Veterinary Science
Career Information
Students who complete this program could pursue a variety of careers. Here are some potential career paths:
Veterinarian: Provide medical care to animals, including diagnosis, treatment, and surgery.
Veterinary Technician: Assist veterinarians with clinical tasks and animal care.
Zoologist: Study animals and their behavior, physiology, and genetics.
Groomer: Provide grooming services for animals, including bathing, trimming, and styling fur.
Marine Biologist: Study marine organisms and their environments.
Animal Control Officer: Enforce animal-related laws and ensure the humane treatment of animals.
Animal Behaviorist: Study and modify animal behavior.
Wildlife Conservationist: Protect and manage wildlife populations and habitats.
These careers leverage the diverse skills and knowledge gained through the program, providing a strong foundation for success in various fields.
Program Description
This program is designed to be completed in two years during the 11th and 12th grades.
Year 1
Small Animal Care I (1 credit): Students learn how to care for and manage small animals, focusing on the connection between humans and animals, animal behavior health, nutrition, management, and reproduction. Opportunities to handle live animals may occur. Course content also includes instruction on the tools, equipment, and facilities used in the small animal care industry.
Small Animal Care I I (1 credit): Students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary for training and grooming companion animals, in line with required safety practices and protocols. Instruction includes grooming, required care, technical and maintenance functions related to animal health, animal first aid, and office-management procedures used in the companion animal care industry.
Year 2
Veterinary Science I (1 credits): Veterinary Science I prepares students for postsecondary education and/or careers in veterinary medicine or related fields. Major topics include characteristics and care of common companion and livestock animals, safety practices, anatomy and physiology, nutrition, medical terminology, sanitation, and clinical exams. Course content also includes communication, facility operations, office functions, and professional etiquette in the workplace. Opportunities to handle live animals may occur.
Veterinary Science II (1 credits): Students expand their knowledge of animal science and the care of animals, including animal structure and function, microbes and disease prevention, parasitology, and genetics and breeding. Students develop more advanced skills and techniques for assisting the veterinarian and/or technician in the following areas: performing first aid and surgery, applying aseptic techniques, performing technical functions, administering medication, handling death and dying, working with wildlife, and performing office functions. Opportunities to handle live animals may occur.
Program Structure and Benefits
Career Technical Student Organization - FFA: This organization prepares students for leadership and careers in the science, business, and technology of agriculture.
Real-World Experience: Students will gain hands-on experience using industry-standard equipment and practices, including the care and handling of over 30 different animals and various insects in our veterinary lab, from lizards and snakes to hamsters, rabbits, and adoptable kittens. They also provide grooming services under the supervision of our certified veterinary instructors, preparing them for real-world veterinary settings.
Certifications: Those who complete the program are eligible to earn their Elanco Veterinary Medical Applications Certification and Workplace Readiness (WRS) certification.
Is this a good fit for you?This veterinary program is ideal for students who are passionate about animal care and committed to rigorous academic study and hands-on training. With a comprehensive curriculum spanning two years and including courses such as Small Animal Care and Veterinary Science, students will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, disciplined, and possess excellent time management skills. They should be able to work well with others and collaborate effectively as part of a team. If you have a strong work ethic, a love for animals, and a desire to pursue a career in veterinary medicine or related fields, this program could be a perfect fit for you.
Instructors
Published: March 19, 2024. Check out our podcast! Click here to listen. In this episode, we speak with former Vet Science graduate, Gillian Glessman, current Vet Science student, Maddie Truban, and Vet Science instructors, Gretchen Hedges, and Karen Bickett. We talk about the many career paths available to Vet Science students including preparing for college to become a veterinarian. With the explosion of pet ownership in the country the field is in desperate need for vets and support staff across the field.