Veterinary technology graduates Selena Saunders (left) and Krystal Louis were recognized at NTU’s fall commencement. The two are the first to graduate as licensed veterinary technicians since NTU’s vet tech program gained AVMA accreditation in 2017.

Navajo Technical University (NTU) students Selena Saunders and Krystal Louis made tribal college and university (TCU) history by becoming the first students to graduate as licensed veterinary technicians from a TCU veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The students passed the licensure test, known as the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), in July 2019, but certification is granted only when accompanied with a degree from an AVMA-accredited program. Both students earned their degree at NTU’s fall commencement.

“I feel very happy about this and I’m excited. I feel like we’re on that path to graduating more students and really taking this program to the next level,” exclaimed Dr. Germaine Daye, who was hired in 2009 to head NTU’s Veterinary Technology and Land Grant programs. “[Selena and Krystal] were two of the top students in their class. I have no doubt that in their careers, whatever task they take, they’re going to be well prepared.”

NTU’s Associate of Applied Science degree program in veterinary technology was granted AVMA accreditation on its first attempt in March 2017, nearly 35 years after the program was first developed in 1983. The entire process took six years to complete, with two years devoted to gathering accreditation materials and evidence. Dr. Daye and her staff had to also revamp curriculum, improve classroom and research facilities, and balance coursework to include real world, hands-on experience and internships.

“It’s one of those things that doesn’t happen by itself. It takes a lot of hard work,” explained NTU President Dr. Elmer J. Guy at a pinning ceremony held for the students on December 5. “I see Dr. Daye working late in the evenings dealing with animals, and on weekends. She’s trying to build the next generation of veterinarians.”

Dr. Daye and her staff worked long hours preparing Saunders and Louis for the VTNE, dedicating nearly six and half weeks, eight hours a day, going over test material. “We are proud of this tribal institution,” Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez stated while in attendance for the pinning ceremony with Dr. Ruby Shebala, the Navajo Nation’s division director of natural resources. “We see great things happening here and I’m glad Dr. Guy has a vision for the Navajo people as well as this institution. The two students are reflecting the resilience of our people since time immemorial. I want to say thank you. There is hope.”

NTU’s Veterinary Technology program requires 73 credit hours with 54 hours of core veterinary technology instruction. Students are also required to take an Introduction to veterinary technology course that exposes students to the long hours required of veterinary technicians. In the course, students have to complete 20 hours assisting in community veterinary services, 30 hours assisting at the NTU teaching hospital, 30 hours of on-call duties providing animal care, 6 hours giving presentations at regional K-6 schools, and 3 hours doing outside veterinary volunteer work.