The Veterinary Assistant program is a two year program open to juniors and seniors. Suffolk public schools offers “Introduction to Health Occupations”, which gives an overview to underclassmen about courses at the Pruden Center, including the veterinary assistant program. Student ambassadors visit elementary, middle, and high schools to discuss our programs and our feeder schools are given tours through our building. During the tours, instructors give presentations about the programs offered.
The veterinary assistant instructor has been invited to several elementary schools for career day presentations.
Prospective middle and high school students are given the veterinary assistant brochure (see attached artifacts) which outline course work and career pathways. At this time, dual credit is not applicable.
Students are provided with many career planning opportunities. As discussed in criterion 34, we strive to introduce veterinary careers early in the students academic lives. Once enrolled at the Pruden Center, students are provided with career development opportunities such as the annual Career Expo, where members of local industry and business meet with senior completer students to develop interviewing skills. Many students are offered jobs on the spot. (See artifact attached).
Students are able to participate in Supervised Technical Internships (STIs) or internships through Opportunity Inc. Workforce Investment Act. Students are also able to obtain paid internships through the Public Works Academy, which several veterinary assistant students have participated in. (See attached artifacts).
The instructor has written numerous letters of recommendation for students pursuing post-secondary instruction, and has communicated scholarship opportunities brought to our attention by advisory board members with our business and industry liaison. (See attached artifacts)