Grade 10 student at Senator Gershaw to receive post-secondary certificateBy Samantha Johnson Prairie Rose Public Schools Content Writer

Commentator/Courier photo Submitted by Samantha Johnson. LOVE OF ANIMALS: Alayna Martens, who is in Grade 10 at Senator Gershaw School, has almost completed all requirements for a post-secondary certificate from Olds College in the Veterinary Technical Assistant program. She was able to take the necessary courses through a dual credit option offered by Prairie Rose Public Schools. 

By Samantha Johnson
Prairie Rose Public Schools
Content Writer

A layna Martens enrolled in a dual-credit program for her Grade 10 year at Senator Gershaw School rather than taking any of the traditional options available. With a love of animals and an interest in veterinary medicine, the Veterinary Technical Assistant Certificate will allow Martens to work in a vet clinic as a non-registered member.

The last of her exams will be written in May, allowing Martens to attend the Olds College convocation in June and walk across the stage. She has sent out resumes to volunteer at a clinic over the summer and plans to continue volunteering or applying for paid positions for the next two years.

While Martens could fast-track to become a veterinary technician after graduating high school, her goal is to take a Bachelor of Science degree and then enrol in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at either the University of Calgary or the University of Saskatchewan. The dual-credit program allowed Martens to try some courses and get some practical experience working in a veterinary setting to see if it would be a viable career for her.

Martens completed five courses to complete the requirements for the certificate. The first she took in the summer prior to beginning her Grade 10 year, followed by two courses in the fall semester and the final two courses this semester.

“I had to be at Olds College on some weekends, five times last semester and four times this semester. It’s definitely busy but lots of fun,” said Martens. “I carpooled with another student from Lethbridge. We would drive up together and sleep there Friday night. Saturday was a full day and, depending on the course, we would either participate in a lab or handle live animals. We’ve been practicing different restraints for animals and their behaviours this semester. Last semester was a focus on surgery, so we learned about surgical instruments and practicing clinical procedures.

Martens was also able to spend a day at a vet clinic as part of the course, which she enjoyed. Having grown up around horses and other large animals, she didn’t have much experience with smaller animals until her weekends at Olds College. Although her focus is getting a position in a clinic, she could also work in another animal-related area, such as at the SPCA.

 “I’ve wanted to be a vet since I was quite young. To be able to try it out has been a great experience. I have lots of first-hand experience with animals and wanted to find a career where I could mix my passion with animals and be able to make a living,” stated Martens.

 Martens used her experience in the Veterinary Technician Assistant dual-credit program for her 4-H speech this year as well as for the project she completed for the Senator Gershaw exhibition of learning.

“I would say it was a great experience if one isn’t sure what career they want to pursue because it is only one year,” concluded Martens. “It is a fantastic program. The professors are amazing and I got to learn lots and meet new people. If students want to try something new, this is a good course to look at.”