Crystal River High School

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The Academy of Health Careers Veterinary Assisting program offers courses designed to prepare students for employment as Certified Veterinary Assistants in veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and other animal care facilities. Students will receive classroom instruction, hands-on labs with live animals, and clinical experience at local animal hospitals.  Students have the opportunity to become certified their junior year. This certification demonstrates formal training and skill competency that sets them apart from other entry level applicants in the veterinary field. This certification is a strong foundation for entering pathways such as an AS or BAS in veterinary technology to become a veterinary nurse (Certified Veterinary Technician or Technologist). Students who plan on attending college to get their doctorate and become a veterinarian will have a distinct advantage over other applicants in this highly competitive field due to their clinical experience, applied practical knowledge, and close association with veterinarians in a real-world setting. Student will have the opportunity to begin working immediately in their chosen field and to continue gaining valuable experience throughout their education. Upon the successful completion of this course sequence students can earn their certification as a Certified Veterinary Assistant.

The Veterinary Assisting Program is a five-course sequence consisting of the courses below:

9th Grade: Veterinary Assisting 1
Course # 8111510
1 credit

Students in this course are introduced to the history and terminology of the animal industry; the role of animals in society, the socioeconomic impact of the veterinary sciences, and the strength and effects of the human-animal bond on humans. Students will become acquainted with the many careers in the animal industry. Common breeds and behaviors of companion animals will be introduced, as will techniques for the safe handling, restraint, and husbandry practices associated with them. 

10th Grade: Veterinary Assisting 2
Course # 8111540 
1 credit 

In the second course of the track, students will learn how to obtain vital signs and recognize normal values for various species of companion and livestock animals. The student will also learn to recognize emergency situations in companion and livestock animals and to administer basic first aid to these species. Students will get hands-on experience with the tools, equipment, and instruments used in the veterinary science and companion animal industry. Breeds and husbandry of livestock animals will be investigated. The internal and external anatomy, as well as the various organ systems of common companion and livestock animals will be explored. 

11th Grade: Veterinary Assisting 3
Course # 8111550
1 credit

Students in the third course delve into both local, state, and federal animal-related laws, statutes, and ordinances. The problems, causes, and solutions of animal overpopulation are explored, along with the logistics of animal control and humane society organizations. The topics of preventative medicine and disease control related to companion and livestock animals are discussed, as are the breeding, husbandry, and daily care of these animals. Additionally, the husbandry and daily care of exotic animals and fish are introduced. This year students will take part in clinicals at local animal hospitals, and will focus on their human-relations, communications, and leadership and employability skills in a real-world setting.

11th Grade: Veterinary Assisting 4
Course # 8111520
1 credit

Students in the fourth course tackle topics such as the role of animals in research and the ethics involved, as well as the difference between animal welfare and animal rights. Clinical topics will include proper sanitation of animal facilities, including the protocol for recognition and control of zoonotic diseases and control of internal and external parasites. Students will learn about various diagnostic tests in veterinary practice such as blood analysis, radiology, and ultrasound. Students will use lab equipment to evaluate patient specimens.  Students will record basic business records using computer applications. Emphasis is placed on maintaining and analyzing patient medical records, with special attention to legal requirements and confidentiality. 

12th Grade: Veterinary Assisting 5
Course # 8111530
1 credit

In the final course in the track students will research and identify exotic animals in zoos, research, and the pet industry and the ethics and effects of captivity. This will include a focus on the effects of exotic and invasive species in Florida and the roles of wildlife management by organizations such as the FWC and WCC. The grooming of select companion and livestock animals for both cosmetic and therapeutic reasons will be discussed with practical hands-on application. The clinical focus of this course introduces students to the principles of pharmacology and surgery: including aseptic technique, surgical preparation, and surgical assisting.

Job-Ready Certification Offered Upon Completion: Certified Veterinary Assistant