Veterinary Science

Our lead teacher, Ms Nestlerode, shares information about the Veterinary Science program. 

Ms Akau, who also teaches in our Veterinary Science program, shares her insights. 

For students' perspectives on Veterinary Science at Edison Academy, watch these videos. 

 

Watch this video to learn about a community service project that Veterinary Science students completed as part of their CTE Student Organization. 

Course Info

FCPS Grade Level and Course Credit information is found at the links to the left. The Virginia Department of Education Curriculum may be found using the links to the right. 

Course Description

Level I Course Description

Students learn animal science and the care of animals, including the fundamentals of companion animal species and breeds, behavior and training, body systems, nutrition, and safety. Students develop basic skills and techniques for assisting the veterinarian/technician in the following areas: handling companion animals and other small mammals, grooming animals, restraint techniques, feeding small mammals, and maintaining equipment and facilities. 

Level II Course Description

Students expand their knowledge of body systems and nutrition 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: handling large animals and exotic animals, applying aseptic techniques, performing first aid, performing technical functions, administering medication, handling death and dying, working with wildlife, and performing office functions.  

Class Features

  • 6 Grooming Stations
  • 4 Large Dog Tubs
  • Multiple Aquaria and Habitats for Classroom Animals
  • Multiple Dog Crates/Cages

Professional Certification Opportunities

  • Virginia Workplace Readiness Skills

Potential Career Opportunities

  • Animal Care Specialist
  • Veterinary Assistant
  • Veterinary Technician
  • Veterinarian
  • Pet Store Manager/Owner
  • Pet Service Industry
  • Groomer
  • Breeder
  • Animal Trainer
  • Zoologist

Mentor Firms

  • Fairfax County Animal Control
  • Fairfax County Animal Shelter

Features

Karen Nestlerode

Karen Nestlerode became the Veterinary Science ( formerly Animal Science) instructor in 2002 at the Academy. She is a graduate of Edison High School, received her Bachelor's degree in Biology from Mary Washington College and her Masters of Education in Special Education from the University of Virginia. Prior to teaching Veterinary Science in the Academy, Karen taught Biology as part of the Edison HS Science department from 1999. She is a licensed veterinary technician who currently works in an emergency veterinary hospital part-time.

Marla Akau

August 25, 2020
Marla is a lifelong resident of Virginia, growing up in Prince William County. She is a wife, mom of 2 great kids and a Licensed Veterinary Technician.  She received her AAS in Veterinary Technology from Northern Virginia Community College.  She has spent the last 27 years working in veterinary hospitals including a few small animal general practices, the large animal teaching hospital at VA Tech, and an emergency and critical care practice. One of her greatest enjoyments in her career was training and teaching others and this is what led her to become a veterinary science teacher. 

Veterinary Science Grooming Services

September 26, 2019
Animal Grooming
The Edison Academy Veterinary Science program offers grooming services for dogs and cats at reasonable prices on most Wednesdays and Thursdays during the school year. Services include dog/cat bathing, nail trims, ear cleaning and clipping (haircuts) or trims. Costs start as low as $10 but will vary depending on the size of your pet and the services you request. For more information please email kenestlerode@fcps.edu or call 703-924-8110 to inquire or to make an appointment for your dog or cat.
Space is limited. Requirements for your pet to receive services: A Current Rabies Vaccine Certificate from your veterinarian is required. (This is the same certificate what you send to your county to get or renew your dog license.) A rabies tag or county license is not acceptable as proof of a current vaccine. Only current up-to-date certificates from your Veterinarian are accepted. We must keep a copy of this certificate in our files.