Pre-Veterinary Academy
Certified Veterinary Assistant
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Hello! My name is...
Ms. Kristen Rike
Here is a little bit about myself...
I have been teaching for 18 years - 8 years are with HCISD and 10 with Los Fresnos CISD. I am a graduate of Texas A&M University- Kingsville. I have a bachelors degree in Agriculture Science- certified, Animal Science, Plant Science and a masters in Agriculture Science/ Leadership.
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Contact Information
How To Contact Me:
956-427-3800
kristen.rike@hcisd.org
Conference Time
A and B Day: 11:26-12:02
Overview of Courses
Veterinary Medical Applications
Practicum in Agriculture: CVA1
This is a comprehensive course the student will be practicing communication skills, utilizing listening skills to follow directions, practicing basic mathematics skills as applied to a veterinary medical setting, and reading to gain information, and to perform assignments and tasks as directed. This course will include an internship designed to allow students to gain hands on experience working as a veterinary assistant. Students are expected to find their own clinics and attend for a minimum of 5 hours/week to remain in the course. Students must have completed 150 clinical hours by then end of the course year.
This is a comprehensive course the student will be practicing communication skills, utilizing listening skills to follow directions, practicing basic mathematics skills as applied to a veterinary medical setting, reading to gain information, and to perform assignments and tasks as directed. This course will include an internship designed to allow students to gain hands on experience working as a veterinary assistant. Students will be rotated through the partnered clinics and attend for a minimum of 6 hours / week to remain in the course. Students must have completed 300 clinical hours by then end of the course year.
Class Schedule
Veterinary Medical Applications
Unit | Description |
Unit 1: Practice Management and Client Relations | Veterinary Medical Terminology / Veterinary Career Choices / Veterinary Medical Records / Scheduling and Appointments / Office Management / Communications and Client Relations / Veterinary Ethics |
Unit 2: General Anatomy and Physiology | The Structures of Living Things / Musculoskeletal System / Digestive System / Circulatory System / Respiratory System / Endocrine System / Renal System / Immune System / Nervous System / Sensory System / Reproductive System |
Unit 3: Veterinary Animal Production | Dog Breed Identification and Management / Cat Breed Identification and Management / Avian Breed Identification and Management / Pocket Pet Identification and Management / Reptile and Amphibian Identification and Management / Ornamental Fish and Aquaculture Production Management / Zoo, Exotic, and Wildlife Breed Identification and Management |
Class Schedule
Practicum in Agriculture: CVA1
Unit | Description |
Unit 1: Disease Processes | Animal Nutrition / Microbiology and Parasitology |
Unit 2: Clinical Procedures | Animal Behavior / Basic Veterinary Restraint and Handling / Physical Examination and Patient History / Veterinary Safety and Aseptic Technique / Veterinary Assistant Procedures / Laboratory Procedures / Radiology and Imaging / Pharmacy Procedures |
Unit 3: CVA1 Training Manual | General Veterinary Assistance / Veterinary Exam Procedures / Veterinary Lab Procedures / Veterinary Medical Imaging / Kennel, Cage, Stall Areas / Common and Exotic Animals / Surgical Preparation and Assistance / Veterinary Pharmacy and Pharmacology / Veterinary Client Patient Relationship |
Expectations & Processes
Expectations and processes to be completed weekly
- Arrive on time
- Bring materials and have them ready for class
- Pick up after yourself
- One person at a time will leave the room with hall pass
- No students are allowed to enter the teacher desk area
- No food or drinks are allowed in the classroom - this is a lab!
- Electronic devices (Ipad/laptop) allowed only during instruction - which is guided by the teacher. ** NO Cellphones/ EarBuds**
- All students are encouraged to join FFA
Materials & Resources
Classroom Textbook: Veterinary Assisting - Fundamentals and Application
CEV Multimedia Student Account
Canvas Course - HCISD
- Pen/pencil
- 2- Composition or Spiral Notebooks (whichever you prefer)
- 8ct Markers and 24ct Crayons, Scissors, Glue– needed ONLY if you would like for personal use (I have class sets)
- Clorox Wipes (boys) -OR- Facial Tissue (girls)
Tutorials & Help Sessions
Tutorials are available to all students on an appointment basis.
I can also be reached through your student Canvas inbox messaging system throughout the instructional day.
Message to Parents
I look forward to working with your child over the next two years in this academy. If you ever have questions or concerns please reach out to me.
Your support is needed to ensure your child is attending their clincal hours and completing assignments.