CCISD offers new certification for veterinary technicians

The hog squealed as students lifted it and placed it on the table. After some vaccinations to prevent any pain to the animal, students at Copperas Cove High School received hands-on training on how to castrate a pig. Students are enrolled in classes including equine science, livestock production and small animal management as they work toward their certifications to become veterinary technicians. After a completion of a minimum of three credits, students are paired up with local businesses to get real-world experience, said Kenneth Barnett, Copperas Cove High School agricultural science teacher. “The classes and an internship allows students to view first-hand what a vet(erinary) tech(nician) has to know and what situations the job will offer,” Barnett said. “The interns will learn how to deal with the public, co-workers and how to handle situations that the classroom cannot offer. These are benefits that any student could use before graduation.” The veterinary technician program of study is one of 32 that CCISD now offers its students to make them ready for the workforce. The animal science classes are popular, especially among students like Senior Susanna Martinez who is interested in becoming a veterinarian. “I am in this class to learn as much as I can about animals,” Martinez said. “This class provides an opportunity for me to get a glimpse on what my future career will be like. The hands-on situations I experience will help me to learn the basics about being a veterinarian.” Veterinary technicians work in private clinics, laboratories and animal hospitals. CCHS animal science students began their internships this past week at Animal Medical Center and also at Brandi’s Grooming, both in Copperas Cove. Upon successful completion of all required coursework and an internship, students must take a credentialing exam and must become registered, licensed or certified depending on the requirements of the state in which they work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary was $35,000 in 2014. But, the possibility of CCHS students who are certified veterinary technicians finding a job in their field upon graduation are very high. The employment of veterinary technicians is projected to continue to grow 30 percent through 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. Senior Dakota Stutz plans to capture one of those available jobs. “I have always had a passion to work with animals of all species,” she said. “This class is a stepping stone to the larger goal in my life which is to become a veterinarian.”