How Online Vet Tech School Helped Madison Take Control of Her Future
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Since 2024, Madison Vogelsong has been enrolled in the Veterinary Technician Program at Penn Foster, living in Jacksonville, Florida and starting a new chapter of her life with her cat, Moana, by her side. She’s currently working on her first externship and also starting her semester three pathology 1 studying. Madison’s been putting in the work to build a future she’s passionate about, and we reached out to hear more about her story, her experience in Penn Foster’s online Vet Tech Program, and her advice for students considering online school.
Before vet tech school, Madison felt stuck
Madison: Before enrolling, life felt overwhelming and full of uncertainty. I had just graduated high school and started working as a kennel technician in a veterinary clinic, thinking it would be the first step toward becoming a veterinary technician. I was motivated and eager to learn, and I made it clear that I wanted to grow in the field. I asked for training opportunities and support, but I was consistently overlooked and never given the chance to move forward.
I wanted to do more...but I felt stuck
Even after enrolling in school, nothing changed in that environment. I continued doing the same responsibilities without being given the opportunity to advance or gain hands-on experience as a veterinary assistant. While I did learn some foundational skills—like how a hospital functions and basic medical record knowledge—I felt discouraged. It started to feel like I was being held back rather than supported.
What made it harder was that my passion never went away. Every day, I wanted to do more. I wanted to understand the procedures, learn the “why” behind treatments, and be more involved in-patient care. Instead, I felt stuck doing the same routine tasks, wishing I could be in surgery or learning alongside the technicians.
The right support system brought clarity and validation
That experience made me realize that not every environment is meant to help you grow. It was a difficult but important turning point for me. I knew if I wanted to succeed, I had to take control of my own path. So, I made the decision to leave that clinic and fully commit to my education.
Looking back, I’m really grateful I didn’t give up during that time. Since then, I’ve found a much more supportive veterinary environment for my externship one, where I’m actually being taught, guided, and encouraged to grow. That shift showed me that the right support system makes all the difference, and it reassured me that I’m on the right path.
Read more: Real Student Stories: How Kelsy Found Her Path as a Mom, Military Spouse, and Future RVT
Enrolling in school was Madison’s way of taking control and investing in herself
Madison: I wanted stability, growth, and something I could truly be proud of.
Eventually, it really hit me that just showing up and hoping to learn on the job wasn’t going to get me where I wanted to be. That was a hard realization, but it also gave me clarity. I knew I had the passion and the drive—I just needed the right path and structure to grow.
That shift in mindset is what pushed me to take action. I decided that if I wanted something different for my future, I would have to do something different. Enrolling in school was my way of taking control and finally investing in myself and my goals.
Going to college was terrifying. I was worried about balancing everything and whether I’d be able to stay motivated. I struggled getting through high school due to the lack of support. But I knew if I didn’t try, I’d stay stuck—and that scared me more.
Read more: How to Become Certified as a Vet Tech (State by State)
Madison needed a school that would fit her life, not disrupt it
Madison: When I started looking into programs to help me become a veterinary technician, I realized there weren’t many realistic options near me in Florida. While I could have moved to attend an in-person college, that would have added a lot of uncertainty—financially, emotionally, and personally. I wasn’t in a position where relocating felt like the right or stable choice for me.
I needed something that fits my life, not something that would completely disrupt it. I was already working, gaining experience, and trying to build a future for myself, so flexibility was really important.
That’s what made Penn Foster stand out to me. The ability to work at my own pace and build my education around my schedule made it feel achievable. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by strict timelines or having to choose between school and my responsibilities, I felt like I could finally do both.
Choosing Penn Foster gave me a sense of control and stability that I didn’t have before. It made continuing my education feel realistic, and for the first time, I felt confident that I could fully commit and follow through on my goals.
The flexibility of online school gives her confidence and balance
Madsion: Penn Foster’s flexibility truly changed everything for me. I struggle with learning disabilities, so being able to study on my own time—when I’m mentally in the right place to focus—made a huge difference. Traditional schedules can feel overwhelming, but this gave me the space to learn at my own pace without feeling pressured or falling behind.
Planning learning around life
Instead of coming home from work stressed about deadlines or rushing to submit assignments at a certain time, I’m able to plan my learning around my life. On my days off, I can sit down, focus, and set realistic goals for myself—whether that’s finishing a certain number of chapters or assignments. That kind of control has made it so much easier to stay consistent and actually retain what I’m learning.
It also allowed me to stay present in my personal life. I can be there for my family, support my friends, and spend time with my younger siblings without constantly feeling like I’m sacrificing my education. I don’t have to miss important moments like birthdays or time together, and at the same time, I’m still making real progress toward my goals.
Making progress without sacrificing time with loved ones
What makes it so powerful is that I don’t feel like I have to choose between my responsibilities and my future anymore. I can go to work, come home, and still make progress without the added pressure of fixed class times or strict deadlines. That balance has made school feel possible for me in a way it never did before. It’s given me confidence, structure, and the ability to move forward at a pace that actually works for me.
Read more: What Does a Vet Tech Do?
And the more she learns, the more passionate she is about veterinary medicine
Madison: The moment I started completing coursework and seeing real progress, something shifted for me. Finishing assignments, understanding the material, and realizing I was actually capable of doing this gave me so much confidence. For the first time, school didn’t feel like something I was forcing myself through—it felt exciting.
Every assignment is an investment in my future
With every lesson, I became more invested in my future in veterinary medicine. Knowing that each assignment was bringing me one step closer to my externship and ultimately becoming a veterinary technician made everything feel real. Day by day, lesson by lesson, I genuinely fell in love with the program and with learning itself.
Becoming a veterinary technician is something I’ve wanted for a long time because helping animals in need and advocating for proper care is what truly matters to me. I love learning not just the ‘how,’ but also the why behind illnesses, diseases, treatments, and patient care. Understanding the science behind veterinary medicine has made me even more passionate about this field.
I’ve also really enjoyed learning about client education and how to help pet owners better understand and care for their animals. The more I learn, the more excited I become to keep going, because I know all of this knowledge is shaping me into the kind of veterinary technician, I’ve always wanted to be.
As she’s continued her vet tech degree, her goals have grown
Madison: Since enrolling in Penn Foster’s Veterinary Technician program, I’ve learned so much more about veterinary medicine and the different paths available within the field. In the beginning, my vision was pretty limited—I mostly saw myself doing routine patient care and basic check-ups. But as I’ve continued through the program, my goals have grown.
Now, I see myself finishing my Associate of Science degree through Penn Foster and eventually continuing my education to earn my bachelor’s degree. I want to become a specialized veterinary technician and continue building my skills so I can provide the highest level of care possible.
H3; Becoming the best version of myself through education and advocacy
More than anything, I want to become the best version of myself in this field—not just technically, but also in how I advocate animals and support the people who care for them. I feel more stable and hopeful about my future now. I have a clear direction, and I’m actively working toward a meaningful career instead of just getting by. That’s been a huge shift from where I was before
Read more: What to Know About the Vet Tech Externships
Madison’s advice to others who might be afraid to enroll – especially busy moms
Madison: I’d say start small and don’t overthink it. It’s completely normal to feel scared, especially when you’re balancing work, kids, and everything else life throws at you. But taking that first step really can change everything. You don’t have to have it all figured out—you just have to start.
Flexibility can help you figure it out
I understand how overwhelming it can feel, especially as a mom trying to provide and still build a better future. That’s what makes a program like Penn Foster so helpful. The flexibility allows you to work on school when you actually have the time—whether that’s during nap time, late at night, or on your days off. There aren’t strict deadlines or fixed class times, which takes a lot of pressure off.
When you enroll, you can see your coursework ahead of time, so you’re able to mentally prepare and create a plan that works for you. That kind of control makes a big difference when your schedule isn’t always predictable.
At the end of the day, you’re not just doing this for yourself—you’re doing it for your kids and your future. And even though it’s scary, it’s also worth it. You can still build something meaningful, one step at a time.
There’s no deadline for real growth and accomplishment
Madsion: Before enrolling, I felt unsure and stuck. Now, I feel more confident and motivated. Practically, I’ve built better discipline and time management. Emotionally, I believe in myself more and feel like I’m working toward something meaningful.
My family sees me working toward something better, and that’s motivating not just for me but for them too. It’s shown that growth is possible no matter where you start.
Ready to start working toward your dreams and goals like Madison?
Madison knew what she wanted and didn’t let feeling stuck hold her back for long. Now, she’s on her way toward earning her online vet tech degree, getting hands-on experience in her externship, and one step closer to her goal of making a difference.
If you’re like Madison and are ready to start a career you’re passionate about, you can enroll online, request more info, or call our Admissions Specialists at 1-800-275-4410. Still have questions or want to learn more about the Penn Foster student experience? Check out more student stories in our blog!
