Small Animal Care & Veterinary Science

Small Animal Care I 

Students learn how to care for and manage small animals, focusing on instructional areas in animal health, nutrition, management, reproduction, and evaluation. Course content also includes instruction in the tools, equipment, and facilities for small animal care, and provides activities to foster leadership development. Live animal handling may occur. FFA, SAE, or related student organization activities are encouraged. 

Small Animal Care II

Students develop their skills in the training and grooming of companion animals, focusing on specific needs of various breeds. Instruction includes handling animals and grooming/caring for coats, as well as technical and maintenance functions related to animal health. Live animal handling will occur. The course also includes technical office-management instruction and affords students the opportunity to practice leadership skills. FFA, SAE, or related student organization activities are encouraged.

Certification available:  National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS)  NOTE: This course has specific state laws and regulations from a governing medical board or agency.

Veterinary Science I 

This course prepares students for postsecondary education and/or careers in veterinary medicine or related fields. Students develop their skills in anatomy, nutrition, medical terminology, sanitation, clinical exams, and handling animals. Live animal handling may occur. Course content also includes facility maintenance, and office functions, as well as safety practices. The National FFA Organization, Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), or related student organization activities are encouraged.

Veterinary Science II 

 Students expand their knowledge of animal science and the care of animals, including animal structure and function, microbes and disease prevention, parasitology, and genetics and breeding. Students develop more advanced skills and techniques for assisting the veterinarian/technician in the following areas: performing first aid and surgery, applying aseptic techniques, performing technical functions, administering medication, handling death and dying, working with wildlife, and performing office functions. On-the-job clinical instruction coordinated by the instructor may be included in veterinary offices or animal clinics.

Teacher: Rebecca Miley

Class: Small Animal Care I/II

Years of Experience: 6

Ms. Miley, a Richmond native,  has been teaching Small Animal Care at Richmond Technical Center since 2019. With a passion for animal care and teaching people new things, she strives to create an engaging and supportive learning environment for all students and create a classroom that feels like a job rather than a class.

She received her Bachelor of Science in Entomology and Pre-Veterinary Sciences from the University of Delaware in 2010. She was also an intern in the nutritional department at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park while working on a thesis at the University of Maryland. She then became a registered Laboratory Animal Technician and worked for the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. After a few years, and a son, Ms. Miley came back to Richmond and decided to complete her Career Switcher teacher certification and was fortunate enough to come to  the Richmond Technical Center. 

In addition to teaching, Ms. Miley is involved in FFA, Climate and Culture Committee, Special Events committee, and volunteering at the SPCA with students. She believes in the importance of teaching students professional soft skills to take into the workforce.

Ms. Miley is dedicated to preparing students for their future careers. She integrates real-world skills into the curriculum, focusing on taking initiative, record keeping, proper sanitation, time management, and even budgeting. She also emphasizes the importance of volunteering at the SPCA, participating in the school grooming enterprise, and completing the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters Certification course to help students understand various career paths.

Teacher: Ms. Rosa Leon

Class: Veterinary Science 

Years of Experience: 2

Ms. Rosa has been teaching Veterinary Science at Richmond Technical Center since 2022. With a passion for animals and exposing students to the inner workings of the animal field, she strives to create an engaging, creative, and supportive learning environment for all students.

She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture with a concentration in Pre-Veterinary Medicine from Virginia State University. Ms. Rosa interned with the Animal Science and Forestry & Wildlife Departments at North Carolina State University to assist in a cattle weaning thesis. Simultaneously she worked as a veterinary assistant/technician for 6 years. This passion led her back to RTC, the very school that started her interest in animals.

In addition to teaching, Ms. Rosa is involved in the Special Events committee at RTC, advises for FFA, and volunteers at Richmond SPCA with her students. She believes in the importance of intrinsic motivation and resiliency.

Ms. Rosa is dedicated to preparing students for their future careers. She integrates real-world skills and hands-on experiences into the curriculum, focusing on critical thinking, communication, integrity, resiliency, and technical skills. She also emphasizes the importance of exploring every opportunity and [career exploration, internships, or connections with local businesses/organizations] to help students understand various career paths.