Southern Nash High School students are learning to care professionally for animals through an innovative veterinary assisting honors course, according to a press release from Nash County Public Schools.
The course prepares students for work in veterinary clinics, farms, and animal science fields by teaching them essential veterinary skills — even subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous injection procedures.
“The students in my Veterinary Assisting Honors class were able to embrace hands-on learning opportunities that corresponded to the curriculum to provide them a real-life idea of what to expect in the veterinary assistant or veterinary technician career pathway,” Jessica Manning, the course instructor, said in the release. “I believe in making sure students see the realistic version of animal care, not just the fun and easy parts.”
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The course provides “creative instruction and practical skill-building,” the press release said, and a setting where students can learn how to master these techniques safely and accurately.
Students started off using balloons to simulate veins before using pig ears — a common substitute for live animal training — to practice their techniques.
Bryleigh Colbert, a recent graduate, said the class gave her the skills and confidence to take care of animals.
“From basic handling to understanding vital signs and diseases, I now feel more prepared to step in when needed, especially in situations where a veterinarian may not be immediately available,” Colbert said in the release.
Recent graduate Caleb Bissette also described Manning’s teaching as a highlight of the course.
“Mrs. Manning made all the difference; she’s a phenomenal teacher who blends real-world knowledge with patience and support, making sure we’re prepared not just technically, but emotionally too,” Bissette said.
Bissette also appreciated having a safe space to practice these procedures.
“Practicing IV insertions on balloons gave us a safe space to build confidence and precision before ever approaching an animal. From my experience in a vet’s office, I’ve seen how fragile veins can be, and how important it is to approach each procedure with care,” Bissette said. “Being an advanced study student meant I got to help others build that same skill and watching my classmates grow was genuinely rewarding.”
Manning holds a degree in animal science and spent 14 years as a North Carolina Cooperative Extension agent with NC State University. She has also worked alongside several veterinarians and animal professionals while working as a teacher.
She said she believes in hands-on practical experiences to put students’ knowledge and skills to work.
“The veterinarians that I stay in contact with tell me that they need more assistants, technicians, and veterinarians in the industry that have experience, knowing how to handle animals, communicate with people, have strong teamwork skills, and have some practical experience,” Manning said. “I feel blessed to work with a school that allows us to have the Veterinary Assisting Honors Course.”
Beyond these skills, the course also covers vital signs, disease prevention, animal handling, and professional ethics, according to the press release. This prepares students for veterinary technology, animal science, and related careers.
The course is part of the Agriculture Pathway within the district’s Career & Technical Education (CTE) program, one of 25 career pathways and dual enrollment programs with Nash Community College, according to the press release. Students can also take Animal Science I and Animal Science II (Food Animal) courses before moving on to veterinary-specific courses.
The release says students can also gain credentials to boost their employability in these fields, such as Certified Veterinary Assistant, Elanco Veterinary Medical Applications Certification, Beef Quality Assurance, and NC Beef Cattle Quality Assurance.
After passing the course, Manning said, students are issued a veterinary assisting certification, which they can use to look for employment opportunities or to apply for a veterinary technician degree.
The class, and the career pathway, aim to equip students with the skills necessary for these careers, said Chad Thompson, CTE executive director for the district.
“Whether they pursue veterinary school, agriculture, or enter the workforce right after graduation, they are leaving high school with the training and certifications that set them apart,” Thompson said.
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