*You can now find the brochure on the "Forms" page*

What is the 4-H Veterinary Science Project?

The 4-H Veterinary Science Project is a 5-year curriculum based project with 100 lessons and 50 activities that gives youth interested in veterinary medicine opportunities to work in the field. The project is career-oriented and job-training so students can determine if this is a field they would like to pursue. Students who participate in this project will work with licensed veterinarians at their practice. By doing this hands on training they learn the knowledge and skills that are expected of a veterinary assistant. This will also be valuable on a resume and will help them to prepare for a professional program degree from an accredited university. This project has a set curriculum that allows youth and adults to work together to achieve success. It also allows for youth to develop an interest in veterinary medicine, human medicine and other allied health fields.

How can I get the project started in my county?

The county Extension agent publicizes and schedules a 4-H Veterinary Science Curriculum Orientation Workshop for interested youth and parents in the county. By using participatory activities, the presenter guides 4-H volunteer leaders and agents in development of a personalized curriculum in veterinary science. Participants learn how to use a new veterinary assistant publication series and identify goals, objectives, and an action plan for the educational study course. Commitments by teachers and students in veterinary science programs have been strengthened, as they understand the use and value of the career-oriented resource material. A teacher guide, teacher key, and student handbook are included in the series. A general introduction to the professional field of veterinary medicine and a concise summary of techniques utilized by veterinary paraprofessionals are provided by a new text titled Veterinary Assistant Handbook authored by Floron C. Faries, Jr. Those who aspire to work in the field of veterinary medicine as a veterinarian or a veterinary assistant find useful support and encouragement here, making this text the most useful reference book available. Students benefit by guidance in study and need stimulation in searching for and discovering principles. By using the Teacher Guide and the Teacher Key, a wise teacher will help students to read and to interpret the text and to use cross references.

During the first 45-minute session, the curriculum, goals and objectives of the project are presented. After a break, the students develop an action plan for the first year of the project. During this 45-minute interactive session, the students select 20 lessons from the 100 lessons of the 5-year curriculum.

The aim of the workshop is to encourage the 4-Hers to enroll in the project and 2 to 3 adults to volunteer to be the primary leader and assistant leaders, and to encourage the 4-H agent to provide counsel and supervision to the volunteer project leader.

What are the goals of the project?

1. Develop a personalized curriculum for youth in veterinary science.

2. Empower youth in veterinary science career opportunities.

3. Help youth to learn through textual instruction, drawings, and activities in veterinary science.

4. Help youth to work under the direct supervision of a veterinarian in a veterinary practice setting to apply the knowledge acquired and to develop the skills of a competent veterinary aide.

What are the objectives?

1. Utilize career-oriented resource material ("Veterinary Assistant Handbook") and supplements ("Teacher Guide," "Teacher Key") that provide lessons, questions, and activities.

2. Develop the interest, knowledge, skills, and experiences of youth in veterinary science for a career in veterinary medicine (veterinary assistant, veterinary technician, veterinarian), human medicine (paraprofessional, physician), or allied health fields (diagnostic, therapeutic).

3. Prepare youth to be job trained following high school, prepare youth to pursue an associate degree college program, and prepare youth to pursue a professional degree college program.

Certificate of Completion of 4-H Veterinary Science Curriculum

On completion of the 4-H Veterinary Science Curriculum, a Certificate of Completion is printed by the county and presented to the 4-Her. Anyone who excelled is also presented an additional certificate or plaque printed by the county office, Certificate of Completion in Excellence or Award of Completion in Excellence.