The Veterinary Assistant program discusses safety as soon as school begins.  Safety specific to the veterinary clinic is covered through text, lecture, and ACT (Animal Care Training) DVD training on Safety in the Veterinary Hospital, Kennel Maintenance, and Canine Body Postures.  The PowerPoint on safety is used as a guide for further discussion using sources from the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Animal Hospital Association, and on-line resources specific to veterinary professionals.   The PowerPoint outline is included as an artifact, as is the safety/restraint and handling lesson plan.  Additional restraint and handling education is taught separately when appropriate to the species being taught (i.e., large animal safety taught in second year of the program).  Students do not handle animals without supervision.

The classroom keeps an up-to-date MSDS book of all chemicals used in the classroom.  A master book is kept in the office for all programs.  Students are taught how to use secondary labels on any chemical repackaged from an original container.  An eye-wash station is attached to one of the classroom sinks, and all students are trained in its use.  Biohazard containers are used to dispose of needles, scalpel blades, and other appropriate waste.  Classroom safety rules are posted.  We spend considerable time on zoonotic diseases, both for employee safety and educating clients.  Disinfectants are chosen based on their ability to target microorganisms commonly found in the veterinary clinic.  Contact time, surface compatibility, and toxicity to specific species are factors in selecting broad spectrum agents.  Students are taught to read all labels and mix concentrates according to the product's directions for use. 

The Pruden Center is utilizing the Center for Disease Control’s NIOSH Safety Checklists for annual inspections of all programs in the building.  The Veterinary Assistant instructor is the team leader for the Health Occupations and Health and Human Services Programs, as well as the technology teachers, and has served on the center’s safety committee since 2000.