Annual Program Plan―2015‒2016
I.
Department
Agriculture
Discipline or Program on
which this plan focuses
RVT
Date
9-18-14
Version number
1
Program Description
The Registered Veterinary Technology (RVT) AS degree program is a viable, long-standing program accredited by the American
Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Upon completion of the program, students have gained the theoretical and practical training
required to pass the California State Board exam and find gainful employment in a wide variety of veterinary facilities. The RVT
Program awards the third highest number of AS degrees per year, next to Liberal Arts and Nursing and has awarded 92 AS degrees in
the past 5 years. This AAPP will address the issues of consistently increasing student numbers, the subsequent need for additional
staffing and resources, and the technological and instructional needs of the program in its effort to stay current with the industry.
Accreditation Status
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is the national accrediting body for veterinary technology schools. In order for a
college to maintain accreditation, it must meet 9 rigorous standards involving curriculum, facilities, faculty, equipment, etc. Maintaining
full accreditation is essential for student success because only those who have graduated from an AVMA accredited college are
permitted to take both the state and national RVT Board Exams. Passing these exams is required to earn the title of a Registered
Veterinary Technician (RVT), thus culminating the years of training and education. Becoming an RVT also serves as the foundation for
career advancement.
Maintaining full accreditation requires the submission of a biennial written self-study and an on-site visit every 5 years. During this onsite visit, a committee of 5 members performs an intense 3 day scrutiny of the RVT program. This on-site visit involves facility
inspection, perusing records, interviews with administration, faculty and students, and meeting with the Advisory Committee. The
visiting team then generates a report with recommendations, which is eventually reviewed by the Committee for Veterinary Technology
Education Activities (CVTEA) at its next bi-annual meeting. The CVTEA then decides the accreditation status of the program.
The RVT Program maintains full accreditation with the AVMA. The last biennial self-study was submitted by the Program Director in
March 2012 and the next site visit is scheduled for March 3-5, 2015. The college is expected to pay for the site visit, including
transportation, lodging and food for the 5 members for 3 days. The CVTEA recommends allocating $5000 for a site visit. In addition,
resources will need to be allocated in 2015 for upkeep and repair of the RVT Facility in preparation for the site visit. Repairs to the RVT
building that still need to be made prior to the AVMA on-site visit are listed in bold below.
2015-2016 Annual Academic Program Plan Form Draft/May 16, 2014
2
I.
Program Description
Center for the Sciences
The RVT Program continues to benefit from the spacious labs and state of the art equipment of the RVT facility in the Center for the
Sciences. However, some lingering issues within the facility have yet to be resolved. These include a noisy fume hood and exhaust
system, leaks in the plumbing pipes in the cage wash room, installation of a ceiling mounted Power Point projector in the
Clinical Lab.
Enrollment and Matriculation
Over the past 3 years, the RVT program has averaged approximately 350 students per semester. The program consistently
demonstrates high success and retention rates with percentages in both categories well above the college average. In addition, the
RVT Program averaged 22 AS degrees in the past 5 years which is the third highest number of AS degrees per year, next to Liberal
Arts and Nursing. RVT graduates consistently attain board exam passing rates at or above state and national averages.
II.
Assessment of 2013-2014 Annual Goals
Provide an assessment of 2013-2014 Annual Goals. List any continuing goals in Section VII.
Goal
A.
Potentiate student success
1. Develop an RVT Student Handbook
2. Reduce lab class size to a number that is compatible with adequate individual instruction
and opportunities for skill acquisition. To help mitigate the expense, the RVT faculty has
been adding more students to lecture classes in exchange for keeping the lab class size
below the norm for science lab classes.
3. Include RVT classes in Winter and Summer sessions A majority of students do not
complete the AS degree in veterinary technology in 2 years, unless they have transferable
credits from another college. This is due in part to the large number of courses required for
the degree. This situation cannot be avoided because of the extensive curriculum
requirements from the AVMA. Other contributing factors to a lengthy completion time are
impacted high demand classes and that some of the advanced classes are only offered
once a year. Offering entry level and advanced classes in both Winter and Summer
sessions will provide the students with increased opportunity to complete their degree in a
timely manner.
4. Expand numbers of class sections so that students can graduate in a timely manner.
This goal is linked with #3 above.
B.
Expand hands-on clinical experience for students
1. Offer additional spay/neuter and vaccine clinics. Both events have been done in the
Achieved Continuing Discarded
1,2,3,4
1,2,3,4,5
3
II.
Assessment of 2013-2014 Annual Goals
Provide an assessment of 2013-2014 Annual Goals. List any continuing goals in Section VII.
Goal
Achieved Continuing Discarded
past with a great deal of success. Students are able to develop competency and
confidence by working with a variety of patients. The more hands-on experience a student
can obtain, the more successful they will be at both passing the Board Exams and as an
RVT working in an animal hospital.
2. Expand on-site clinic hours to enhance student learning and serve the community.
3. Offer a 1 unit elective course to pre-vet and RVT students to perform basic veterinary
skills such as physical exams, deworming, vaccinations, etc. on program animals.
4. Find creative sources of funding for the RVT Program.
5. Add companion exotic animals to the program. Many small animal practices are now
expanding to include birds and reptiles to their patient base. The RVT Program needs to
keep pace with this trend in order to provide employers with RVTs who are familiar with
these species.
C.
Interface with veterinary community to promote the RVT Program
1.Offer world class continuing education to students, alumni and veterinary professionals
2. Create a series of Master Classes for advanced students and graduates
3. Encourage professional organizations to hold annual meetings at Pierce
4. Develop an accelerated program for Alternate Route state board exam candidates
D.
Provide case-based educational experiences
1. Expand faculty to include additional practicing veterinarians
Maintain AVMA Full Accreditation Status
1. Uphold all 9 Standards of Accreditation
2. Prepare for upcoming onsite visit in 2015
Provide the students with a diversity of perspective and knowledge
1. Hire a diversity of faculty to reflect the changing trend of veterinary medicine towards
specialty
2. Optimize student learning by hiring adjunct faculty working in the field
1,2,3,4
1
2
1
1,2
(Press tab for additional rows.)
4
III.
Curriculum Changes During 2013-2014 Academic Year
List any new programs and/or certificates OR changed programs and/or certificates
approved by the Curriculum Committee during the 2013-2014 academic year. Check
A.
whether they are New or Changed, and provide the date they were approved by the
Curriculum Committee.
1 N/A
New
Changed
Approval
Date
2
3
(Press tab for additional rows.)
B.
List any new, updated, or changed courses approved by the
Curriculum Committee during the 2013-2014 academic year.
Provide the course number and the course title.
1 Online version of AS 420 and AS 422
New
Check All That Apply.
Distance
Updated
Honors
Education
x
x
Approval
Date
Spring 14
2
Online version of AS 480 and AS 481
Spring 14
3
AS 435
X
Spring 14
4
AS 436
X
Spring 14
5
AS 441
X
Spring 14
6
AS 470
X
Spring 14
7
AS 480
Change
to lecture
format
Spring 14
8
AS 180
Change
to 1 unit
Fall 2014
9
AS 481
x
(Press tab for additional rows.)
C.
Course Outlines of Record
1
Number of courses in discipline or department
26
2
Number of courses that have been updated since 2008 (CORs must be updated every 6 years)
26
3
Number of courses that require updating during 2015-2016 to maintain currency
1
5
IV.
Progress in the Student Learning Outcomes Cycle
A. Learning Outcomes Development and Assessment Status
Total
B.
1. Number of courses in discipline or department
26
2. Number of courses with approved SLOs on the COR
26
3. Number of degrees and state-approved certificates in the discipline/department (If zero, please go to A.6.)
1
4. Number of degrees and state-approved certificates with program-level outcomes (PLOs) developed
1
5. Number of degrees and state-approved certificates with PLOs developed and courses mapped to the PLOs
1
6. Number of courses mapped to one or more General Education Learning Outcomes
0
Outcomes Assessment Results
1. Provide a narrative describing the significant findings from the course- and program-level outcomes assessed in 2013-2014.
Place your narrative in the expandable row below.
Prior to graduating from an AVMA accredited RVT school, a student must be evaluated for proficiency in over 300 skills and
related knowledge, called AVMA Essential Skills. To that end, the RVT Program has compiled an Essential Skills List which
students purchase at the College Bookstore. The student brings this book to each lab class. After they learn and practice skills
in class, they are then evaluated by an instructor. Students must earn a minimum of 4/5 on each skill in order to pass the class.
This Essential Skill List has proven to be a very effective tool for monitoring student progress, both for the instructor and the
student.
In reviewing completed skills books it is evident that a vast majority of the skills are being adequately performed by the end of
the program. The downside is that the focus tends to be on just getting “signed off” on skills, rather than practicing and gaining
proficiency. Even though the students have learned the steps, they are not confident in the execution of the skill, nor have the
experience to be able to perform each skill in a variable clinical setting. The problem being encountered is that the skills are
being evaluated on non-live models, which are stationary and uniform. In a clinical setting, the students often have difficulty
performing these skills when faced with the anatomical and behavioral variations of live animals. In addition, a one-time
evaluation of a skill does not necessarily indicate mastery. Moreover, as of July 2013, the AVMA is now requiring that students
must be evaluated on live animals for some of these essential skills rather than on non-live models. Clearly, more hands on
experience with live animals must be offered to the students so that the RVT program can maintain accreditation and that the
students can develop a more marketable skill set upon graduation.
Skill acquisition requires careful teaching and multiple opportunities for practice. RVT students need to receive individualized
instruction and performance repetition in order to master the over 300 AVMA Essential Skills. This is why RVT lab classes need
to have fewer students than a traditional science class such as biology or chemistry. Instructors cannot effectively teach,
monitor and evaluate successful skills acquisition if there are 24 students in one lab section. Moreover, safety becomes a huge
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IV.
Progress in the Student Learning Outcomes Cycle
issue, especially when working around large animals such as cows and horses.
2. Provide a narrative describing any steps taken or changes made as the result of these findings. Place your narrative in the
expandable row below.
The enumerable variations encountered with animals cannot be adequately dealt with by only using models and a few program
animals. Therefore, it is imperative that the RVT Program continue to offer limited veterinary services to the public. As part of the
curriculum, an AVMA accredited RVT program must provide the students with a minimum of 300 hours of clinical experience in
an animal hospital. This work experience gives the students adequate time to perfect skills, interact with clients and learn the
nuances of working in an animal hospital. At Pierce College this requirement is presently being satisfied by the AS 480 classes.
These hours can only be fulfilled at animal hospitals that are “approved vendors” by LACCD. The problem is that the 100+
hospitals on the Approved Vendor list all function differently and allow different levels of participation. Some are very
conservative and only allow students to do a few basic skills and other are very open and allow students to fully participate in the
procedures. Therefore, the level of experience the students get can be quite variable depending on which hospital they go to.
In an effort to rectify this situation, for the past 2 summers advanced RVT students fulfilled part of their Summer AS 480 class
hours at an onsite clinic held at the RVT facility. Based on student self evaluations, this is a very beneficial experience for them,
both in building skill proficiency and in gaining a deeper understanding of the diagnostic process. Off campus internships should
always be a part of the RVT program, as nothing can truly replace gaining experience at a full service animal hospital. Now that
the AS 480 classes have been separated into AS 480 and AS 481, the students could benefit from the best of both worlds
(onsite and of campus venues). In AS 480, which is taken first, the students would do a 2/3 of their work hours at the onsite
clinic, and 1/3 at an off campus site. For AS 481, the opposite would take place, thus allowing these more experienced students
to benefit from working in an actual hospital environment.
3. Provide a narrative that describes additional steps to be taken as the result of the findings, including any needed resources
required to address shortcomings in student performance. Place your narrative in the expandable row below and specify any
resource requests in Items X through XIV.
An important goal for RVT Program development is to expand onsite clinical hours from only the summer session to fall, spring
and summer semesters and to find ways to involve entry level students in the onsite clinic as well. The long range goal is to
have clinical faculty members to operate the onsite clinic so that it can be open during the entire school year. Expanding the
onsite clinic will also benefit entry level students by building skills right from the start of their experience in the RVT program.
A one unit elective class for the RVT and pre-vet majors could be developed that would provide entry level students with directly
supervised hands on experience in basic veterinary skills. Using RVT program animals and under the direct supervision of an
RVT or DVM, the students would perform weekly physical exams, administer vaccinations, place microchips, give deworming
and flea preventative medicine, perform FeLV and heartworm tests, etc. This course would also serve as a vehicle for complying
with the USDA programs of veterinary care for these species.
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IV.
Progress in the Student Learning Outcomes Cycle
Additional hands on experiences can be provided to students by streamlining the facility use procedure for outside groups to
hold clinics at Pierce and for allowing our students to participate in clinical events off campus. The program director has
contacts at the Santa Rosa shelter and Guide Dogs of America. Both of these organizations have both expressed an interest in
working with our students to provide them with additional hands-on experience. The next step would be to set up meetings to
discuss potential partnerships. LACCD legal would also need to be involved to develop MOUs with these groups.
To potentiate student success, smaller lab class sizes must be maintained. Students cannot receive the one on one training and
opportunities for repetition if class sizes become too large. This is especially true in AS 421 and 422 (Clinical Procedures Lab I
and II), which are lab classes focusing on surgery and anesthesia. The optimal size for this class is 10 students per lab. There
are three reasons for this. One, the rooms in the surgery suite (pre-op, surgery and recovery) are smaller than the large clinical
lab, and cannot safely accommodate more than 10-12 bodies at a time. Two, the required skills for these classes are very
advanced, such as anesthetic induction, endotracheal intubation and suturing. Students need focused, individual instruction
when they are learning and performing these skills. And three, these lab classes involve live animals undergoing anesthesia
and surgical procedures. Attention must be given not only to the students, but to the patents as well. Faculty cannot effectively
monitor anesthetized patients or perform surgery while simultaneously trying to oversee large groups of students.
In order to try and mitigate the cost of these smaller lab classes, the RVT Program accepts suggested donations from clients
whose pets are receiving veterinary services. This money is deposited directly into a Foundation account and is used to cover
some of the expenses of the class such as supplies, repairs, replacement or new equipment, etc.
Funding sources for additional onsite clinical hours and lab sections will be required to pay for instructors and supplies. Legal
and insurance support would be required to assist in arranging for students to work at events held at off campus venues.
Additional instructor hours or release time would need to be provided to instructors who accompany students to offsite events for
teaching purposes.
V.
External Influences (Environmental Scans)
A.
Report on course articulation status (from ASSIST or articulation officer)
How many of your courses are transferable to CSU or UC? 17
Of these courses, how many are articulated with CSU or UC? 0
Do you have an approved or in process Transfer Model Curriculum (TMC) for your discipline? No
If so, name of TMC:
if so, please provide approval status:
8
V.
External Influences (Environmental Scans)
B.
Provide relevant labor market data supporting demand for the program (if applicable)
In California, between 2010 and 2020, the EDD projects there will be a 31% increase in demand for RVTs. This translates to an
increase of 8,400 jobs with an annual average job opening 410 jobs. The US Bureau of Labor and statistics projects that
between this same time period there will be a 35.8% increase in demand for RVTs, which represents 28,500 new jobs across
the country. Excellent job opportunities will stem from the need to replace veterinary technologists and technicians who leave
the occupation and from the limited output of qualified veterinary technicians from 2-year programs, which are not expected to
meet the demand over the 2008-2018 period. Employment is expected to grow much faster than average. In October 2014, the
CBS online news segment called “Get to Work” featured veterinary technology because of the expected job growth and
expanding job market. The RVT program director was interviewed for this segment.
C.
Describe Advisory Committee input (if applicable, including date of last meeting)
The last Advisory Committee meeting was held on May 21, 2014. A major topic of conversation was finding ways to provide
hands on experience to the students. The RVT Advisory Committee continues to supports the idea of continuing an on-site
veterinary clinic which will provide the students with valuable hands-on experience while bringing the public in to learn about the
College and its program. One of the members was quoted as follows, “I believe students will receive better training at a Pierce
operated teaching hospital.” The Committee endorsed a pilot program to hire a part-time clinical instructor. Other members
suggested various non-profit animal groups that might be interested in bringing animals to Pierce for veterinary services.
D.
Discuss other pertinent data (such as interactions with four-year institutions, concepts derived from professional conferences
and journals, outcomes from district discipline committee meetings, emerging technologies, input from adjunct faculty,
agreements with high schools or regional occupational programs, etc.)
The RVT faculty continues to stay abreast of changes in veterinary medicine by reading journals and attending conferences.
For example, the RVT program now teaches the cutting edge ROCOVER protocol for CPCR and follows the new vaccination
guidelines issued by the AVMA and AAFP.
Full time Pierce RVT faculty is required to teach 18 units to fulfill their contracts. At other community colleges, such as Foothill
College and Mt. SAC, the RVT faculty has a 15 unit contract. Reducing the number of contract hours would unify the RVT
discipline with the rest of the Agriculture department and with faculty loads at other community colleges. In addition, teaching 15
hours instead of 18 hours would allow the professors more time to prepare for larger classes and to spend more time interacting
with their students.
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VI.
Data Sets Provided by the Office of Institutional Effectiveness (Research Office)
Please discuss any longitudinal trends within your program or the relation to college averages in these areas: changes in enrollment,
FTES, section offerings, and FTES/FTEF; success and retention rates; degrees and certificates awarded (especially if few awards are
made each year); and full-time/part-time faculty ratios. Included in the data sets are the Benchmarks and Goals for success and
retention. If the most current success and retention rates fall below the Benchmarks, please discuss ways in which your program will
address these areas. Please discuss ways in which your program hopes to meet the Goals in the coming year.
The average class size for RVT specific classes has increased from 21.2 students in Fall of 2011 to 28.5 students in Spring 2014. For
RVT lab classes, 7 extra students is a significant increase. This trend warrants serious consideration of class size limitations. The
RVT faculty fully understands the economic implication of this request. Alternatively, increased funding will need to be allocated for
additional instructors, resources, and program animals. RVT lab class size must remain smaller than most science lab classes due to
the need for oversight of safety, skill assessment and hands-on learning and humane treatment of animals. To help mitigate the
expense, the RVT faculty been adding more students to lecture classes in exchange for keeping the lab class size below the norm for
science lab classes. This also emphasizes the need to find sources for adequate numbers of live animals for the students to work
with.
Program retention is 95.3%, which well exceeds the college average. Program success has dropped slightly over the past few
semesters, but consistently remains in the 80th percentile, also exceeding the college average. In speaking with the campus
researcher about this trend, it was discovered that AS 401 only has a 60% success rate which accounts for the drop in the overall
success rate of the program. AS 401 is an entry level class, so a low success rate might be expected. However, 60% is lower than
the overall college success rate. Further discussion with the dean, chairperson and faculty will need to take place to remedy the low
success rate in this class. It may be necessary to decrease the number of students in this class, or employ student success strategies
such as to offer tutoring in medical terminology.
All deadlines for updating CORs have been met. Program learning outcomes have been written and mapped to courses. 4 out of 5
PLOs have been assessed as of Spring 2014.
A majority of the program’s courses are being taught by full time faculty, which allows for consistency and commitment. However,
adjunct faculty still remains an important component of the program. Similar to human medicine, the trend in veterinary medicine is
moving towards specialization. In order to keep abreast of this trend, we will need to hire adjuncts with expertise in various areas of
medicine. In addition, the RVT Program would like offer certificate programs for veterinary assistant, veterinary receptionist, and dog
groomer.
Pierce College Mission Statement and Values
Pierce College is a student-centered learning institution that offers opportunities for access and success in a diverse college community. The college
dedicates its resources to assist students in identifying and achieving their educational, career, and personal goals. Our comprehensive curriculum and
support services enable students to earn associate degrees and certificates, prepare for transfer, gain career and technical proficiency, and develop basic
10
skills. We serve our community by providing opportunities for lifelong learning, economic and workforce development, and a variety of enrichment
activities.
Pierce College values:
 Student success and engagement
 A student-centered environment conducive to learning
 Freedom to think, dialogue, and collaborate
 Commitment to excellence
 Access and opportunity
 Service to our communities
 Enrichment through diversity
VII.
2015-2016 Annual Goals Based on the Pierce College Mission Statement and the Strategic Master Plan (Distinguish between
goals and the resources required to achieve these goals.)
Provide an action plan for achieving each goal. Press Ctrl + Click to identify the specific Pierce Strategic Master Plan goal addressed → Strat. Plan
A.
Potentiate student success
1. Develop an RVT Student Handbook
2. Reduce lab class size to a number that is compatible with adequate individual instruction and opportunities for
skill acquisition. To help mitigate the expense, the RVT faculty has been adding more students to lecture classes in
exchange for keeping the lab class size below the norm for science lab classes.
3. Include RVT classes in Winter and Summer sessions A majority of students do not complete the AS degree in
veterinary technology in 2 years, unless they have transferable credits from another college. This is due in part to
the large number of courses required for the degree. This situation cannot be avoided because of the extensive
curriculum requirements from the AVMA. Other contributing factors to a lengthy completion time are impacted high
demand classes and that some of the advanced classes are only offered once a year. Offering entry level and
advanced classes in both Winter and Summer sessions will provide the students with increased opportunity to
complete their degree in a timely manner.
4. Expand numbers of class sections so that students can graduate in a timely manner. This goal is linked with #3
above.
5. Initiate a “Lunch with the Professor” series where students can interact with their instructors in a relaxed
environment.
6. Offer a 3 day summer enrichment program to initiate students close to qualifying for senior level RVT classes.
Each professor would teach a mini-class with homework and quizzes at the advanced class level. This will
demonstrate to potential students the level of academic ability and expectations required for senior level RVT
students.
A1a
A2d
A3b
B7b
D5b
D5d
D8
B.
Expand hands-on clinical experience for students
1. Offer additional spay/neuter and vaccine clinics. Both events have been done in the past with a great deal of
A1a
A3b
11
VII.
2015-2016 Annual Goals Based on the Pierce College Mission Statement and the Strategic Master Plan (Distinguish between
goals and the resources required to achieve these goals.)
Provide an action plan for achieving each goal. Press Ctrl + Click to identify the specific Pierce Strategic Master Plan goal addressed → Strat. Plan
C.
success. Students are able to develop competency and confidence by working with a variety of patients. The more
hands-on experience a student can obtain, the more successful they will be at both passing the Board Exams and
as an RVT working in an animal hospital.
2. Expand on-site clinic hours to enhance student learning and serve the community.
3. Offer a 1 unit elective course to pre-vet and RVT students to perform basic veterinary skills such as physical
exams, deworming, vaccinations, etc. on program animals.
4. Find creative sources of funding for the RVT Program.
5. Add companion exotic animals to the program. Many small animal practices are now expanding to include
birds and reptiles to their patient base. The RVT Program needs to keep pace with this trend in order to provide
employers with RVTs who are familiar with these species. Bird and reptile generally live for a long time, so program
owned animals of these species is not feasible since students are not available to care for these animals during the
long winter and summer breaks. Rescue organizations may be viable sources of animals for this purpose.
C2b
D5b
D8
Interface with veterinary community to promote the RVT Program
1.Offer world class continuing education to students, alumni and veterinary professionals
2. Create a series of Master Classes for advanced students and graduates.
3. Encourage professional organizations to hold annual meetings at Pierce
4. Develop an accelerated program for Alternate Route state board exam candidates
C1a
C3a
The process for organizing events on campus MUST be streamlined. As it stands, it is so difficult to get through the
mire of paperwork that even motivated students and faculty eventually just give up. This is a tragedy, because
there are dozens of qualified experts who are more than willing to speak to the students outside of class. We are
missing out on a wonderful opportunity for advanced learning, interdepartmental lectures and a positive interface
with the veterinary community.
D.
Provide Smart Board training to RVT faculty
D3c
D4
E.
Maintain AVMA Full Accreditation Status
1. Uphold all 9 Standards of Accreditation
2. Address any issues resulting from onsite visit in 2015
A1a
F.
Provide the students with a diversity of perspective and knowledge
1. Hire a diversity of faculty to reflect the changing trend of veterinary medicine towards specialty
2. Optimize student learning by hiring adjunct faculty working in the field
D4a
G.
Outreach
1. Hold an Open Houses for local veterinarians, prospective students and the community
A1e
A2b
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VII.
2015-2016 Annual Goals Based on the Pierce College Mission Statement and the Strategic Master Plan (Distinguish between
goals and the resources required to achieve these goals.)
Provide an action plan for achieving each goal. Press Ctrl + Click to identify the specific Pierce Strategic Master Plan goal addressed → Strat. Plan
2. Refine and distribute RVT Program pamphlet
3. Attend career day events at local high schools
4. Host a field trip for CPHS agriculture magnet students
H.
A2c
Develop community partnerships to expand opportunities for students to gain clinical experience
1. Finalize internship agreement with VCA
2. Begin discussions with Best Friends, Santa Paula Rescue and Guide Dogs of America
C1a
C3c
(Press tab for additional rows.)
Return to X, Human Resources
VIII.
Return to XI, Equipment/Software
Return to XIV, Other Resources
Planned Curriculum Changes
List planned curriculum changes (new and/or modified courses, degrees, and certificates) that will be submitted to the curriculum
committee during the 2015-2016 academic year.
Press Ctrl + Click to identify the specific Pierce Strategic Plan Objective addressed →Strat. Plan
A.
Offer online version of AS 401, 420, 422, 480, and 481
D4b
B.
Offer hybrid version of AS 180
D4b
C.
D.
IX.
Long-Range Educational Goals (3–4 Years)
Press Ctrl + Click to identify the specific Pierce Strategic Plan Objective addressed →Strat.
A.
Develop lecture courses into an online format
A1a
A3b
D4b
B.
Improve student job readiness by increasing hands-on training while in school
1. Increase the number of program animals on campus
2. Increase lab section offerings to reduce lab class size to a maximum of 10 students
3. Obtain additional state of the art equipment on which to train the students.
4. Provide more diverse internship programs
5. Hire additional staff to accommodate closer supervision of the students and provide faculty diversity
6. Implement plans to run an on-site clinic by hiring a separate DVM and Hospital Manager
A1a
Plan
13
IX.
Long-Range Educational Goals (3–4 Years)
Press Ctrl + Click to identify the specific Pierce Strategic Plan Objective addressed →Strat.
C.
Expand course offerings to meet student and industry needs
1. Expand exotic animal course offerings
a) Continue working towards an articulation agreement with Moorpark EATM program
2. Develop a “PACE” type RVT program for working technicians
3. Resurrect certificate programs in Dog Grooming and Veterinary Receptionist Training to provide students with
animal related career paths other than veterinary technology
4. Explore the development of an animal physical rehabilitation program
5. Create a Veterianry Assistant Program based on CVMA standards
6. Develop skills certificates
7. Create a state certificate for the Alternate Route Program
A1a
D5b
D.
Explore articulation possibilities with Cal/Poly Pomona
1. Consult with Curriculum Committee about current articulation status
2. Meet with Program Director at Cal/Poly Pomona to discuss potential areas of articulation
3. Reconfigure curriculum to meet articulation requirements with Cal/Poly Pomona
A1c
E.
Review and revise all VT SLOs and PLOs
Plan
D5a
(Press tab for additional rows.)
X.
Additional Human Resources Needed to Implement Annual Program Goals in Section VII―Faculty, Staff, Student Workers,
and Others
Describe additional specific human resources required. Provide a comprehensive justification based on annual program goals,
student learning outcomes, program data, and external scans. Link the request to an annual program goal in Section VII.
Press Ctrl + Click to identify the specific Annual Program Goal addressed.
A.
Faculty
DVM Instructor:
Needed to provide clinical services at on-site clinic and to teach and supervise students during their
rotations at the clinic, thereby enhancing the required hands-on instruction they receive while going
through the program. In conversations with other program directors who offer on-site services, it is
recommended that the clinician be a faculty member, so that the emphasis remains on instruction rather
than practicing medicine or generating income.
Clinical instruction is different than classroom instruction. Whereas classroom instruction requires
extensive subject knowledge, lecturing, administering exams and prep time, clinical instruction requires
both teaching and performance of veterinary skills and procedures. In addition, a clinical instructor would
Cost
Annual Goal
$105,000 A,B, E, F
14
X.
Additional Human Resources Needed to Implement Annual Program Goals in Section VII―Faculty, Staff, Student Workers,
and Others
Describe additional specific human resources required. Provide a comprehensive justification based on annual program goals,
student learning outcomes, program data, and external scans. Link the request to an annual program goal in Section VII.
Press Ctrl + Click to identify the specific Annual Program Goal addressed.
A.
Faculty
be expected to examine and diagnose patients and oversee students as they perform procedures on live
animals.
Cost
Annual Goal
Currently the RVT program employs 1 full time and 1 part time professor who are veterinarians. Both
faculty members are at their maximum contract capacity as classroom instructors. The request is for a full
time veterinarian who would be a clinical instructor so that the on-site clinic hours could be expanded to
provide more in-depth hands-on training to the RVT and pre-vet students. This DVM instructor could also
provide classroom instruction to offer additional sections of impacted classes, if needed. An adjunct could
be considered but would limit the number of hours the clinic could be operational, thus limiting the benefit
to students.
RVT Instructor:
An adjunct RVT instructor would serve two functions: as a clinic manager and as an instructor during
clinical rotations.
$75,000
A, B,E, F
The RVT Program currently employs 2 full time RVTs. One is an Instructional Assistant whose main
function is to assist classroom instructors with students in the lab classes. The other RVT is a full time
instructor and serves as the Program Director. This request is to hire a part-time RVT whose main focus
would be to coordinate the on-site clinic and provide clinical instruction to students as they work on live
patients and interact with clients. This role cannot be filled by the current RVT employees because class
time conflicts would not permit either one of them to participate in expanded onsite clinic hours.
(Press tab for additional rows.)
B.
Classified Staff
1.
Cost
Annual Goal
2.
(Press tab for additional rows.)
C.
Student Workers/Tutors/Assistant Coaches
Adjunct Faculty
As veterinary medicine moves towards specialization, instructors who are experts in various fields will be
required to teach the advanced level courses
Cost
Annual Goal
$12,000
D,E, F
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C.
Student Workers/Tutors/Assistant Coaches
1. Tutors for entry level and advanced classes will help maximize student success.
Cost
Annual Goal
$20,000
A
2. Student workers to act as shift supervisors for program animal care and to provide additional
opportunities for students’ to practice skills, such as workshops and open lab sessions.
$20,000
A
This request was suggested by the Advisory Committee to support the educational needs of the students.
VTEA funds or funds from CAS could be used to hire student workers and tutors.
(Press tab for additional rows.)
H
D.
Professional Experts/Contracts/Others
1. Equine Techniques Expert – to provide focused instruction on equine techniques to RVT and prevet students. In Fall and Spring semesters for 1 section of AS 441 (Large Animal Nursing)
Cost
Annual Goal
$500
B,F
1. Equine Radiography Expert - to provide focused instruction on equine radiography to RVT and prevet students (During Fall semester only for 2 sections of AS 436 (Radiography Lab)
$250
B,F
2. Dental Radiography Expert - to provide focused instruction on veterinary dental techniques to RVT
and pre-vet students
$250
B,F
3. Veterinary Ultrasonographer - to provide focused instruction on ultrasonography to RVT and prevet students (During Fall semester only for 2 sections of AS 436 (Radiography Lab)
$250
B,F
Currently these needs are being met by volunteer guest lecturers who are not being compensated for their
time.
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E.
Scheduled Overtime/Sub and Relief
1.
Cost
Annual Goal
2.
(Press tab for additional rows.)
16
XI.
Additional Equipment and Software Needed to Implement Program Goals
List additional/replacement equipment needed for the 2015-2016 academic year. Place all items in priority order. Provide a
comprehensive justification based on program goals, student learning outcomes, program data, and external scans. Link the request
to an annual program goal in Section VII.
Press Ctrl + Click to identify the specific Annual Program Goal addressed.
A.
Purchases
Annual
Goal
Item and Justification
The following list of equipment has been placed in order of priority from greatest to least. Each piece of
equipment on this list contributes to student success in one of several ways. One, it is an addition to
currently owned equipment, thus allowing more students to perform or practice a skill without having to
waste time waiting their turn to use it. Two, it replaces outdated or broken, or irreparable equipment.
Three, it is a model for students to practice on before they attempt a skill on a live animal. And finally, it
is an industry standard piece of equipment that students are expected to know how to use as an RVT
employed at an animal hospital.
Cost
Due to their expense, equipment purchases need to be a separate line item in the RVT supply budget.
The current RVT budget cannot support the purchase of most these equipment items. VTEA funding
can also be used to purchase these items.
Commercial grade washing machine ( 30 lb capacity) – these two items are needed because the ones the
department currently owns is household grade and frequently breaks down due to heavy usage by 3 departments.
Purchasing commercial grade laundry equipment will reduce repair costs to the college.
$6,3077.00
B,E
$4270.00
B,E
Statspin Centrifuge
$1000
B,E
Multi-stage diverter for rodent anesthesia
$1500
B,E
Tonopen – industry standard for measuring intraocular pressure
$1300
B,E
$1150
B,E
Commercial grade dryer (50 pound capacity) – see above
Radiographic PPE (to replace aprons, gloves and thyroid shields)
Fluid Pump – to be able to have more than one patient anesthetized at a time (i.e. in surgery and in the clinical lab
for dental procedures)
Fluid warmers – to maintain body heat during anesthesia
IV fluid stands (2) – to be able to set up multiple stations within the clinical lab
Surgical packs (2) -. to be able to perform more surgeries in one day
$450
B,E
$330
B,E
(each)
$1100
B,E
17
XI.
Additional Equipment and Software Needed to Implement Program Goals
List additional/replacement equipment needed for the 2015-2016 academic year. Place all items in priority order. Provide a
comprehensive justification based on program goals, student learning outcomes, program data, and external scans. Link the request
to an annual program goal in Section VII.
Press Ctrl + Click to identify the specific Annual Program Goal addressed.
(each)
$450
Instrument stands (2) to be able to perform multiple surgeries
B,E
(each)
Differential WBC counters (10) – to replace broken, non-repairable cell counters for Clinical Pathology Lab (AS
431)
$275.00
B,E
(each)
Panoptic ophthalmoscope
$2500
Outdoor furniture
$3000
$500
Audio system between surgery room and observation deck
B,E
A,B
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B.
Leases
Item and Justification
Cost
1. Dosimetry badges – These badges monitor student exposure to radiation. It is required by the AVMA
that the institution supplies students with dosimetry badges whenever students are taking x-rays for class
purposes, such as radiography lab (AS 436) and during clinical rotations (AS 480 and 481). These
badges are worn during the class and then once a month they are returned to the company for evaluation
of exposure levels. Fresh badges are then issued each month. Students and faculty can keep track of
individual exposure levels to ensure that no student is being overexposed to the harmful effects of
radiation. Providing dosimetry badges to students who are expected to take x-rays for class purposes is
an AVMA requirement.
$700800/year
(depends
on class
size)
Annual
Goal
E
2.
(Press tab for additional rows.)
C.
Maintenance Agreements
Item and Justification
Cost
Annual
Goal
18
C.
Maintenance Agreements
Cost
Annual
Goal
1. X-ray processor SERVICE – for monthly servicing of x-ray processor. This service is needed for 3
months only in the fall semester during Radiography lab (AS 436)($120/month)
$360/year
E
2. Calibration of x-ray machine (annually)
$1500.00
E
3. Calibration of anesthetic machines (4) (annually)
$2000.00
E
$2400.00
E
Item and Justification
4. Annual microscope service (24 scopes)
(Press tab for additional rows.)
D.
Repairs
Item and Justification
Cost
1. Fume hood noise reduction
Annual
Goal
E
2. Wall repair in cage wash room (CFS 91165)
E
3. Install Power point projector in CFS 91153
E
All above requests are above base budget.
(Press tab for additional rows.)
E.
List additional/updated software needed during 2015-2016—OTHER THAN MICROSOFT OFFICE AND ADOBE CREATIVE SUITE.
Place all items in priority order. Provide a comprehensive justification based on program goals, student learning outcomes,
program data, and external scans. Link the request to an annual program goal in Section VII.
Press Ctrl + Click to identify the specific Annual Program Goal addressed.
Item, Number of Licenses, New or Renewal, and Justification
1. 
2.
Avimark Support – veterinary software support contract – The AVMA requires that graduates from
an AVMA accredited program be able to “Create and maintain individual client/patient records,
vaccination certificates, and other appropriate forms, develop computer skills, and utilize
veterinary practice management software programs.” (Excerpt from the AVMA Policies and
Procedures Manual). The RVT Program currently owns the software and it is installed on several
computers in the RVT building. The support contract allows unlimited calls to the Avimark support
center to help troubleshoot any unforeseen problems.
Install most recent version of Office on new RVT program laptop
Cost
Annual
Goal
B
$300/year
D
19
E.
List additional/updated software needed during 2015-2016—OTHER THAN MICROSOFT OFFICE AND ADOBE CREATIVE SUITE.
Place all items in priority order. Provide a comprehensive justification based on program goals, student learning outcomes,
program data, and external scans. Link the request to an annual program goal in Section VII.
Press Ctrl + Click to identify the specific Annual Program Goal addressed.
Item, Number of Licenses, New or Renewal, and Justification
Cost
Annual
Goal
3.
4.
ge
(Press tab for additional rows.)
XII.
Supplies Budget Needed to Implement Program Goals
Provide a comprehensive justification based on program goals, student learning outcomes, program data, and external scans.
Categories of Items and Justification
Cost
1.
The projected US inflation rate for 2015-2016 is 1.6%. To keep up with the trend, the current budget of $12,000 will need
to increase by no less than $192.00.
2.
Clinic expenses – AS 423, 480 and 481 – to provide hands-on experience with live animals to the students
$3000
3.
Supplies for additional clinics - to provide hands-on experience with live animals to the students
$3000
4.
Adjunct DVM instructor – to provide clinical instruction for the purpose of providing hands-on experience with live animals to the
students
80,000
Adjunct RVT Instructor - to assist with clinical instruction
40,000
Animal Care expenses – to provide routine care program animals in USDA and AVMA compliance with animal welfare regulations
$2500
Veterinary expenses – to provide veterinary care as needed to program animals
$2500
Annual supply budget (listed per class)
AS 180
AS 411
AS 413
AS 421
AS 423
AS 431
$
789.25
$
531.50
$
389.50
$
344.50
$
954.98
$
291.25
2
2
2
3
3
4
$
1,578.50
$
1,063.00
$
779.00
$
1,033.50
$
2,864.94
$
1,165.00
$144
20
XII.
Supplies Budget Needed to Implement Program Goals
Provide a comprehensive justification based on program goals, student learning outcomes, program data, and external scans.
AS 436
AS 441
AS 470
$
1,096.50
$
145.00
$
461.00
2
2
2
$
2,193.00
$
290.00
$
922.00
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XIII.
Facilities
A.
Describe any new facilities or additional classrooms (leased or built) required to implement program goals. Provide a
comprehensive justification based on program goals, student learning outcomes, program data, and external scans.
B.
Describe any improvements, alterations, and technological upgrades required for existing facilities to implement program goals.
Provide a comprehensive justification based on program goals, student learning outcomes, program data, and external scans.
The AVMA and USDA require that program animals be provided with exercise and behavioral enrichment, such as play and
human interaction. The RVT Program dogs have a play yard behind the kennels which they are let out into twice daily to play
with each other and with students, thus meeting this requirement. However, the play yard surface is cement and the dogs
scrape their pads when running and playing. In addition, the cement gets very hot on warm days causing an unsafe condition
when the dogs are running and playing on hot cement. The surface needs to be covered with a waterless pet turf system. Bids
have already been obtained for this improvement. Lowest bid is $8475.00.
The following items remain as unresolved facility issues post-completion of the CFS
1. Cage wash room wall
2. Waste gas scavenging system in the Operating Room
3. Noisy fume hood in the Clinical Lab
4. Installation of hands-free faucet in Surgery Prep
5. Installation of Power Point projector in Clinical Lab
21
XIV.
Other Additional Resources Needed to Implement Program Goals
Include costs for student transportation related to educational programs, required insurance payments, and organizational
memberships. Provide a comprehensive justification based on program goals, student learning outcomes, program data, and
external scans. Link the request to an annual program goal in Section VII.
Press Ctrl + Click to identify the specific Annual Program Goal addressed.
Item and Justification
AVMA annual accreditation fee – required to maintain accreditation
Department of Public Health – X-ray machine annual registration fee
Biennial veterinary care budget – to provide wellness care every other year to Wade and Oliver (permanent program
animals). This is a requirement of the IACUC approved program of veterinary care for these animals.
Cost
Annual
Goal
$1500.00
E
$350.00
E
$750
E
Small Animal Veterinarian contracts – to provide medical care to program animals during the semester in the event that a
E
$5000
serious illness or injury occurs.
(Press tab for additional rows.)
XV.
Consolidated Priority Listing
From the requests listed in Sections X (except full-time faculty), XI, and XIV, prioritize the items in the order you wish the Resource
Advisory Task Force to consider them.
1.
AVMA annual accreditation fee – required to maintain accreditation
2.
Department of Public Health – X-ray machine annual registration fee
3.
Commercial grade washing machine
4.
Commercial grade dryer
5.
Statspin Centrifuge
$1000
Multi-stage diverter for rodent anesthesia
$1500
Tonopen – industry standard for measuring intraocular pressure
$1300
Fluid Pump – to be able to have more than one patient anesthetized at a time (i.e. in surgery and in the clinical lab for dental
procedures)
$1150
Fluid warmers – to maintain body heat during anesthesia
IV fluid stands (2) – to be able to set up multiple stations within the clinical lab
$1500.00
$350.00
$6,3077.00
$4270.00
$450
$330
(each)
Radiographic PPE (to replace worn aprons, gloves and thyroid shields)
$2000
Surgical packs (2) -. to be able to perform more surgeries in one day
$1100
22
XV.
Consolidated Priority Listing
From the requests listed in Sections X (except full-time faculty), XI, and XIV, prioritize the items in the order you wish the Resource
Advisory Task Force to consider them.
(each)
$450
Instrument stands (2) to be able to perform multiple surgeries
(each)
Differential WBC counters (10) – to replace broken, non-repairable cell counters for Clinical Pathology Lab (AS 431)
Panoptic ophthalmoscope for better visualization of the fundus of the eye
$275.00
(each)
$2500
$150.00
(each)
Stethoscopes (5) for each exam room
Outdoor furniture – for “Lunch with the Professor” series
$3000
Audio system between surgery room and observation deck – for students to be able to hear conversations in the OR
$500
(Press tab for additional rows.)
Additional Comments or Information:
Insert additional comments or information here:
The RVT program is required to provide hands-on training using live animals. Their care is highly regulated by the AVMA and USDA. It is
imperative to provide sufficient funding for maintaining animals on campus, including livestock. Funding must be provided for adequate staff
to care for the animals, as well as for food, repairs of housing and equipment, and veterinary care, both routine and unexpected. In
particular, the large animal facilities need to be renovated to provide a more humane, state of the art and student centered learning
environment.
There are many opportunities to develop viable and fulfilling careers with animals besides becoming an RVT, especially for students who do
not possess the academic ability and/or the desire to complete the rigorous RVT degree. Some of these alternative training programs, such
as dog grooming and veterinary receptionist are already in place. Others, such as canine rehabilitation and certified veterinary assistant will
need to be developed. The RVT Program will always be the cornerstone of the veterinary science discipline, and resources should not be
withdrawn from this successful program in order to fund these secondary training programs. Rather, other sources of funding should be
sought after, such as Work Force development monies, Perkins funds, grants, etc. to develop and promote animal related certificate
programs.
The AVMA will be conducting an onsite visit to the college March 3-5, 2015. From this visit, evaluations will be made in 3 tiers. Critical
deficiencies apply to situations that clearly result in a program's inability to meet a Standard, and/or subject students, faculty, or others to
unacceptable levels of risk. Documentation of significant progress toward compliance with each critical deficiency must be achieved by the
Insert add
23
time of the program's next report to CVTEA. . Major deficiencies apply to situations that jeopardize the ability of the program to meet a
Standard. Progress toward meeting each major deficiency must be demonstrated on an annual or biennial basis. Documentation of steps
taken toward compliance with major recommendations deficiencies is required. Recommendations are suggestions from the committee,
but have no bearing on accreditation status. Therefore, there may be other expenses or program changes not listed in this AAP arising from
the results of the committee’s report.
24
Pierce College Strategic Master Plan
2014–2017
Return to VII, Annual Goals
Return to VIII, Curriculum
Return to IX, Long-Range Goals
A. Engaging the Completion Agenda
A1. Increase student completion of degrees, certificates, and college transfer requirements
A1a.
A1b.
A1c.
A1d.
A1e.
Increase student completion of associate degrees and Certificates of Achievement
Increase the number of students who complete transfer requirements for the state universities and University of California
Increase the number of Transfer Model Curricula (TMCs) in disciplines offered by the college by 2015
Approve Transfer Model Curriculum in areas of emphasis by 2016
Develop and implement a completion marketing campaign to focus on the importance of obtaining a degree, a certificate, or transfer
preparation
A2. Increase number of entering students who complete the matriculation process during the first semester
A2a.
A2b.
A2c.
A2d.
Increase the number of new students completing assessment
Increase the number of new students completing orientation
Increase the number of new students completing an educational plan
Increase the percent of new students who persist to the end of their first year and successfully complete 15 units
A3. Increase the long-term persistence rate of students
A3a.
A3b.
A3c.
A3d.
Increase the percentage of students who complete 30 units in three years
Increase the percentage of students who complete 60 units in three years
Increase the percentage of students who complete English 101 and Math 125 within three years
Increase the percentage of students who complete English 101 and Math 125 within six years
A4. Ensure equitable access to education—increase the percentage of eligible students receiving financial aid
B. Demonstrating Accountability
The first six goals in this category relate to Administrative Services functions and are not necessarily within the purview of Academic Affairs
B7. Continue to meet FTES base and attempt to grow the college’s student FTES enrollment to 2006 levels and then 5% per year
B7a.
B7b.
B7c.
B7d.
B7e
Continue to analyze enrollment trends and effective scheduling models
Ensure access to essential courses
Maintain/increase efficiency
Increase the number and the type of evening sessions offered (currently 24% below Fall 2008)
Restore an active college marketing campaign to attract students who may have been lost
25
C. Cultivating Partnerships
C1. Develop and enhance revenues generated through grants, entrepreneurial ventures, and community partnerships
C1a. Expand educational partnerships that bring community events and community members to the campus for educational, cultural, social, and
recreational activities
C1b. Create an enterprise task force that will consider ways to expand revenue-generating opportunities within future and existing operations
including bookstore, facilities rentals, and food services
C1c. Develop a self-funding grants program that will increase college revenue
C2. Expand productive sustainable community alliances
C2a. Create a database of financial and equipment needs that can be shared with potential donors
C2b. Pursue financial, material, and collaborative resources through enterprise activities and fundraising to create a sustainable stable source of
income
C3. Foster partnerships with business and industry
C3a. Increase advisory committee participation of local business and industry
C3b. Increase number of employers to participate in job fairs
C3c. Develop internship programs with business and industry partners to foster community relations
D. Ensuring Student Success
D1. Address the basic skills needs of underprepared students in developmental and introductory courses
D1a. Gather student input about the challenges faced in introductory courses and use this information to inform the development of strategies and
solutions
D1b. Increase the number of new students successfully completing at least one English class and one math class during their first year
D1c. Increase the number of new students who successfully complete their developmental sequence within two years (English 20, 21, 28) (Math
105, 110, 115)
D2. Enhance customer service interfaces considering timely responses and quality of experience
D3 Maintain a robust and reliable information technology infrastructure with current computing equipment for the entire college population
D3a. Establish a wireless network on the campus in areas that are used regularly by faculty, staff, and students
D3b. Ensure that existing infrastructure, systems, equipment, and software are maintained to accomplish daily operations in all functional areas of
the college
D3c. Provide comprehensive training programs for faculty and staff for smart classrooms and conference rooms
D3d. Improve customer service responsiveness and satisfaction rates for faculty and staff using the College Maintenance Management System
(CMMS)
D3e Standardize audio visual equipment in all classrooms to provide uniform experience and training
26
D4 Support faculty and staff by maximizing the effective use of technology, enabling academic innovation in instructional delivery
D4a Develop plans to improve course effectiveness by fully integrating innovative tools and delivery methods
D4b Increase online class offerings
D5 Provide a learner-centered environment that promotes active learning and student engagement
D5a
D5b
D5c
D5d
Review and revise Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) and assessment mechanisms
Ensure active learning and applied knowledge and skills are examined through authentic assessment
Create a professional development focus that emphasizes student active learning and engagement
Create programs that promote student and faculty contact outside the classroom
D6 Increase student awareness and use of student support services and programs
D7 Increase student participation in Associated Student Organization (ASO) activities and shared-governance committees
D8 Enhance opportunities for student involvement in cocurricular and extracurricular activities that will enrich campus life