Courses

High School Credits: 2

This two-year program enables students to study animals and gain experience in the care of a variety of animals. The course is designed for students interested in animal health sciences careers. Topics include animal anatomy, animal behavior, handling techniques, nutrition, disease pathology, sanitation, and disease control. Students learn to handle and restrain dogs and cats while performing pet grooming services. Instruction is enhanced through field trips, professional guest speakers, and demonstrations. In addition, students can develop leadership skills in the co-curricular National FFA Program.  

*As noted in Superintendent's Memo #058-17 (2-28-2017), this Career and Technical Education (CTE) course must maintain a maximum pupil-to-teacher ratio of 20 students to one teacher, due to safety regulations.  Therefore, not all students in Level 1 will be able to return for Level 2. 

Curriculum

The curriculum includes: Administering medication, Anatomy and Physiology, Animal behavior, Asepsis and disease control, Care and handling of dogs, cats, horses, small animals, reptiles and fish, Client relations, First aid for animals, General grooming, Genetics and breeding, Handling and restraint, Nutrition, Office management, Pharmacology, Parasites, Safety and OSHA standards, Set up and maintenance of cages and aquariums, Use of microscope

Program Features

• Students have the opportunity to practice professional grooming skills with real-life clients for the school and public community
• National FFA Organization

Certifications

• Workplace Readiness Skills

Student Career Pathway Examples

The study of Animal Science with additional post-secondary study may lead to these careers:

• Nonfarm Animal Caretakers
• Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
• Animal Control Workers
• Animal Scientists
• Veterinary Technologists and Technicians *Bright Outlook*
• Veterinarians
• Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists *Green Job*

Check it Out

Employment of veterinary technologists and technicians is projected to grow 19 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment will grow as more veterinarians utilize technicians and technologists to do general care and lab work, and as they continue to replace lower skilled veterinary assistants according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Industry Connections & Program Partnerships