Students in the Gilbreath Reed Career and Technical Center Veterinary Assistant program have several things in common. The most prominent is their love for animals, including their class mascot, a pig named Herbie.
Morgan Towsend, whose home school is Rowlett High School, Harley Fairweather, Lakeview Centennial High School student and Sachse High School student Tyler Ranta, are in the second year of the veterinary assistant program, and they’re excited about the future
The program offers Certified Veterinary Assistant status, which helps students find jobs at higher salaries than those without certification. It also paves the way for 
them to continue their education and become a licensed veterinary technician, technologist or veterinarian.
Students will take the certification exam in two weeks. Passing that exam, along with collecting 300 hours of experience within a year of taking the exam, earns the certification. The work hours can be earned by working with a licensed veterinary technician or a licensed veterinarian in settings including clinics and animal shelters.
The first year of the program requires 200 hours of experience which is gained in the classroom.
“I want to be a veterinarian,” Morgan said. “GISD didn’t have anything veterinary-related until this program and I took the opportunity. I love being around animals and there are a bunch of animals here and I get to learn what I want.”
Morgan, who already has the required 300 hours, plans to work as a certified veterinary assistant while she attends college to become a veterinarian.
Harley also participates in the program because she has wanted to be a veterinarian since she was a young child.
“This is a great class and you also get a certification,” she said. “Once you pass the exam and get 300 hours experience, you’re set.”
Tyler explained that he originally thought he wanted to be in the robotics program and realized during his junior year that he would rather be in the certified vet assistant program.
“I love being around animals and being in this class. I have started to lean further toward wanting to be a vet instead of an engineer. This class is like the open window to that.”
Transfers are allowed only on a case-by-case basis and depend in part on whether there are classes available for students to take the necessary prerequisites.
In addition to the vet assistant certification, the students have received OSHA and CPR certifications. They have also taken an online animal nutrition class. The second-year students run a dog-bathing business (details below) where 
community members can drop off pets for low-cost baths. These additional certifications and classes will help them in the job market.
These students feel that they perform better at GRCTC than at their home schools because of the relaxed atmosphere. They appreciate that they are treated more like adults at the center and feel that the teachers trust them more.
“You are treated with more respect. It feels more like college,” Tyler said.
Amanda Laffoon, who has a bachelor’s degree as a licensed veterinary technologist, teaches the second- year class. She is currently pursuing a graduate degree in higher education.
Laffoon said that GRCT programs are a way for students to find out what they want do, or do not want to do, as a career instead of incurring the expense of changing majors.
“We are getting them ready to go to junior college or a four-year college or out into the workforce,” she said. This is a trending thing. There are districts coming to Garland ISD looking at what we are doing.”
Barks ‘n Bubbles
Barks ‘n Bubbles is a student-run dog bathing business. Afternoon appointments are available to the public. The students focus on dogs up to 60 pounds. Pricing depends on size of the dog and starts at less than $11. Appointments: barksnbubbles@garlandisd.net.