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Chantilly Academy veterinary science students recently practiced ultrasounds and eye exams on an unusual group of patients: stuffed dogs, a model horse leg, and life-size animal eyes.
The hands-on lesson was led by Dr. Nathan Mitchell, a Chantilly High School alumnus and founder of SIMON Education Systems. His company designs and builds simulators for aspiring veterinary students.
Mitchell first introduced the fundamentals of ultrasound imaging and fundic exams, which examine the interior of the eye. Such training can be difficult to offer in high school classrooms because live animals may not remain cooperative during practice.
The simulators provided a practical alternative. Built to represent both healthy and unhealthy conditions, they showed students how veterinarians use ultrasound technology to view bone, muscle, and fluid inside an animal’s body.
Students rotated through small-group stations equipped with 3D-printed probes and transilluminators. They examined stuffed dogs wearing specialized vests, a realistic horse-limb model, and life-size eye models representing dogs, cats, and horses.
As ultrasound images appeared, students compared observations and helped one another operate the equipment. Veterinary Science teacher McGlensey Antonucci also demonstrated how to perform an ultrasound on a stuffed dog, while Mitchell showed students how to conduct an eye exam using a model horse eye.
At the end of the visit, Mitchell surprised students and teachers by donating the simulators to Chantilly Academy. The equipment will remain available for classroom use throughout the school year.
Veterinary and technical training at Chantilly Academy
Chantilly Academy’s Veterinary Science program introduces students to animal anatomy, behavior, nutrition, disease pathology, sanitation, disease control and handling techniques. Students also practice safely restraining dogs and cats and providing pet-grooming services.
Field trips, professional speakers and hands-on activities supplement classroom instruction. Students may also develop leadership skills through the National Future Farmers of America organization.
Veterinary Science is among several career-focused programs at Chantilly Academy. Other areas include physical and occupational therapy, dental careers and health sciences.
All Fairfax County Public Schools high school students are eligible to participate in career and technical education programs offered through district high schools and academies. These academies operate within existing high schools and combine academic preparation with advanced technical and specialized courses.
Site-based academies are also located at Edison, Fairfax, Falls Church, Marshall and West Potomac high schools. Course availability and transportation depend on a student’s base school.