. Student recruitment efforts will begin, with targeted outreach to area high schools and career fairs to build awareness and interest in the program. With these steps in place, we are working diligently to ensure a strong foundation for launching the first student cohort.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Despite significant delays, we have made meaningful progress toward establishing the Veterinary Technician A.A.S. Program. The hiring of Mrs. Amanda Macer in June 2024 was a critical milestone, allowing us to move forward with curriculum development, accreditation alignment, and clinical partnership efforts. We have resumed discussions with AVMA, CVTEA, and THECB to ensure compliance with all necessary accreditation and approval processes. While we have not yet enrolled students, we are now preparing for student recruitment and admissions, with a target enrollment date of Fall 2026, dependent on accreditation approvals. In addition to launching the A.A.S. program, we are exploring continuing education pathways, including Emergency and Critical Care Technician certification. Mrs. Macer is actively working with area veterinary technicians and veterinarians to identify training opportunities in this field. Partnerships with local humane societies and animal rescues have also been re-established, with many organizations eager to provide hands-on training opportunities for students. Discussions are underway to create a structured volunteer program to enhance student learning experiences. We have also seen strong interest from area veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians in developing a mentorship program for students. Early planning is in progress to connect students with experienced professionals in clinics, hospitals, and rescue organizations. While launching this program has taken longer than anticipated, we have built a strong foundation and are now moving forward with clear direction and momentum. With Mrs. Macer's leadership, we remain optimistic about the program's future and are committed to training the next generation of veterinary technicians in West Texas. Despite significant delays, we have made meaningful progress toward establishing the Veterinary Technician A.A.S. Program. The hiring of Mrs. Amanda Macer in June 2024 was a critical milestone, allowing us to move forward with curriculum development, accreditation alignment, and clinical partnership efforts. We have resumed discussions with AVMA, CVTEA, and THECB to ensure compliance with all necessary accreditation and approval processes. While we have not yet enrolled students, we are now preparing for student recruitment and admissions, with a target enrollment date of Fall 2026, dependent on accreditation approvals. In addition to launching the A.A.S. program, we are exploring continuing education pathways, including Emergency and Critical Care Technician certification. Mrs. Macer is actively working with area veterinary technicians and veterinarians to identify training opportunities in this field. Partnerships with local humane societies and animal rescues have also been re-established, with many organizations eager to provide hands-on training opportunities for students. Discussions are underway to create a structured volunteer program to enhance student learning experiences. We have also seen strong interest from area veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians in developing a mentorship program for students. Early planning is in progress to connect students with experienced professionals in clinics, hospitals, and rescue organizations. While launching this program has taken longer than anticipated, we have built a strong foundation and are now moving forward with clear direction and momentum. With Mrs. Macer's leadership, we remain optimistic about the program's future and are committed to training the next generation of veterinary technicians in West Texas.
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