Immediate Action Required to Reinstate and Protect the Veterinary Technology Program

We, the undersigned students, alumni, faculty members, and supporters of the Veterinary Technology Program of Tri-County Technical College, South Carolina, formally petition the administration to address urgent concerns that are placing the program’s integrity, accreditation standards, faculty livelihoods, and student education at risk.

For more than 50 years, this program has served as a pillar of excellence within the institution and the broader veterinary community. It is proudly accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), a distinction that signifies rigorous academic standards, clinical competency requirements, and national recognition. Maintaining AVMA accreditation requires strict adherence to hands-on training standards; including appropriate animal access and qualified, licensed faculty.

The recent decision by the Head of the Health Education Division to prohibit animals on campus has effectively dismantled the foundation of an AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technology program. This action, combined with insufficient communication and lack of transparency, has created significant harm to students and faculty alike.

This program is not only established , it is high-performing and nationally competitive. It has consistently ranked among the top three programs in Tri-County Technical College and is recognized among the top ten Veterinary Technology programs in the country. Last year, 100% of the senior class passed the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), demonstrating the program’s academic strength and exceptional preparation standards. These outcomes reflect decades of dedication, faculty expertise, and institutional investment.

 
Primary Concerns
1. Removal of Animals from Campus Up Until this Date
Hands-on training with live animals is a core requirement of veterinary technology education and a mandate for AVMA accreditation. Preventing animals from being housed or used on campus:

• Undermines essential clinical skill development
• Jeopardizes compliance with accreditation and industry standards
• Reduces graduates’ preparedness for licensure and employment
• Compromises the overall credibility of the program
• Risks the program’s AVMA accreditation status

A Veterinary Technology program without access to animals cannot provide the clinical competencies required in the profession.

 
2. Forcing Faculty Out by Preventing License Maintenance
Veterinary professionals are required to maintain active credentials, which depend on ongoing clinical practice and proper program infrastructure. By eliminating animal access and program functionality:

• Faculty members are unable to maintain licensure
• Experienced instructors are being forced out of their positions
• Students are losing mentorship from qualified professionals
• The program risks losing decades of institutional knowledge

This not only damages the careers of dedicated educators but weakens the academic strength and reputation of the institution.

 
3. Lack of Transparent and Timely Communication
Students have not been properly informed about:

• The long-term status of the program
• How changes will affect graduation timelines
• Impacts on licensure eligibility
• Transfer or teach-out options
• The potential risk to AVMA accreditation

Many students are paying out of pocket and have made life decisions based on the expectation of completing this nationally recognized program. The absence of clear communication demonstrates a disregard for student investment, trust, and academic planning.

 
4. Failure to Provide Accurate and Complete Education
Students enrolled in this program are entitled to:

• Industry-standard instruction
• Required hands-on clinical experience
• Preparation for credentialing examinations such as the VTNE
• An education that matches the tuition they are paying

The opportunity to graduate from an AVMA-accredited program
Without animals, appropriate facilities, and licensed faculty, the program cannot deliver the education students were promised upon enrollment.

 
Our Requests
We respectfully demand the following actions:

Immediate reinstatement of appropriate animal access on campus to meet educational and AVMA accreditation standards.
Transparent, written communication to all current students detailing the program’s status, future plans, and impacts on graduation and licensure.
Protection and retention of qualified faculty members by ensuring they can maintain professional licensure.
A formal review of the decision-making process that led to these actions.
If the program cannot be restored, a clear and fair teach-out plan, including financial remedies for affected students.
 
Our Position
Veterinary Technology is a critical profession that supports animal welfare, public health, and the veterinary community. Students enrolled in this program deserve an education that meets professional standards and honors their financial and personal commitments.

We urge the administration to act immediately to correct these issues and preserve the integrity of this distinguished program.

“I solemnly dedicate myself to aiding animals and society by providing excellent care and services for animals, by alleviating animal suffering, and by promoting public health. I accept my obligations to practice my profession conscientiously and with sensitivity, adhering to the profession’s Code of Ethics, and furthering my knowledge and competence through a commitment to lifelong learning.”