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 FAQ's. If you don't find what you're looking for, please contact us at support@animaledu.com.

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

1) How do I get started?
* How do I apply?
You can begin the admission process by submitting your Student Application online. You will need to pay the $25 application fee and submit evidence that you have completed high school before you will be able to enroll in courses.

* What constitutes evidence of high school completion?
Evidence of high school completion can include copies of any of the following:

• High school transcript
• High school diploma
• GED or equivalency completion
• College transcript

* What happens after I am accepted at the Animal Behavior Institute?
Once you have been accepted you will go to the Registration site to see when each course is offered, the starting and enrollment dates, and which courses are required for each certificate program. Then you can enroll in the classes of your choice.

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

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2) 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(s) for each course. All texts and materials are available from Amazon.com and numerous other vendors.

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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 have decades of experience in their respective fields; most of our instructors have doctoral degrees and extensive college teaching experience as well. 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, we never use teaching assistants in our courses.

The Animal Behavior Institute is an authorized provider of the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and . This independent agency has reviewed and approved all of the programs, providing external assurance that you will receive a quality education.

The American Association of Veterinary State Boards' Registry of Approved Continuing Education also reviews and approves ABI programs. Selected courses are pre-approved for use as continuing education credits for veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
(ABI provider number = 238) Each course approved meets the requirements for 10 hours of continuing education credit in all jurisdictions that recognize AAVSB's RACE approval.

In addition, our programs are preapproved for continuing education credits and/or funding from a number of other organizations. For example, we are an Approved Education Provider for Department of Defense's Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program; occupational training programs in several states have also preapproved ABI programs for state funding or guaranteed professional credits for classes, such as the California Department of Fish and Game. The International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council and the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science both accept specific ABI courses to fulfill their professional continuing education requirements.

* 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 program or courses should I take?
Clearly this depends on your individual goals. Are you looking to enter a new career or advance in your existing position? Do you have clearly defined career goals? 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 want to complete a certificate program?
If you are interested in our certificate programs, review the program descriptions, objectives and required courses for each certificate. Contact us at (866) 755-0448 or support@animaledu.com for more guidance on choosing the program that will help you meet your career goals.

* Do you require continuing education credit for your certification or advancement?
Courses at the Animal Behavior Institute are accepted for continuing education credit by hundreds of professional associations. Our credits are also pre-approved for specific continuing education units in many professions. For example, if you are a laboratory animal technician, many of our courses will satisfy your continuing education requirements for continued certification by AALAS. Our Laboratory Animal Behavior program is specifically geared towards animal technicians. Veterinarians or veterinary technicians can receive continuing education credit via the American Associate of Veterinary State Boards for our pre-approved courses. Wildlife Rehabilitators can receive credit for our courses through theInternational Wildlife Rehabilitation Council or many state wildlife associations.

* Are you primarily interested in courses for your personaldevelopment?
Are you seeking a more thorough understanding of your animal companion? Several of our courses, such as Animal Minds & Emotions, 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.

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6) How much will it cost?
* How much does a course 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:

* What is the total cost?
The total cost of the five required courses for each certificate program is $5,575. There is a one time application fee of $25; textbooks or other class materials usually cost $30-80 for each course.

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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 quarterly basis (four times per year). Thus, a certificate could easily be completed in a year or less.

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

* How do I email the institute?
Email us at support@animaledu.com

* What is your mailing address?
Animal Behavior Institute, Inc.
4711 Hope Valley Road
Suite 4F-332
Durham, NC 27707

* Who is in charge of ABI?
The Animal Behavior Institute is directed by Dr. Gary Fortier. You may contact him using the information above or via our feedback form.

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