Is the MVCC only for credentialed technicians (LVT, LVMT, RVT, CVT, etc.)? Yes. The LMU-CVM Master of Veterinary Clinical Care is the first and only master’s degree in the United States designed specifically for credentialed veterinary technicians to build on the knowledge and skills gained in AVMA CVTEA-accredited technician programs. The LMU-CVM strongly supports the value of credentialed veterinary technicians on veterinary healthcare teams and has designed this program to advance their knowledge and skills beyond the current education levels available.
Will this program help me get into veterinary school? No. The MVCC program is designed for credentialed veterinary technicians seeking to further their careers in veterinary technology. If your goal is to obtain a DVM, please visit our website about the Master of Veterinary Biomedical Science program.
Will you accept a bachelor’s in (______) from (________) University? Any bachelor’s degree from any accredited university is acceptable, as long as you meet the minimum GPA requirement and complete the listed prerequisite courses. (This includes a BAS in Veterinary Technology.)
I finished my bachelor’s degree 10+ years ago; can I still apply? Yes! Your bachelor’s degree and prerequisite coursework do not expire for this program.
I don’t have a bachelor’s degree, but I have been a practicing vet tech for (__) years; can I still apply? Unfortunately, no. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution to be considered for admission to this program.
What will technicians learn in the program? The MVCC is a novel education pathway for credentialed veterinary technicians to develop greater professional knowledge and skills through a semi-customizable* curriculum. Most courses will be team-taught by a Veterinary Technician Specialist from one of the 16 NAVTA CVTS-approved specialty academies and an LMU-CVM faculty veterinarian. Unique course designs allow students to learn advanced principles of veterinary technology and nursing and bridge the knowledge gap between veterinary technician and veterinarian to improve:
- health care team communication
- patient and case management
- care coordination
* Students can select electives to complement their core coursework, allowing them to customize the program to meet their professional needs.
Is the MVCC fully online? Yes, this is a 100% online program. You will need reliable internet service to access course materials and complete coursework.
How will students demonstrate successful completion of coursework? Any required skills can be demonstrated on models provided by the program.
Do graduates of the MVCC program receive new credentials/licensure? At this time, the MVCC degree does not lead toward additional licensure qualification. Students are required to be licensed in their field prior to entry and must maintain compliance with state laws after graduation.
Can I work and do this program at the same time? The MVCC program is designed to be flexible, and there are students who work and take a full course load (10 credit hours). Individual time management skills, however, are an important part of success. The student is the only one who knows what they are capable of. See the “Curriculum” section for more.
What can a Master-level veterinary technician do that a credentialed veterinary technician cannot? At this time, the MVCC degree does not lead toward an advanced scope of practice; students must maintain compliance with state laws after graduation. The MVCC program does, however, provide advanced training in veterinary technology knowledge and skills beyond the current level of education available for technicians. This education will empower technicians to advocate for better clinical utilization of their skills.
Is the MVCC accredited? Lincoln Memorial University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialist, and doctorate degrees. LMU also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels.* The MVCC is among the programs LMU is authorized to offer as a SACSCOC-accredited institution.
There are two types of accreditation:
- institutional accreditation, which is overseen by the US Department of Education (SACSCOC is the institutional accreditor of LMU);
- programmatic accreditation that conducts an in-depth assessment of specialized or professional programs at a college, university, or independent institution (the AVMA CVTEA accredits veterinary technology programs).
LMU’s MVCC is the first program of its kind, and there is no programmatic accreditor. Because of this, the MVCC assembled an Advisory Board of specialist technicians, veterinary technician leaders and educators, veterinarians, and industry professionals to guide the program and ensure high standards for education quality and value to the profession.
**Questions about the accreditation of Lincoln Memorial University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).