Veterinary Assistant 3 & 4

Pathway:  Agriculture, Natural Resources & Energy
Grades:  12
Credit:  2

•      1 Science - Animal Science 2
•      1 Fine Practical Arts/Elective

Instructor: Kelly Gargulak

Veterinary Assistant 3 & 4 will build upon topics covered in Veterinary Assistant 1 & 2, providing students with advanced skills, knowledge, and techniques. Students will continue to expand their knowledge in the following areas:

• Epidemiology (Disease surveillance, response & prevention)
• Parasitology (the study of parasitic organisms)
• Veterinary medical terminology and abbreviations
• Anatomy and physiology within multiple animal species
• Disease processes within the body
• Diagnostics and lab work in a clinical setting
• Medications and their uses
• Medication dosing calculations
• Anesthesia and surgical procedures

Along with this class having a very hands-on, learn-by-doing process, we also collaborate with various veterinary facilities, schools, and farms throughout the Denver Metro area, as well as with local colleges. This allows students to network with other professionals in the field and obtain various perspectives on a variety of case studies and personal experiences from veterinary professionals. Through this program, students will have access to shadowing, volunteer, and internship opportunities through local agencies, allowing them to obtain knowledge, skills, and abilities they can use moving forward in their career pathways.

Counseling Notes:

1. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Veterinary Assistant 1 & 2
2. Course fee: $40.00
3. We want every student to be prepared for success! If your family needs support obtaining any of the required supplies, financial assistance is available. Please reach out to your Washington Square counselor. We are here to help.

Possible Career Opportunities for Students in the Veterinary Assistant Pathway:

• Veterinary Assistant

• Animal Control Officer

• Kennel Assistant

• Veterinary Technician

• Pet Groomer

• Veterinary Technician Specialist

• Veterinarian

• Biologist

• Zoo Keeper

Required Supplies for Veterinary Assistant:

Required supplies - student-provided

• Scrubs: Black Scrubs (preferred, but other colors are sufficient) (top and bottom).
• Footwear: Closed-toe shoes.
• Non-Scrub Shirt: FFWS T-Shirt purchased through Washington Square (for non-scrub days).
• Watch: Analog watch (with second hand).

Required supplies - school-provided

• (None listed)

Optional supplies - student-provided

• Medical Equipment: Stethoscope.

Academic & study supplies - student-provided

• (None listed)