Distance Education FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Distance Education

At this time, enrollment is restricted to students from Virginia who are unable to attend the on-campus program because of family or other obligations. AVMA accreditation requirements do not allow us to take students from other states.

Submit a completed BRCC Veterinary Technology application packet. These are available from the BRCC Admissions and Records Office, PO Box 80, Weyers Cave, VA, 24486 or call (540) 453-2279, ext 2279 or (888)750-2722. Indicate on the top of your application that you are applying for the distance education program. Official transcripts are required from all high schools and colleges attended.

Applications for classes beginning in June 2011 at John Tyler Community College are due by January 31, 2011.  Applications for classes beginning in June 2009 at Tidewater Community College and Virginia Western Community College are due by January 31, 2009.  Applications for classes beginning in June 2010 at Thomas Nelson Community College are due by January 31, 2010.

Students must have completed the general education requirements before classes begin. These courses may be found in the program brochure or by looking at The Distance Education Curriculum. Similar courses with a higher course number are often suitable substitutes.

You will receive a letter of admission to BRCC as a non-curricular student. Qualified students will be invited to BRCC for an interview with a veterinary technology faculty member. While here, they will also take an assessment test.

Yes, once accepted into the BRCC Veterinary Technology DE program you will register for classes at BRCC.

Three years. This includes 9 continuous semesters (summers also).  Students starting June 2009 will graduate in May 2012.

More students apply to the program than seats are available in the specialized classrooms. (The distance education classrooms only hold 20 students) This program is designed for students who cannot move to Weyers Cave for the full-time, 21-month program.

Students are evaluated on their previous academic performance, veterinary experience, and aptitude for the profession.

Yes, you are required to work at least 20 hours per week for a veterinarian. The veterinarian must be eligible to be appointed as a BRCC adjunct faculty member and be willing to assist you in your studies. Many of the tasks taught in your courses are performed in your practice. The veterinarian must be willing to sign your task book as each task is performed to his/her satisfaction.

Classes will be held two days a week at the Virginia Beach campus of Tidewater Community College, the Midlothian campus of John Tyler Community College, the Hampton campus of Thomas Nelson Community College, and Virginia Western Community College. These will be conducted by compressed video over the Virginia Distance Education Network (VDEN). Instructors and students will be able to see and talk to one another. Students will be provided with course outlines and handouts as in any course. Three times a semester (on prescheduled Fridays) students will come to the BRCC campus for laboratory and practical exams.

Students are required to take 57 credits from BRCC. In-state tuition and fees are $82.75 per credit hour as of March 2008. ($4716.75 for in-state tuition and fees for the entire program) Out-of-state tuition and fees are $251.90 per credit hour. Textbooks are available at the receiving school's bookstore and total approximately $1,000 for the entire program.

Students are eligible for financial aid as long as they are taking more than 6 credits. (the typical distance education student will be taking 6-8 credits per semester). Some scholarships are also available. Many employers have provided financial assistance to their employees to attend this program.

At the completion of this program you will be eligible to take the Virginia Veterinary Technician Licensing Exam.

Contact Dr. Stuart Porter, Coordinator of the Veterinary Technology Distance Education Program, at PorterS@brcc.edu for more information.