Crest Students Receive Certification as Veterinary Assistants

Post date: Jan 03, 2020 7:35:2 PM

SHELBY- Two Crest High 2019 graduates, Lauren Eaker and Taylor Packer completed the requirements to become Certified Veterinary Assistants. The students were certified through completing requirements in conjunction with their high school Career and Technical (CTE) Agriculture courses and the Texas Veterinary Medical Association.

Both Eaker and Packer were enrolled in high school agriculture courses with a focus on animal science and participated in the school’s FFA student organization. Both young ladies competed in the State FFA Veterinary Science Career Development event bringing a runner up title to the school in the 2018 state contest.

As students pursuing the Certified Veterinary Assistant- I (CVA-I) credentialing they were required to complete the Veterinary Science course at Crest High while also completing 200 hours of supervised work experience under the direction of their agriculture teachers. Additionally 300 more hours and competency in a list of extensive clinical skills were required by each student with a participating licenced veterinarian’s supervision. Lauren Eaker worked with Denana Lawrence, DVM at Hope Animal Hospital in Shelby and Taylor Packer completed her requirements with Pamela Poteat, DVM at Forest City Animal Hospital in Forest City. Both students completed the process by passing a comprehensive national examination this summer to receive their certification.

These two students plan to continue their education with Eaker attending North Carolina State University this fall in Animal Science and Packer enrolling at Isothermal Community College with plans to transfer to an animal science program at the University of Tennessee.