Overview
The Veterinary Assistant Program introduces students into the field of Veterinary Medicine. Students will explore various careers in Veterinary Science and learn specific skills as a Veterinary Assistant. This class teaches small and large animal health care and how to assist the veterinarian with routine examinations, covering such areas as proper feeding and nutrition, animal grooming, administering medication, understanding disease and prevention, safe animal handling, and facility maintenance. This program can provide the skills essential for becoming a veterinary assistant or can prepare the student or further study in the veterinary field. Students work in both a lab and a classroom setting. They will experience working with live animals utilizing proper safety procedures.
This program is Dual Enrolled with Blue Ridge Community College. Upon completion of the 2 year program, students will receive their Certificate of Completion from Blue Ridge Community College in Veterinary Assisting.
Course Content
· Veterinary profession and the roles of the veterinary team
· Veterinary sanitation and kennel management
· Animal body systems , medical terminology, immunology and vaccinations , reproduction/breeding
· Basic animal behavior
· Breed identification and common medical conditions of the canine and feline
· Business procedures used in veterinary practice
· Safe animal handling
· Understanding disease and prevention in animals
Course Details
Precision Machining I (Year 1)
Precision Machining II (Year 2)
GRADE 11, 12
Course Length: 2 years
Industry Credentials Offered
This program is Dual Enrolled with Blue Ridge Community College.
Upon successful completion of this 2 year program, students will :
· receive 12 college credits (VET 101, VET 102, VET 103, & VET 118)
· complete a Career Studies Certificate in Veterinary Assisting from Blue Ridge Community College .
Options After HS
Workforce
Vet assistant, biotechnician, ag sales, livestock management, dog breeder
Local Employers: Animal Hospital of Waynesboro, Commonwealth Vet Clinic, Blue Ridge Equine Clinic, Staunton Veterinary Clinic, Westwood Animal Hospital
Career Certificate/ Associate Degree (2 yr) program
Virginia Tech—Ag Technology
BRCC—Veterinary Technology
Bachelor’s /Post Baccalaureate Degree (4 yr+) majors
Agriculture, Animal Science, Biology, Business, Health Sciences, Psychology, Veterinary Science
About the Instructor
Ms. Small has worked as a Licensed Veterinary Technician for 24 years. The profession of Veterinary Technology has been extremely instrumental to allow me to demonstrate my skills in the following areas of veterinary medicine; Companion Animal, Equine, Veterinary Sales, Horseback Riding Instructor and as the Veterinary Assisting Instructor at Valley Career and Technical Center. I have been teaching at the facility for 7 years and I love sharing my experiences and knowledge with my students.
My devotion to veterinary medicine and teaching inspires me to provide my students with the best learning environment filled with kindness, confidence, and gratification to ensure student success. Teaching is so self-rewarding and I am so lucky to have this opportunity to make a difference every day, but mostly to build relationships with my students that will last throughout their adult life.
During my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my son, competing in Cowboy Mounted Shooting with my horses, spending time outdoors and experiencing new adventures in life. I strive to help others develop an empowering sense of purpose in the world and to make a difference in someone’s life every day.
Email: smalla@valleytech.us
School: 540-245-5002
Fax: 540-885-0407
