Phone: (360) 848-0706 Extension 4032 (Call If You Are Going to Be Absent)

Professional Preparation for Future Success Veterinary Assisting –Skagit Valley College Students 2014-2015

Instructor: Ms. Sharon Lane Phone: (360) 848-0706 extension 4032 (Call if you are going to be absent) Email: [email protected] Website: www.nwtech.k12.wa.us – be sure to regularly check the “Veterinary site for current information. Course Hours:  Session 1: 8:00 – 10:30 (Daily)  Session 2: 11:25 – 1:55 (Daily) High School Students Only  Session 3: 3:00 – 6:15 (Monday – Thursday)

Description: The Academy of Veterinary Assisting is a two-semester college certificate program designed for students interested in professions working with and caring for animals. Through experiential (hands on) learning and challenging academic coursework, students will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to obtain entry- level positions in a variety of animal care facilities, including veterinary hospitals, grooming shops, animal shelters, and boarding facilities. Please be advised that this is a program designed to train veterinary assistants, not licensed veterinary technicians. Veterinary assistants provide basic animal care, including duties such as kennel maintenance, and feeding, exercising, handling, restraining, and bathing of hospitalized animals. They assist veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians with clinical, medical and surgical procedures, fill prescriptions, perform office procedures, maintain inventory, interact with clients, and maintain the hospital environment.

Instructional topics/units will be covered (but not limited to):  Animal anatomy and physiology  Care of hospitalized/kenneled animals  Immunology  Client Education/Office Procedures  Veterinary Medical Terminology  Medical Math  Safe handling and restraint of animals  Veterinary Clinical Laboratory Procedures  Animal Behavior and Training

Key Learning Objectives and Industry Competencies Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to: Provide optimal animal care in a hospital/kennel environment and assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians with basic nursing, surgical, and laboratory procedures. Specifically, graduates of this program will be able to:

 Maintain a safe work environment and interact with animals in a safe manner.  Understand and demonstrate application of basic medical terminology and lab science, including anatomy and physiology, and animal parasitology.  Understand the causes of disease and the process of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease in animals.  Understand how vaccines work and which vaccines are appropriate for selected species.  Demonstrate ability, using current veterinary techniques, to restrain, prep and assist in the performance of medical, dental or surgical procedures for veterinary patients.  Demonstrate positive work ethics, professionalism and function as an integral member of an effective veterinary health care team.  Understand and practice the professional laws, regulations and policies established by the licensing state and regulatory agencies.  Practice and promote humane animal care and management.  Demonstrate appropriate workplace behaviors – regular attendance, punctuality, ability to communicate well with others, contribute to the team process, and use appropriate problem-solving & leadership skills.  Be prepared for entry-level work and/or entry to advanced education at the college level.  Program completers may receive a certificate of training (Veterinary Assistant Certificate) and will have an opportunity to earn college credit.

Course Resources A variety of resources will be used throughout the program to help students develop skills related to working in animal care facilities. Resources include power point presentations, videos, lab manuals, text books, veterinary periodicals and journals, handouts from multiple resources, and veterinary professionals as guest speakers.

Required Materials

 A set of medical scrubs & closed-toed/heeled  Ruled index cards 3X5 shoes (Specific color is needed. See instructor)  Thumb drive for computer use  3-4” three-ring binder for class assignments,  Writing utensils, highlighter, calculator notes, etc.  AKC Dog Breed Poster (SVC Bookstore)  Tab dividers for binder, 12-15 tabs

Professional Standards, Attire, and Dress Code Attendance is an important component to learning and employability. The Northwest Career & Technical Academy follows an attendance policy similar to business and industry in that a student is considered an employee or a professional and is expected to be in full session attendance in order to assure that maximum learning and productivity are achieved. The standards reflect what all employers expect of their employees:  Being dependable – Students are to be at school/work every day.  Being on time  Doing a full day's work

Program Courses:  VETA 101: Intro to Veterinary Technology (2 credits)  VETA 103: Veterinary Medical Terminology (2credits)  VETA 105: Veterinary Anatomy & Physiology I (2credits)  VETA 107: Veterinary Nursing/Patient Management I (3 credits)  VETA 108: Veterinary Nursing/Patient Management II (2 credits)  VETA 109: Veterinary Math (2 credits)  VETA 110: Veterinary Assisting Practicum (2 credits)  VETA 111: Veterinary Clinical Procedures (4 credits)  VETA 112 Veterinary Anatomy & Physiology II (3 credits)  VETA 113 Veterinary Assisting Practicum (2 credits)  VETA 114: Veterinary Business Essentials (2 credits)  VETA 115 Veterinary Assistant Practicum III or VETA 199 Cooperative Education Experience (2 credits total)  SOSC 113: Job Search (1 credit)  OFTEC 162 Microsoft Office Basics or OFTEC 122 MS Word 1 (3 credits) – Not offered at NCTA

Students will receive grades in the following areas:

1. Professionalism/Employability – attendance, class participation, conduct, safety practices, professional dress, appropriate use of classroom materials & supplies, cleanup, etc. 2. Skills – lab work and clinical practice 3. Knowledge – class assignments, quizzes, tests, technical resource manual, projects, etc.

 Grading Scale: A 93% and above C+ 78% - 79.9% A- 90% - 92.9% C 73% - 77.9% B+ 88% - 89.9% C- 70% - 72.9% B 83% - 87.9% D+ 68% - 69.9% B- 80% - 82.9% D 60% - 67.9% NC 59% and below

Technical Resource Manual Each student is required to maintain a 3-ring binder will ALL materials, handouts, projects and other resources included. Each nine week period, students will be given a checklist will all items listed. Students will be required to organize their resource manual and turn it in for evaluation. The purpose of this assignment is to provide students with a resource of information to use on the job and also as a way to encourage students to develop organizational skills and to meet deadlines. Students are NOT permitted to turn in their Technical Resource Manual late.

Late Work Policy Late work is NOT accepted from college students. Students must be in class to receive credit for assignments, activities, and participation on a daily basis.

Re-Do Policy/Extra Help Some topics will be evaluated using the Mastery Testing technique. Students will be allowed to re-take certain tests until mastery level is achieved. Students are welcome to ask the instructor for additional assistance during class and after class on an as needed basis. Students are encouraged to form study groups that meet outside of regular classroom hours.

Professional and Industry Behavior Expectations All students at the Academy will be responsible for the rules and expectations laid out in the Student/Employee handbook. The handbook can be downloaded from the website: nwtech.k12.wa.us.

In addition to the overall Academy expectations, in this classroom, the following expectations include:  Show respect for others and yourself at all times.  Cell phones and other personal electronics must be turned off and kept out of sight during class.  Personal grooming should be done before or after class and outside of the classroom.  Food and drinks are not allowed in the classroom or lab.  Medical scrubs and appropriate shoes will be worn to class everyday. Students must enter /exit the classroom in their scrubs.  No jewelry other than industry standards should be worn to class, lab, or to off-site clinical facilities. This includes dangling earrings, necklaces, piercing or any other adornment that the instructor or site-supervisor feels is either unprofessional or unsafe to wear in a veterinary setting.  Academic cheating, repeated misconduct, or mistreatment of an animal may result in dismissal from the program.

Professional Experience Successful students will have the opportunity to participate in off-site experiences at local equine facilities, veterinary practices, or other animal related business. Students will also participate in hands-on labs with live animals on campus. Students may be allowed to bring their own dogs to participate in these activities. Some dog breed and behavior restrictions apply. Students are NOT required to own a dog. Your instructor will give further details in class. Students need to be aware that some clinical sites may require a drug- screening test prior to placement.

 Criminal convictions may restrict or prevent student participation with internships and employment in this industry.  Transportation to and from off-site facilities is the responsibility of the student.

Next Step After successful completion of the Veterinary Assistant Program, students have some great opportunities to continue their education or compete in the job market.  Some students may choose to go right to work as a veterinary assistant in a veterinary clinic or hospital, after completing the Veterinary Assisting Certificate Program. Other students may choose to complete the prerequisites for admission to a veterinary technology program (LVT) or may choose to pursue a postsecondary degree that will meet the requirements for admission to veterinary school.  Job Market Opportunities: Program completers may find employment in veterinary clinics, hospitals or other related animal care facilities. NCTA Veterinary Assistant Program – SVC STUDENTS Informed Consent to Hazards and Risks Release Form

The Veterinary Assistant profession involves health and safety risks. Students and parents must read and sign the Acknowledgment and Consent form. Students may not participate in the program until the signed form is returned to the instructor.

Students need to be aware that working with animals has a certain risk for injury or illness associated with the handling and treating of each species. Students are expected to learn these risks and conduct themselves professionally and safely at all times. If a student is asked to handle an animal or perform a procedure and the student feels uncomfortable, they should ask for help, or additional instruction, before attempting the task. Regardless of the best precautions, injuries may occur, and no matter how minor they may appear, should be handled by notifying the instructor immediately.

If a student is having difficulty with observing animal behavior and performing restraint, parents will be notified in order for us to evaluate the goals of the course and assess if this is the proper placement for the student. This action is required in order to provide the highest level of safety for students, instructors and the animals entrusted to our care.

In addition to physical injuries, animals may carry diseases that are transmissible to humans. Students should recognize zoonotic potential of a disease and be able to take appropriate precautions. If the student is unfamiliar with the disease, be sure to seek advice from a knowledgeable source (not another student) before handling the animal. Although the likelihood of exposure to rabies in this area is small, students should be aware that this is a fatal disease and rabies prevention (vaccine) is recommended for all veterinary personnel. For any further questions or information, please contact the instructor.

All students will need verification of a current tetanus vaccination (within the past 10 years). Verification of a current vaccine will be required prior to being allowed to handle any animals.

If a student is pregnant, or suspects a pregnancy, they are to notify the instructor immediately so that additional safety precautions can be established for the student and animals.

I have fully read the Veterinary Assistant course syllabus and this release form and I agree to abide by the expectations set forth by the Northwest Career and Technical Academy Veterinary Assistant Program.

Student’s Printed Name______Date______

Student Signature______