Llano County 4-H offering program to youth for career in veterinary medicine
LLANO — The Llano County 4-H and Youth Development Program is helping youth begin a career in veterinary medicine.
Students who sign up for a veterinary medicine program will be committed to a 3- to 5-year study course and an apprenticeship that is career-oriented.
An orientation workshop is 6 p.m. May 23 at Fuel Coffee House, 106 E. Main St. The meeting is open to Llano County youth ages 11-16. Buddy Faris, a professor and extension veterinarian from Texas A&M University, will lead the workshop.
During the session, Faris will outline the curriculum, goals and objectives of the program. Students then will have an opportunity to enroll. Parents are needed to be the volunteer adult leader or assistant adult leaders.
While completing the curriculum of 100 lessons and 50 activities, students will focus on the major careers of veterinary medicine: veterinary assistant, veterinary technician and veterinarian. The students will be placed in an apprenticeship to work under the supervision of veterinarians to complete hours of observation and a minimum of 500 hours of clinical skills on the job, usually in a veterinary clinic.
Students who successfully complete the study course and apprenticeship of clinical skills hours will receive a certificate of completion of the program with the classification of veterinary assistant. The students will be eligible for certification by examination as a certified veterinary assistant through the Texas Veterinary Medical Association.
Students planning to become a veterinary technician or a veterinarian will be counseled to pursue the required college degree programs.
To reserve a spot, call Llano County extension agent Jamie Osbourn at (325) 247-5159.