"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart;
and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge Him,
and He shall direct thy paths."

Proverbs 3:5-6

HEALTH OCCUPATIONS

VETERINARY ASSISTANT

PROGRAM INFORMATION 2010-2011

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God gave us dominion over the animals; therefore, it is our responsibility to take care of them.

Genesis 1:26

Careers in this Field:

Veterinary Assistant
Groomer
Veterinary Receptionist
Veterinary Technician
Lab Tech
Veterinary Assistant Instructor

This program is designed to equip students with the skills required to work closely with the Veterinary Technician.

Instruction will be designed to meet the curriculum requirements necessary to qualify students to become a Veterinary Assistant.

Students will be instructed with appropriate theory and hands-on training in animal care and treatment, customer service responsibilities, hospital cleanliness responsibilities, and handling emergency situations. On-site work experiences will provide the opportunity to enhance practical skills as well as prepare the student to relate to real customers.

Potential Instructor: KAREN KIBLER (current applicant)

Karen has loved animals all her life. During her senior year of high school she had the opportunity to do work study at the Animal Hospital of Dauphin County. She found her calling! Karen went on to attend Harcum Jr. College taking the Animal Technician Program. She did her Small Animal Practicum at the University of Pennsylvania, and graduated with an Associate in Science Degree. She passed the Veterinary Technician Boards and became one of the first technicians in PA to be licensed. Karen began working cleaning kennels at the Animal Hospital of Dauphin County and has advanced to Office Manager. Karen lives in Elizabethtown with her husband, Frank, and their 4 cats.

VETERINARY ASSISTANT TASK LIST

LEVEL I - First Year

KENNEL

Location and Technique of Mixing Disinfectants
Cleaning
Zoonotic Potentials of Roundworms, Hookworms, etc.
Disease Study--Parvo, Distemper, Viruses
Laundry Protocols
Understanding Cage Signs
Feeding & Watering
Care of Hospitalized Animals

RADIOLOGY

Equipment and Cleaning Procedures
Safety
Terminology
Radiograph Filing System
X-Ray Developer & Identification Cards

EKG MACHINE

Location & Preparation of Machine
Paperwork
Proper Patient Positioning

SURGERY

Cleaning & Restocking
Emergency Drugs
Biopsies
Autoclave
Surgical Drapes & Gauze Packs

LABORATORY & PHARMACY

Lab Specimens - Paperwork, Collection, Equipment
Medication Abbreviations & Locations

PATIENT TREATMENT & EXAM ROOM

LEVEL II - Second Year

KENNEL

Returning Animals to Owners
Restraint and Handling Fractious Animals
Kennel Cleaning Solutions
Chart Observations

RADIOLOGY

Measure & Position Patient
Machine Settings
Barium Series Protocol
Ultrasound

EKG MACHINE

Machine Setup
Positioning & Attaching Patient

SURGERY

Preparation of Room
Preparation of Patient and Surgery Site
Laser Machine Settings
Vacuum for Laser Machine
Sp02 Heart Rate on Pulse Ox Machine
Normal Dog & Cat Heart Rates w/without Anesthesia

LABORATORY & PHARMACY

Operate and Maintain Centrifuge
Perform HWT combo, FeLV combo and BG's
Perform CBC, GHP, Lytes, and PAPs on Vetlyte, Lasercyte, and Electrolyte Machine
Do Vetlyte Weekly Cleaning and Daily Conditioning
Centrifuge Urine Samples
Expiration Dates on Medication
Generate Prescription Labels
Unpack, Code, & Stock Drug Supply Orders--Red Tag System

PATIENT TREATMENT & EXAM ROOM

Level III - Third Year

RADIOLOGY

Ultrasound Machine

SURGERY

Express Bladder
Recover Animals From Anesthesia

LABORATORY & PHARMACY

Read Fecals & Chemstrips
Refill Medications & Prescriptions

PATIENT TREATMENT & EXAM ROOM

Injections
IV Fluids
Charts
Vaccine Protocol
Critical Patient Protocol

ACADEMIC INTEGRATION

Most academic subjects are naturally integrated through regular course material. Science is taught through the study of anatomy, physiology and Chemistry, and laboratory experiences. Math is essential in mixing solutions and knowing measurements and fractions. Reading and language skills are essential to comprehend and follow directions and prepare charting and prescriptions. Students will regularly use many of the academic skills.

BIBLICAL INTEGRATION – CHRISTIAN SERVICE ASSIGNMENT

Jesus says in Matthew 25:40 Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Student Assignment: Pray and ask God to help you find an elderly or handicapped individual who may need help caring for a pet. Services will be provided at NO CHARGE. A written journal of the experience is required.

Note: Fundraisers and other available school funding will be used as necessary to cover costs.

SUPPLIES TO BE PURCHASED BY THE STUDENT

Uniforms and Clinic Shoes, Textbook