Course Syllabus

Veterinary Assisting

This course focuses on instruction for students desiring a career in animal medicine. Topics include proper veterinary practice management and client relations, pharmacy and laboratory procedure, enhancement of animal care learned in previous animal courses, and surgical/radiological procedures. Advanced FFA leadership will be infused throughout the curriculum to develop the student's ability to work with the public. All aspects of this course will have hands-on skill sets that will be enforced with a total of 500 (200 laboratory/classroom hands-on hours and 300 under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian or certified veterinary technician) working in animal medicine throughout all animal courses in high school. The students will complete the skills and have them checked off during the 1-3 year(s) of high school. Applied mathematics, science, writing, and skill sets are integrated throughout the curriculum. Students will learn the material in order to be prepared for the Veterinary Assisting exam developed by the Texas Veterinary Medical Association. With successful completion of the exam and hours, students will be able to be a Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA) Level 1.

1. Veterinary Practice Management/Client Relations

1. Pharmacy and Laboratory Procedures
2. Animal Care and Management
3. Surgical and Radiological Procedures

• Unit tests will be given. Students will be informed of test dates ahead of time.
• Students will have online quizzes. All online quizzes are due the day of the unit test.
• Various labs, dissections, and live animal handling will be conducted in the classroom throughout the semester.
• Students will conduct an SAE project. Instructions on will be given in class.

All agriculture classes at Cuthbertson High School are focused around the three-circle model of Agricultural Education.  The three circles include: classroom instruction, FFA, and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE).  Classroom instruction will provide a foundation of knowledge on the course content along with many opportunities for hands-on experience to apply what is being taught.  Secondly, the FFA is a National Organization that provides opportunities for leadership experience, community service, competitions in various agricultural areas, and much more.  Finally, SAE projects are unique to Agricultural Education.  These projects allow students to take what is learned in the classroom setting and apply that knowledge to real-world scenarios.  Many different career options can also be explored while conducting SAE’s.

Tests/ Class Projects= 40%

SAE Project=10%

Quizzes= 20%

 Participation/Notebook Check= 15%

Classwork/Homework= 15%

*Any questions about grades should be handled before or after class.

• Pencils/Pens (Blue or Black ink only)
• Notebook Paper
• 1 ½ inch 3-ring binder
• 3 tab dividers labeled:
  • Warm-Ups
  • Notes
  • Graded Work
• Colored Pencils/Markers

 Students may take the vet assisting course with or without registering for the co-op.  Students wishing to complete the co-op with a local veterinarian should let the instructor know as soon as possible.  Please direct any questions to Mr. Shumate.

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