Worcester Technical High School
1 Skyline Dr.
Worcester, MA 01605
Instructor’s Name:
Department:
Course Title:
Christina F. Melvin, BS, CVT
Allied Health
Veterinary Assisting
SYLLABUS
Sophomore and Junior Class
1. COURSE DESCRIPTION
The Veterinary Assisting Program is a new addition to the Allied Health
Department, offering students the opportunity to also graduate with a
certificate in Veterinary Assisting. This program will use a competencybased approach, with both lecture and hands-on components. The class
meets 4 days a week every trade week (Wednesdays are Freshmen Explore
days until November, then the class will meet 5 days a week). Time is
shared in both the Human portion of Allied Health and the Animal portion
of Allied Health.
This program is a work-in-progress as it’s still brand new. Books,
computer applications, and supplies will be introduced throughout this
year as they become available.
2. INSTRUCTIONAL PHILOSOPHY
Students are expected to become proficient in the select competencies as
outlined in the Vocational Technical Education Framework: Animal
Science. Students will always have access to the Animal Science
Frameworks, and students will know which competency is being worked
on for each unit.
A variety of resources such as computer programs, the Internet,
instructional DVDs/interactive DVDs, Smart Board presentations, online
programs, magazines, journals, animal mannequins, and hands-on
demonstrations will enable the students to learn about the world of
Veterinary Medicine.
Arrangements are currently being worked out to allow the students to gain
hands-on and “real life” examples in the handling and care of animals by
going out on externships. Students and Parents will be updated as these
arrangements develop.
Assessment is evaluated through attendance, punctuality (being on time),
testing, assignments, uniform, adherence to school and location policies,
and attitude. Throughout this course students will become independent
learners.
3. COURSE GOALS
1. Demonstrate the select competencies as stated in the Framework
for Animal Science.
2. Gain an appreciation for Veterinary Science and its importance in
our society.
3. Read and understand Veterinary medical terminology, and be able
to recognize the differences and similarities between Human and
Animal medicine.
4. Learn basic CPR and first aid for animals.
5. Apply the knowledge learned to the workplace.
6. Demonstrate and display professionalism in the workplace.
7. Value and uphold confidentiality in the Veterinary Field.
4. MAJOR COURSE ASSIGNMENTS AND PROJECTS
This course is still in its early stages, and some major assignments and
projects will be dependent on the level and amount of time students will be
able to get hands-on or real life demonstrations. There will be enough
time for the student to plan and work on the project/assignment.
The planned assignments and projects are as followed:
1. Journal Entry: In the morning prior to break, the student will
be given a “Question of the Day (or QOTD)” to answer in their
composition books. This Question will either be a review of the
previous lesson or an opinion piece, depending on current
events.
2. Veterinary Medical Terminology Flashcards: The students will
be learning medical terminology, and one of the most helpful
ways to learn is through the use of flashcards. The students will
spend part of each week learning new terms and making
flashcards. The cards will be provided by the instructor.
3. Individual Presentation: The student will give a presentation to
the class on a specific veterinary topic such as a disease,
disorder, or other topic of interest. Not only will this focus on
their reading and writing skills, this is also to enhance the
student’s public speaking skills.
4. Group Presentation: While this is still in the works at the time
of this publication, arrangements are being made for the
students to do a group presentation, to be presented to either a
group of veterinary professionals or a Biology class at Worcester
State College.
5. Daily Procedure Demonstrations: As directed by the instructor.
6. 1-2 days a week visit to Green Hill Park to care for their animals.
A rubric will always be available to the students for each project. Any
students with any questions are encouraged to ask during class or school
day, or to make arrangements with the instructor to meet before or after
school.
5. INSTRUCTIONAL DELIVERY PLAN
The instructor will work with the sophomores in the Veterinary Assisting
portion of the Allied Health program to ensure their knowledge in the
select competencies as stated in the Massachusetts Vocational Technical
Education Frameworks for Animal Science. The methods used will be
introduced via instructional aides such as (but not limited to) DVD,
internet, handouts, etc. for the student to comprehend, then observing the
procedures performed by the instructor, and finally concluding with the
student performing or explaining the procedure in detail and correctly.
The instructor is a firm believer in differentiated instruction, so not only is
there a variety of learning methods used in the classroom, but assessment
of units will not be limited to handwritten tests; it will also be assessed via
projects and presentations as well.
6. TOOLS USED IN THIS PROGRAM
Veterinary Assisting requires the student to be exposed to different
animals, blood, feces, urine, and other bodily fluids of various species of
animals. This exposure is from handling of the animal and performing
select laboratory tests. GREAT care will be taken by the instructor to
ensure the safety of the students using Universal Precautions and safe
handling techniques. The instructor has over 10 years experience working
with various animal species, and will only allow students to handle species
that she has deemed docile and healthy.
There will eventually be small animals such as Guinea Pigs (Cavia
porcellus), Hamsters (Mesocricetus sp., Phodopus sp., or Cricetulus sp.),
and freshwater animals (fish, snails, shrimp) in aquariums. If the student
has an allergy or sensitivity to any of these animals please alert the
instructor immediately. As we will be at some point going out on
Externships and Field Trips, please provide a list of the animals that the
student is allergic/sensitive to.
Students will also be exposed to handling syringes (clean or sterile) as it is
important to be familiar with knowledge of the different sizes, what they
are used for, and how to operate them. Needles are not going to be
handled by the students in the shop the instructor has examples of various
sizes of needles and IV catheters which are only for display and are kept
locked away); however if they are going to be handled on externships the
parent will first have to sign a permission slip.
Various DVDs, movies, and other media will be Veterinary or animalindustry related. The DVDs/movies will all be from PBS, Discovery
Channel (and affiliates), Animal Planet, or National Geographic. Dog
Competition, documentaries, or training shows that are aired on networks
such as USA, A&E, or Bravo will be shown as well. The magazines for the
class will be: Dog and Cat Fancy, Reptiles, Bird Talk, Equus, Ferrets. The
Veterinary Technician Journal will also be used in this course.
Occasionally the instructor receives magazines/flyers for pet products
from various vendors; those in good taste are shown to the students as
they need to become familiar with different animal products. If there are
any other DVD/movie/magazine that differs from the above, a permission
slip explaining what the instructor wants to show and why will be sent
home with the students.
***It is very important that both parents and students understand that at
times animals can be unpredictable and scared. It is important for the
student to exercise caution, keep a low voice and profile, and listen to the
instructor or the handler of the animal to ensure everyone’s safety. ANY
student who is disruptive or harmful to the animals, or who endangers the
welfare of the other students, instructor, or animal handler will be referred
to their appropriate Administrator and will NOT be allowed on any further
outings until there is a parent/instructor conference. ***
7. ASSESSMENT
20%--Punctuality, Attendance, Participation, Uniform, Professional
Attitude (10 points a day)
10%--Journals (5 points a day)
20%--Daily work assignments (25 points a day)
20%--Quizzes
30%--Tests, Projects, Presentations
Grading Scale/Performance Standards
A
90-100
Independent Learner
Did research, designed and planned: applied
academic/technical skills; evaluated work and made
adjustments, did quality work; needed little help from
the teacher; sought and found resources
independently; demonstrated knowledge with a grade
of 90 or higher; produced a quality portfolio
B
80-89
Semi-Independent Learner
Did research, designed and planned; needed some
help from the teacher; did quality work with a few
flaws; needed feedback from the teacher to realize
work did not meet standards; redid work to meet
standards; demonstrated knowledge with a grade of
80 or higher; produced a better-than-average
portfolio
C
70-79
Semi-Dependent Learner
Needed help to research, design, and plan or had to be
given a plan; relied a great deal on the teacher; once
given plan could carry it out with minimal assistance
from teacher; needed help to evaluate a product; final
product met minimal standards; demonstrated
knowledge with a grade of 70 or higher; final product
meets minimal standards; produced an average
portfolio
D
65-69
Dependent Learner
Needed help to research, design and plan or had to be
given a plan; relied a great deal on teacher; had to be
given procedures for performing tasks; unable to
evaluate a product; final product met below minimal
standards; produced a below average portfolio
F
0-64
Failure
Did not complete projects; if projects were completed
they were of such low quality that they did not pass;
failed to document procedures; did not show criteria
for determining quality; scored less than 65 on
knowledge tests, produced a poor portfolio or none at
all
I have read the above syllabus and understand the requirements and student’s
responsibilities.
________________________
Print Parent/Guardian Name
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Print Student Name
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Parent/Guardian Signature and Date
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Student Signature and Date