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
Freshmen 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 2 days a week (Mondays and Tuesdays). 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.
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 animal care.
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 when the students first enter the
class, 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. EVERY MONDAY (or the
occasional Tuesday when we don’t have school on Monday) the
question will be the same—discuss a current event. After
weeklong breaks the student will need to know 2-3 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 occasionally be asked
to do an individual project and present as an individual. This
year’s “big” individual project will be on a selected dog breed to
research and present.
4. Group Presentation: Occasionally students will be asked to do
projects within a group and present as a group.
5. Daily Procedure Demonstrations: As directed by the instructor.
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 freshmen 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.
We currently have 4 small animals in the classroom; One Guinea Pig
(Cavia porcellus), and three Hamsters (Mesocricetus sp., Phodopus sp., or
Cricetulus sp.); we also have 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.
***Please note that the students are allowed to handle the animals at the
instructor’s discretion, and these particular species are NOT “potty
trained”. There are gloves and towels for the students to use to handle the
animals, but it is important to know that when the student handles the
animals, they are at risk to become exposed to their bodily functions. Also,
Hamsters are known to become nippy when scared or angry—while the
bites are relatively harmless, the teacher or WTHS do not assume
liability.***
At some point throughout the students’ four years, we will be 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.
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.
The following commercial movies will also be shown, and at any time the
parent may request movie background information which is available from
the instructor.


“Old Yeller” Rated G, made in 1957. This will be shown
during the unit on human/animal bond and Zoonosis.
“8 Below” Rated PG, made in 2006. This will be shown
during the unit on canine behavior.
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 the teacher will request a
parent/instructor conference. ***
7. ASSESSMENT
20%--Punctuality, Attendance, Participation, Uniform, Professional
Attitude (2 points each = 10 points a day)
10%--Journals (5 points a day)
20%--Daily work assignments
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
__________________
Print Student Name
_X_______________________
Parent/Guardian Signature and Date
_X_________________
Student Signature and Date