Want to know more about ABI and what we have to offer? We've compiled answers to some of the most common questions about the institute and our services.

Pick the category that you want to learn more about or just scroll down to see all of the FAQs. If you don't find what you're looking for, please contact us at support@animaledu.com.

1) Are online classes right for me?
2) How should I select an education provider?
3) Why ABI?
4) Where are you located?
5) Which courses should I take?
6) How much will it cost?
7) How long will it take?
8) How do I get started?
9) How do I contact ABI?

1) Are online classes right for me?
* What are the characteristics of a successful online student?
A successful student in online education needs to be motivated and self-disciplined. While online courses provide great flexibility and freedom, they also require that students will complete readings and assignments independently.

* What is needed to take classes online at ABI?
To take a course, you will need a computer (obviously!) and a connection to the internet, preferably a cable or DSN line. All material will be accessed via the internet except the readings, which come from the textbook(s) accompanying the class. You will need to obtain the text, and possibly software, for each course. All texts and materials are available from Amazon.com and numerous other vendors.

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2) How should I select an education provider?
* What credentials should an instructor have?
We recommend that you use the same criteria that colleges and universities use when hiring professional instructors and lecturers - namely a terminal/final degree (doctorate) and professional teaching experience.

* What tools are typically available from the provider?
We recommend that you look for the following key items:

1) Supplemental material - the textbook should not be your only source of information
2) Regular feedback and guidance from your professor at no cost
3) Forums or chat rooms to interact with instructors and other students

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3) Why ABI?
* Professional instruction
Unlike most online instructional programs, we use only professional educators that have a deep knowledge of both the material and the process of education. Our faculty all have doctoral degrees in their field (we never use graduate students to teach at ABI) and extensive college teaching experience. We use a nationally known course management system to provide the latest educational technology to every student in every course. All inquiries and discussions take place directly with our faculty.

* Flexible and convenient
Online materials are accessible 24 hours a day, as is our technical support. You can complete assignments at the time of your choosing, moving ahead or going back to review lessons and modules as you wish. Our web based, interactive courses allow students to obtain professional quality instruction without travel, anywhere at any time.

* Interactive
Every course provides discussion forums on each topic, chat rooms for casual discussion, regular consultation with course instructors, and interactive feedback within the online modules. Unlike correspondence courses, ABI programs are very dynamic.

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4) Where are you located?
Our administrative offices are located in Durham, North Carolina, but we do not hold traditional courses or require students to travel or meet with our professors physically. All teaching and discussion takes place online.

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5) Which courses should I take?
Clearly this depend on your individual goals. Ask yourself why you wish to take our courses, what do you want to gain? Reviewing the questions below may help you determine the best path to meet your needs. Of course, you can also contact us for individual consultation.

*Do you have an interest in animal assisted activities?
If you are a teacher, counselor, therapist or AAA/T/E volunteer, we recommend starting with either Animal Assisted Therapy or The Human-Animal Bond. You may also be interested in related courses such as Animal Training, Animal Behavior, or Practical Psychology.

* Do you require continuing education credit for your certification?
If you are a laboratory animal technician, many of our courses will satisfy your continuing education requirements for continued certification by AALAS. We recommend Animal Enrichment and Animal Training in particular. If you are seeking continuing education credit for one of the many dog training certification programs (such as APDT), check with your professional organization to determine which courses will be accepted for continuing education. and Animal Training and Animal Behavior are excellent choices.

* Are you primarily interested in courses for your personal development?
Are you seeking a more thorough understanding of your animal companion? Several of our courses, particularly Animal Minds & Emotions and Animal Enrichment are very appropriate for those that want to develop a deeper awareness of their animal's emotional and psychological needs in order to maximize their quality of life.

* Do you want to complete a certificate programs?
If you are interested in our certificate programs, review the courses required for each certificate - as well as the semesters in which each course is taught - at our Registration site.

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6) How much will it cost?
* What is the total cost?
Tuition at ABI is $325 per credit, or $975 per course. In order to ensure the highest quality platform for online education, we use E-college, a professional course management firm that provides the software used in all courses. The technology fee of $140 provides unlimited access to all online materials, electronic tutoring, forums, chat rooms, and a 24/7 technology support desk accessible via telephone or email. Thus, the total cost of a typical course, not including specific class material (such as a textbook), would be:

There are no registration fees or other hidden costs. Textbooks or other class materials usually cost $50-100.

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7) How long will it take?
* How long does it take to complete a course?
Each course runs for 10 weeks, and a course will generally require about four hours of study per week. Each weekly module requires outside reading, completion of all online study guide activities, and participation in class discussion.

* How long does it take to complete a certificate program?
Each certificate program requires 15 credits or 5 courses. We recommend taking no more than two courses per semester. We offer our classes on a trimester basis (three times per year) thus a certificate could be completed in under a year.

If you have already taken similar courses elsewhere, it is possible to receive transfer credit for up to two courses, reducing the time needed to complete the total program.

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8) How do I get started?
* What registration information do I need?
At our Registration site you can review the semesters each course is offered, the starting and enrollment dates, and which courses are required for each certificate program. Then you can choose the desired classes at our enrollment site.

* Where do I go to enroll?
Proceed to our course enrollment site to select your courses and enroll.

* What forms of payment will you accept?
Our secure online enrollment site requires online payment via credit card. We accept VISA, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.

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9) How do I contact ABI?
* Can I telephone the institute?
Yes, you can call us toll free at 1-866-755-0448.

* How do I email the institute?
Email us at support@animaledu.com. You may also contact us via our feedback form.

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