This is Veterinary Assistant

  • Course Description

    The science of veterinary medicine, including animal care and training, clinical procedures, medical terminology, grooming, and disease prevention are key components of this course. Students interact daily with a wide variety of animals fostered in our facilities and provide their medical care while learning from certified professionals.

  • Prerequisites at the Time of Junior Year Enrollment

    Minimum of 7 core credits (1.5 must be English); on track to graduate.

  • Credits & Certifications Offered 

    High School Credit
    • 3 CTE Year 1
    • 2.5 CTE and .5 Science (Zoology) Year Two

    College Credit
    • Jefferson College - 2 credits 

    Certifications
    • Certified Vet Assistant - State of Missouri Vet Med Association
     
    *College credit and certification are not guaranteed. Their attainment is dependent on student performance in both the course and on external industry assessments. All certifications are through external agencies and the accommodations permitted will vary from assessment to assessment. Additionally, students must participate in the full two years of the program to be potentially eligible for all certifications listed.

  • How Will My Time Be Spent? 

    Program Year Classroom Time Lab Time
    CTE Year One 51%-75% 26%-50%
    CTE Year Two 26%-50% 51%-75%

  • Tech is Real World Learning

    Students in this program learn through the use of a variety of industry grade tools and equipment and texts. Their real world labs also require uniforms and personal protective equipment.

    Tools & Equipment

    • Live animals
    • Medical examination equipment
    • Sterilization equipment
    • Sharps including needles, scalpels, glass slides
    • Animal containment tools and equipment
    • Treatment materials such as bandages, gauze and swabs
    • Medicinal measuring and administering tools
    • Animal grooming tips
    • Microscopes
    • Computers

    Academic Materials

    • Veterinary Science
    • Introduction to Veterinary Assisting
    • Animal Care Training, AviMark, Vet Med Team, and SP2 training

    Uniform Requirements

    • Program t-shirt, scrub pants and non-skid shoes (tennis shoes are appropriate)

  • Essential Skills Needed for Success

    Students learn the entry level skills necessary to prepare for post-secondary education and the highly competitive world of work. Traditionally, successful students have mastered the processing and/or physical skills listed below prior to enrollment.

    Core Essential Skills

    • Have a basic knowledge of biology; student will take Anatomy and Physiology with this program

    • Read animal behavior and make safe choices; must be able to follow all safety rules and assume personal responsibilit 

    • Problem solving skills and the ability to make decisions quickly 

    • Empathy and ability to expression compassion 

    • Comfortable working with a variety of animal species 

    • Emotional maturity; patience and tolerance of animals and their behaviors 

    • Control temper and regulate emotions in high stress situations 

    • Tolerate a Veterinary environment which includes loud noises, unpleasant smells, and bodily fluids 

    • Make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects 

    • Moving, lifting, carrying, and working with heavy animals and objects

    For a complete list of essential skills please review the Course Overview Guide.

Program Information

  • Donna Hobbs

    Donna Hobbs
    Veterinary Sciences
    314.989.7551
    Send an Email

    Ms. Donna Hobbs started out in the industry over 20 years ago, as a teenager working in a veterinary hospital and has been working with animals every since. Ms. Hobbs started teaching at West Tech in 1994 and relocated to South Tech in 2002. She has several certifications including Humane Education Specialist and Veterinary Forensic recently from the University of Florida. As a member of the South Tech team, Donna is responsible for being lead advisor of FFA, NEA, and ACTE member. Over the years she has partnered with many local animal rescue groups and animal controls so that students have access to the animals to learn.
     

    Erica Zengerling

    Erica Zengerling
    Veterinary Sciences
    314.989.7499
    Send an Email