Why your employer should enroll you in the Veterinary Forensics distance education program
One of the most successful ways to get management support for education is to submit a formal proposal to your direct supervisor outlining why you believe you and your organization will benefit from this type of training.
As a first step, find out if your organization has a professional development policy. If so, determine if there is a form to fill out and if there is a specified amount of funding available per employee. Next, review the educational program’s website and/or contact the Program Director to determine what aspects of this training will help you in your daily role and will help your organization. Third, begin preparing your proposal.
Why take courses in Veterinary Forensics?
Animal cruelty convictions have evolved significantly, with many offenses now classified as misdemeanors or felonies that carry serious legal consequences. As a result, juries increasingly expect animal forensic investigations to meet the same evidentiary standards as those in human forensic cases.
This program is tailored for working professionals. Online courses are convenient and affordable. Students are accepted to the program year-round, so they can apply and start when it is best for their life and career.
How to Create a Successful Proposal
- You can make your proposal more impactful by listing your organization’s goals and objectives and linking how they relate to the curriculum’s educational objectives. Use the learning outcomes for each class to determine what points you would like to emphasize. To learn more about each course, click on the individual courses on the course overview page.
- Read through the syllabus for each class with an idea of how you can help your organization grow or improve.
- You’ll need to address the cost of the program, and all of the costs for the courses are included in the tuition section of the website. Remember, no travel is necessary. You can also continue to work full-time while you earn this certificate.
- Even if you choose to have a conversation with your manager/owner, rather than writing a formal proposal, it would be a good idea to have a list of the reasons the program will enable you to perform your job at a higher level and make your organization more successful. Going through the exercise of looking through the curriculum for details that will teach you new concepts or improve your organization.
Overcoming Objections
Many of our students have overcome objections before starting our program. Here is how to handle them:
My employer says it is too expensive and we lack the funds.
- The education provided from the University of Florida will become an invaluable tool for you and your employer.
- You may also be eligible for private education loans. We recommend doing an Internet search for “private education loans” for part-time graduate work.
My employer would prefer me to just attend a free webinar.
- The University of Florida has led the charge to create a veterinary forensics curriculum for working professionals. Our one-of-a-kind program is internationally known and respected for its strong academic reputation, pioneering research, and service to the animal welfare community.
- By using the latest online delivery tools, this is not a passive webinar; it’s an interactive virtual classroom with discussion forums, live chat, and access to leading educators and your peers in the field of veterinary forensics. You’ll gain useful ideas that can be implemented immediately in your animal shelter, veterinary hospital, diagnostic laboratory, or investigative agency. You can participate on your own schedule, wherever you have an Internet connection.
I have worked in an animal shelters for years. Why should I take this now?
- Even with years of experience in animal shelters, the University of Florida Veterinary Forensics program will deepen your expertise by teaching you the latest best practices in recognizing, documenting, and responding to cases of suspected animal cruelty. The program is designed to be practical, with skills and knowledge you can apply immediately in your daily work. Many students find themselves implementing what they’ve learned in real cases within days, making this educational experience directly impactful for both you and the animals you serve.
My employer just wants me to attend a conference instead.
- Conferences are a great place to network and learn, but it is difficult to dig in as deeply to this content at the graduate level as you will in this program. During this series of courses, you’ll be exposed to some familiar and new concepts, and you’ll still have the opportunity to network with your fellow students and professors. You’ll learn from a mix of videos, readings, live discussions, presentations, and quizzes.
- We suggest going through the curriculum to find examples of learning outcomes that would be useful to you or to your organization. Look for ideas that will either save time and money, improve your efficiency, or another topic that is important to your organization’s goals.