As Tyler ISD continues to celebrate Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, the District highlights the hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for future careers.
At the Career & Technology Center (CTC), Animal Science teacher April Griffin put her Veterinary Medical Application students’ skills to the test during the Hematology Unit, challenging them to run diagnostic tests on canine blood.
The process began with the creation of a blood smear, where students carefully collected a blood sample and prepared a thin layer of blood on a microscope slide. This initial step is crucial, as it allows for the visualization of individual blood cells, enabling students to learn about the different types of cells present in blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
After preparing the blood smear, students proceeded to stain the slide using appropriate dyes. Staining is an important technique that enhances the visibility of cellular components, making it easier to identify the various types of cells and any abnormalities that may indicate underlying health issues. Once the slides were stained, students analyzed the cells under a microscope, honing their observational skills and developing their ability to differentiate between healthy and abnormal cell morphologies.
Next, students filled a hematocrit tube with the blood sample. This process involved carefully drawing up a precise volume of blood, which is then used to determine the packed-cell volume (PCV). The hematocrit tube was placed in a centrifuge, where it was spun at high speeds to separate the components of the blood based on their density. This step demonstrated the principles of centrifugation and the importance of separating blood components for diagnostic purposes.
After centrifugation, students examined the results by reading the packed-cell volume (PCV), which indicates the proportion of blood volume occupied by red blood cells. This measurement is vital for assessing an animal's hydration status, anemia, or other hematological conditions. Additionally, students measured the total protein (TP) levels in the plasma, providing further insight into the animal's health and nutritional status.
Throughout this process, students not only learned key laboratory techniques but also gained an understanding of the significance of these measurements in veterinary diagnostics. By engaging in these hands-on activities, students developed critical skills that are essential for their future careers in veterinary medicine, preparing them to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios involving animal health assessment and treatment.
The Animal Science Pathway is just one of 25 pathways offered at the CTC for the 2025 – 2026 school year.