Extension Veterinary Medicine
Extension Veterinary Medicine

Homeschool Program

VS_Top_BannerHomeschool Veterinary Certification Program

  • Students work with a parent or homeschool instructor to complete the required curriculum and apprenticeship at their own pace. Parents/leaders assign lessons and activities, and track student progress.
  • Students must complete the curriculum and apprenticeship in their chosen career track (outlined below).
  • Students who complete both curriculum and apprenticeship receive Veterinary Assistant (VA) classification in their chosen career track.
  • Graduates of this program are eligible for certification through the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA) by examination.

Career Tracks (students complete 75 core lessons and 25 lessons in their chosen career track)

  1. Clinical track: companion, livestock, and exotic animal health – classification Veterinary Assistant (VA) clinical
    Student completes 75 core lessons and 25 clinical lessons for a total of 100 lessons.
  2. One Health track: animal, human, and environmental health – classification Veterinary Assistant (VA) One Health
    Student completes 75 core lesson and 25 laboratory lesson for a total of 100 lessons.
  3. Laboratory track: animal health research and diagnostics – classification Veterinary Assistant (VA) Laboratory Science
    Student completes 75 core lessons and 25 laboratory lessons for a total of 100 lessons.
  4. Business track – currently under development

Curriculum:

Students are required to complete 100 lessons, lesson questions, and a minimum of 50 activities in the Veterinary Science: Preparatory Training for the Veterinary Assistant.

Print editions: available through the Texas A&M AgriLife Bookstore

Additional Teaching Resource (optional)

Web-Based Teacher Resources for each career track: Available through Texas A&M AgriLife Conference Service and hosted at Extension Campus. This resources is intended for use with the print materials and include:

Web-Based: Veterinary Science Teacher Resource: Annual subscription is based on the number of students enrolled (1-10 students $80); (11-30 students $100); (31-60 students $120); (61-100 students $145); and (over 100 students $170).

Web-Based: One Health Teacher Resources ($75 annual subscription)
Web-Based: Laboratory Science Teacher Resources ($75 annual subscription)

  • Teacher-led videos for each lesson
  • PPT slides sets with student note sheets
  • Set of a question and activity handouts
  • Videos depicting clinical skills
  • Teacher key and curriculum guide
  • Grade and apprenticeship log sheets

You may view the web-based curriculum resources on the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Conference Services website at: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu
Type veterinary science into the search feature to view description, prices, and/or to enroll.

Apprenticeship

Students complete a minimum of 500 clinical skill hours in an apprenticeship role under the supervision of a:

  • Veterinarian, RVT, LVT (clinical track) in veterinary practice
  • One Health professional (One Health track) related industry
  • Laboratory professional (laboratory track) diagnostic or research laboratory
  • Students may download the application form and level I clinical skills checklist from the TVMA website at: tvma.org < Certifications < CVA < CVA Applications and Checklists (for Hospitals)

 Completion of the Program (completion of program certificate)

  • Students who complete both the curriculum (100 lessons, questions, and 50 activities) and 500 hands-on clinical skills hours receive Veterinary Assistant (VA) classification.

Certification: Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA)

  • Graduates of the Veterinary Science Certificate Program are eligible for CVA certification by examination.
  • The TVMA application form and clinical skills checklist is available on the TVMA website: http://www.tvma.org/ > Certifications > CVA > CVA Applications and Checklists > Level I Hospital Application and Checklist