An Assessment of Implementing the Clinical Veterinary Science Certificate Program in the Texas 4-H Program

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2014-07-11

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if participation in the 4-H veterinary science certificate program has contributed to the participant?s career decisions. Career development, for most people, is a lifelong process of engaging the work world through choosing among employment opportunities made available to them. Each individual undertaking the process is influenced by many factors, including the context in which they live, their personal aptitudes, and educational attainment.

A sample of 374 was used to gather information form participants of the veterinary science certificate program. Data was collected with the use of an online survey instrument and resulted in a total of 224 responses (59.8%) with 122 (54.4%) completed surveys. This resulted in 112 (29.9%) usable responses for the study.

Participants involved in the VSCP are gaining valuable knowledge and skills about veterinary medicine. There are some areas as indicated in the research that might need to be re-visited and changed to meet the needs of those involved in the program.

It can also be concluded that the VSCP is helping participants successfully determine career choices. VSCP combines lessons, activities and hands on learning that help different learning styles to better understand veterinary medicine, in return help them in career choices.

The results also indicate why participants are not completing all components of the VSCP. It is evident that if the VSCP is going to continue and prosper these finding should be addresses, and it needs to become priority for the betterment of this career development program. It is time for VSCP to look at short term verses long term experiences. The researcher feels by doing this it would determine if the time commitment is too much for the participant, or is it the commitment of the participant to complete the requirements of VSCP. The researcher also reveals it is relevant to continue the 500 clinical hours due to the parallel of the TVMA certification program, for students that want to become a certified veterinary assistant.

However, to get more participants to complete VSCP educational component it might need to be communicated better that the 500 clinical hours are secondary to the overall VSCP.

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