Veterinary Sciences Rotations: Real-World Learning at KLR Medical Certification Training School

At KLR Medical Certification Training School, our Veterinary Sciences program goes beyond traditional classroom instruction by offering students the opportunity to participate in work-based learning rotations. These rotations serve as an essential part of the second year of the Veterinary Sciences curriculum, where students leave the blended classroom and step into a real-world veterinary office to apply their knowledge and gain hands-on experience.

What are Veterinary Sciences Rotations?

Rotations are structured learning opportunities where students are placed in actual veterinary clinics, allowing them to observe and engage in various veterinary procedures under the supervision of experienced professionals. This work-based learning is crucial in helping students bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and practical application, giving them a better understanding of the day-to-day operations of a veterinary practice.

The first year of the program focuses on foundational knowledge, delivers blended and engaged classroom settings with KLR instructional staff. This includes lectures on veterinary terminology, animal anatomy, infection control, and client communication. Since this course is directed towards high schoolers, we enhance the learning of students by adding classroom discussions, review games, critical thinking, and a LOT of fun! They additionally will receive their ELANCO: Veterinary Medical Applications Certification in this time.

In their second year, students have the opportunity to apply this knowledge in real-life settings during their rotations. This hands-on experience equips students with the skills necessary to pursue a variety of roles in the veterinary field after completing the program. This is even part of their graduation pathway!

Student Perspectives on Veterinary Sciences Rotations

To gain insight into how the rotations have impacted our students, we asked them a few key questions about their experiences.

1. What do you feel you learned the most during your time in the Veterinary Sciences program?

Alexia DeBruyn shared her experience, saying, "What I learned the most during my time in the program is how to file, learn how to pull up vaccines, how to handle animals especially if aggressive or scared, I learned a lot about different types of infections specifically in the ears, and how to communicate with people!"

Alexia's quote highlights some of the hands-on learning opportunities students experience, including the important skills of managing aggressive or fearful animals, performing basic office tasks, and recognizing common veterinary issues like ear infections. These are all important skills for future veterinary professionals. Rotations ensure students are ready for their career!

2. What skills or knowledge do you now feel confident using in a real-world setting?

   
   

Angelina Webb emphasized how the rotation helped her gain confidence in communication. She said, "I feel more confident in my talking skills. Beforehand, I was very shy to ask questions and I struggled with knowing when was the appropriate time for me to ask questions. However, after shadowing the vet clinic, I’ve gotten a lot better at asking questions and getting to know the technicians and doctors."

Angelina's experience illustrates how the rotations provide a supportive environment for students to build communication skills, making it easier for them to interact with professionals and ask relevant questions. This is a vital skill in the veterinary field, where effective communication with clients and colleagues is essential. Furthermore, these skills can be translated into other real world scenarios or careers!

3. Do you feel your rotation experience helped you better understand the veterinary field? Why or why not?

Peyton Herendeen offered valuable insight, saying, "Yes, getting to see everything hands-on was a great learning experience and being around professionals helped me learn many new things and have opportunities to ask questions."

Peyton's response underscores the value of direct exposure to a professional setting. Seeing procedures performed in person allows students to connect theoretical knowledge with practical skills, enhancing their understanding of the field. Being surrounded by veterinary professionals, Peyton is able to receive the best education possible, receiving all types of learning - visual, demonstrational, verbal, and hands-on!

The Benefits of Veterinary Sciences Rotations

Participating in rotations is a key component of the KLR Medical Certification Training School experience. Not only do students gain confidence in their abilities, but they also develop professional skills and insights that are critical for their future careers in veterinary medicine. By the end of their rotations, students are not only more knowledgeable but also more comfortable interacting in a real-world veterinary environment.

The rotations allow students to see firsthand the fast-paced nature of veterinary clinics, observe a range of procedures, and receive invaluable mentorship from experienced technicians and veterinarians. This experience ultimately prepares them to step confidently into the workforce, knowing they have the skills and knowledge to succeed.

Most importantly, the veterinary science rotations are the big reward for completing the class. Our students have positive feedback and have so much fun during their rotations! I know that if I could go back to high school, I would love to have this opportunity and experience!

Kalen Guffin-Allen, from MedVet, who hosted three of our outstanding students, emphasized the importance of these rotations, saying:

"Work-based learning rotations are a vital bridge between classroom knowledge and real-world experience. For students, these rotations offer hands-on exposure to patient care, client communication, and the emotional resilience needed in the veterinary field. They not only learn technical skills but also how to navigate the deeply human side of our work. For the community, these programs help develop compassionate, capable future professionals who are ready to step in and carry forward the mission of quality, empathetic care that we provide here at MedVet. It’s an investment in both education and the future of veterinary medicine."

At KLR Medical Certification Training School, we are proud to offer these work-based learning opportunities, helping our students become the compassionate, skilled veterinary professionals of tomorrow.