Students learn anatomy and physiology, as well as animal health and disease, animal behavior, and client communication to prepare for employment in Veterinary careers. The class focuses are academic, technical skills, and employability practices. Students will develop personal and professional skills in the classroom that will transfer to the workplace:

• Introductory skills for the veterinary clinic front office
• Career ready skills
• Veterinary assistant career orientation
• Communication skills for the veterinary clinic/hospital or animal shelter
• Veterinary medical terminology
• Introduction to companion animal body systems
• State and federal regulations related to veterinary care
• Medical/surgical asepsis
• Animal nutrition
• Surgical instrumentation
• Basic animal nursing protocols
• Basic laboratory and diagnostic testing
• Basic pharmacology and administration of medication to animals
• Basic imaging techniques

Class Benefits

• 30 high school credits earned for the year
• Gain valuable knowledge about veterinary health, science and nutrition
• Work with people from all walks of life
• Study veterinary medical career options Students who qualify may participate in internships during the second semester
• May be eligible for articulated college credits at local community college with an A or B grade
• UC “d” approved course

Certifications Earned Within the Class

• Class completion certificate

Job Opportunities Upon Completion

• Veterinary Assistant
• Early level research facilities and Zoos
• Vet clinics, Pet Food Chains, Kennels, Boarding facilities, Grooming Facilities, Animal Shelters

About the Instructor

Elizabeth Belaski is a native of San Francisco and attended San Francisco State University.  She received her Animal Science degree from Cosumnes River College in Sacramento, Calif. Belaski has worked in small animal practices and created her own temporary job agency exclusively for veterinary related positions in the Portland metro area in Oregon. She has given professional workshops, and was the RVT representative for the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accreditation team in1988. Belaski has worked with wildlife, exotic animals, marine mammals, performed surgery on laboratory research animals, and spent 11 years in shelter medicine before joining the faculty at SVCTE. With more than 45 years of experience, Belaski has taught veterinary technology at the college level and feels very privileged to be part of the SVCTE teaching staff. She has a huge passion for the arts and home renovation. Belaski now resides in San Jose.

Why do you teach Career and Technical Education? 

As a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), I am loyal to my animal patients and passionate about my industry. The opportunity to teach young people that are interested in veterinary medicine is an honor. My students understand that this is not just time to spend with animals, but to learn about their body functions and behavior. My students also understand the importance of animal existence and the impact they have on human lives. Students’ lives are also impacted with the understanding that animals are not only important to them at home, but to the world.