Highlands students early to join successful new Forbes vo-tech veterinary program

Highlands sophomore Rachel Kosakowski feels like she lucked out getting a spot in the veterinary program at Forbes Road Career and Technology Center.

“I have wanted to be a vet for a long time,” said Kosakowski, 15. “I love animals.”

She is among a throng of students who rushed to enroll in the fledgling course which, in its second year, already is among the most requested at the Monroeville campus.

“There’s a long waiting list for this one,” Forbes administrative director Edward McMullen said.

Highlands school board member Debbie Beale is thrilled with the new opportunities for career training and said she was surprised to hear vet tech has surpassed cosmetology in popularity.

“For the longest time, cosmetology was the top class,” Beale said.

Founded in 1959, Forbes serves high school students at Highlands, Allegheny Valley, Plum and Riverview, among others in Pittsburgh’s eastern suburbs.

Melanie Longo, instructor of the veterinary sciences program, said the course is long overdue in a vo-tech setting.

“I can’t fit any more students in my class,” she said.

Her three-year program readies students to enter the workforce after graduation.

“I promote continuing education, but not everyone is meant for college,” Longo said. “This gives them the opportunity to see if they want to enter the field.”

Students in Longo’s class learn the basics of animal health and wellness, including restraint, bathing and medical recording. The third year of class offers the chance for a work-study program.

Early this semester, students tested their new skills on stuffed animals but have progressed to using live dogs, including Longo’s Boston Terrier, Goose, who soaks in the attention a few times a week.

On Oct. 6, students practiced restraining techniques on JJ, a golden retriever and well-behaved “patient” that belongs to the school’s special populations adviser, Stephanie Nejes.

Restraining skills would be used during routine exams or surgical prep, Longo said.

“Students who graduate from the program can successfully enter the workforce as a vet tech assistant or kennel assistant,” she said.

McMullen said the addition of veterinary sciences was based on student interest and employment trends.

The school is already looking to expand the offerings, he said.

“We have one instructor, and we could easily have two,” McMullen said. “We are seeing positive trends in other schools as the program becomes more popular throughout Allegheny County.”

Parkway West Career and Tech Center in Oakdale already has three instructors, and A.W. Beattie Career Center in McCandless has two.

Enrollment is climbing across the board at Forbes, McMullen said. About 775 students attend each day.

“I think it’s a testament to the hands-on component of classes,” he said. “Kids missed that over the past year.”