Four outstanding students in Shannon Drazkowski’s Animal Science program completed the pilot administration of the Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA) certification program. Their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence have helped establish a strong foundation for future students pursuing careers in veterinary medicine and animal care.
Selected students were first-year juniors who demonstrated exceptional academic performance and responsibility throughout the school year. To qualify, students completed a minimum of 80 work-based learning hours, maintained semester averages above 80 percent, met all work-based learning requirements, and exhibited exemplary attendance with no more than three excused absences per semester.
Once selected, the students embraced the rigorous expectations of the certification process. Each student independently completed all Certified Veterinary Assistant instructional modules and successfully fulfilled a minimum of 225 hours of veterinary internships and clinical hours at BOCES. The Internship hours must have been supervised by a Licensed Veterinary Technician or a doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Thank you to Perry Large Animal Road Service, Corfu Veterinary Hospital, and Genesee Valley Equine Clinic for their continued support and dedication to our students' valuable experiences.
Students demonstrated proficiency by meeting all requirements on the skills validation checklist and completed animal care responsibilities at BOCES to satisfy the required clinical hours for certification. Their participation in this pilot program reflects the high standards and real-world experiences emphasized in the Animal Science program. Through classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory experiences, and workplace learning opportunities, these students have developed the knowledge and practical skills necessary for success in the veterinary field.
The Animal Science program congratulates these four trailblazing students for their hard work and dedication as they enter the animal science field as Certified Veterinary Assistants. Their accomplishments exemplify the value of Career and Technical Education and highlight the opportunities available to students who are committed to pursuing careers in animal science and veterinary medicine. Their success serves as an inspiration to future Animal Science students and demonstrates the impact of combining academic excellence with authentic workplace experiences.