SANFORD - High school teachers from across the state went back to school at Central Carolina Community College this summer. The purpose: to learn how to give their students a competitive edge in a highly anticipated statewide event.

Conducted by CCCC's Veterinary Medical Technology program at the college's Lee County campus, the July 23-24 workshop focused on polishing teaching skills in the areas of math, science, and critical thinking. The goal was for them to prepare their students better for the annual Future Farmers of America organization's Career Development Event to be held Nov. 8 on the campus.

An estimated 58 four-person teams will compete in the event, which includes both written and practical tests in areas associated with veterinary medicine.

The majority of the 35 teachers who attended the CDE workshop called it "an excellent use of time."

This is the first time CCCC's Veterinary Medical Technology program has been selected to host the FFA's statewide competition.

"We think this is a fantastic opportunity for the college, as well as the county, to gain more visibility in the science community," said Jonathan Loftis, CCCC Veterinary Medical instructor and Animal Facilities manager. "It is also great for the participants to compete in a veterinary setting."

Loftis said that not only will the students gain knowledge in the field of veterinary medicine, but they will also be able to see an alternative to going to veterinary school through exposure to CCCC's Veterinary Medical Technology facility.

"Veterinary schools are quite expensive, and the program at CCCC offers students the ability to gain a career in veterinary medicine without a large financial burden," he said.

The college's Vet Med program is recognized as one of the top five in the nation by the American Veterinary Medical Association's Committee on Veterinary Technician Education. It was the first program of its kind in North Carolina and is currently ranked second in the nation. It has been fully accredited by the CVTEA since 1974.

Students enrolled in the VMT program study nutrition, diseases, anatomy, radiology, parasitology, pharmacology, dental, surgical and clinical procedures, anesthesiology, lab techniques and office practices.

Dr. Kim Browning, chair of the Veterinary Medical Technology program, said the department is excited about the upcoming event and proud of all the participants for choosing such a challenging focus in which to compete.

"We look forward to supporting each of these students as they progress through the competition and into a veterinary career," said Browning. "Student competitors will to be able to gain some valuable experience and see another veterinary career opportunity of which they may have been previously unaware."

Students who complete CCCC's two-year program earn an Associate in Applied Science in Veterinary Medical Technology and are prepared to take the national and state board exams. Upon passing these exams, they are able to go straight to work as registered veterinary technicians.

For more information about CCCC's Veterinary Medical Technology program, contact Jonathan Loftis at 919-718-7465 or email him at jloftis@cccc.edu.