Veterinary Assisting Students, Pet Lovers Flock to Ashworth College’s New Online Community Group

June 20, 2012 - PRLog -- PEACHTREE CORNERS, Georgia – Both the veterinary services industry and the pet care industry are in the growth phase of their respective life cycles. This boom is among the reasons why Ashworth College (http://www.ashworthcollege.edu/), a leading online school, introduced a resource for those interested in related information and veterinary careers.

The recent boom in animal-related industries is supported by increasing pet ownership, growing awareness of animal health issues, and the availability of new medical technologies and medications. Pet owners’ willingness to spend beyond basic food and grooming expenses is also a significant contributor, as today’s pet owner is more apt to spend money on specialized premium products and services.

Ashworth created a Veterinary Group within its online Community as a resource for students, enthusiasts and professionals who have an interest in this highly versatile field. The online school’s nationally accredited Veterinary Assistant career diploma program is among its most popular, as evidenced by nearly 3,500 group members (as of June 2012). The group is part of the larger 125,000 plus online Ashworth Community.

“According to a 2011pet owner survey by the Animal Pet Product Association, 62% of U.S. households own a pet, which equates to 72.9 million homes,” said Amy Bernard, Director of Interactive Marketing for Ashworth College. “In 2010 alone, Americans spent approximately $47.7 billion on pet products and services – and that includes obedience training, grooming, day care and boarding services, which are all viable career options.”

“Whether you’re an animal lover wanting to share information with kindred spirits or a student working toward a rewarding veterinary career, the Veterinary Group is a great resource for information and networking,” she added.

Ashworth has been educating working adults for the past 25 years. With the launch of the Veterinary Group, Ashworth provides a state-of-the-art online information resource, as well as social networking opportunities for existing students. Group members and visitors will find:

•   A network of engaged students and veterinary professionals willing to encourage others by sharing insights and advice. Animal hygiene and breed characteristics and behavioral issues are among topics that are popular among members.
•   Online study groups comprised of current Ashworth students enrolled in one of its educational programs. Members offer assistance with veterinary assistant courses and provide moral support to group members.
•   Live career events giving participant the opportunity to chat with veterinarians and ask questions about animal care and the veterinary field..

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, animal care and service worker career opportunities are projected to grow by as much as 23% over the 2010-20 decade.

“I'm already working for a veterinary hospital as a kennel attendant and hope to move up to vet assistant when my course is done. The best thing about doing this online is studying on your own time schedule and bonus -- I met some pretty cool people too!”  T. Botticher, Ashworth College Veterinary Assisting Student.

About Ashworth College

Celebrating 25 years of Educating Minds and Changing Lives, leading online school Ashworth College has built a tradition of excellence by offering students worldwide an extensive range of online college degrees, online certificate programs, career training and online high school diploma options that are affordable and fit the busy schedules of working adults. Ashworth offers military education as well as specialized programs for corporate partners and homeschoolers.

Headquartered in Peachtree Corners, GA, Ashworth is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). The Accrediting Commission of the DETC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. Ashworth is parent to James Madison High School which is accredited regionally by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), an accreditation division of AdvancED and further provides career training and vocational programs in the fields of health, business, technology, education, and skilled trades through sister schools PCDI Canada, New York Institute of Photography and Sheffield School.