Courtney Oliver is likely the youngest veterinary assistant in the United States, completing her certification just two months after her tenth birthday. Though limited somewhat by her age and safety precautions, she performs almost every task that an adult vet assistant would. Courtney also is particularly passionate about mentorship for other young people that want to pursue a career in animal health.
Courtney currently volunteers at two veterinary clinics practicing traditional small animal care, and Alternative Medicine / Physical Therapy at Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital in Snohomish, Washington.
Courtney has been a guest on the "Ellen Degeneres Show,” the "Adam Corolla Radio Show," and has been featured in DVM magazine, Dog Fancy, Dogs for Kids, Scholastic's Super Science and various other veterinary publications. She is preparing for a recurring role on the "Bonnie Hunt Show," a syndicated daytime talk show starting in September, and will have her own special on Animal Planet.
After being told she was too young to join her local 4-H club, Courtney found an online college-level program that didn't specify an age requirement to apply. With help from a veterinarian at a local clinic for the hands-on requirements, Courtney completed her veterinary assistant certification. For a graduation gift her parents gave her a set of custom-sized scrubs and lab coat.
Courtney is now completing a distance learning course in Canine Massage Therapy, focused on bone and muscle structure in dogs. Courtney's goal is to start community college next year, and she is evaluating a few different programs that would work for her.
In Courtney's free time, she loves to practice agility training with Maggie, her 7-year-old Boston Terrier, as well as caring for two hamsters and researching Rosy Boa snakes (next on her pet “wish list”). Courtney lives in Olympia, WA with her parents and younger brother, Alex.
|
