Veterinary Science encompasses a broad range of fields dedicated to the health and well-being of animals. Professionals in this field work to prevent and treat diseases, support the human-animal bond, and help protect public health. Veterinary Assistants and Veterinary Technicians deliver hands-on care by feeding, cleaning, and providing comfort to animals. Veterinary Assistants and Veterinary Technicians can also practice advanced skills such as running lab tests, taking X-rays, and assisting in surgery under a veterinarian’s supervision.
Skills Developed
Studying veterinary medicine teaches students to safely handle and care for small animals, assist with exams, vaccinations, blood draws, and basic procedures, and recognize signs of illness. Students learn preventive health care, animal behavior, safe interaction techniques, lab skills, surgical preparation, and professional skills like client communication and recordkeeping. It also fosters critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and attention to detail, while emphasizing compassion and empathy to ensure quality care for animals and their owners.
Careers
Veterinary Assistant Average Salary $43K
Animal Shelter & Animal Control Average Salary $45K
Animal Behaviorist / Trainer Average Salary $40K
Specialist in Zoo, Equine or Wildlife Sanctuary Average Salary $55K
Registered/Licensed Veterinary Technician Average Salary $58K
Veterinarian Average Salary $120K
Veterinary medicine: where every heartbeat is valued, and each tail wag signifies a deeper connection between humans and animals.
Certifications
Fear Free Certifications
Cat & Dog First Aid Online Training
Foundations of Anesthesia & Sedation Veterinary Certificate
This course builds essential knowledge and skills in the biological processes and physiological systems of livestock and companion animals. Students study Animals & Society, Animals in Research, Veterinary Laws & Ethics, Common Veterinary Medical Equipment, Veterinary Medical Terminology, Basic Canine & Feline Anatomy, External Anatomy of Livestock, and the major body systems (circulatory, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, immune, integumentary, nervous, skeletal, and muscular). Current animal agricultural issues are researched while students practice the scientific processes of observation, hypothesizing, data gathering, interpretation, and application. Learning extends to veterinary office procedures, client communication, and the use of management software. Students gain hands-on experience with animal behavior, restraint, medical grooming care, and physical exams, and explore common medical and surgical conditions in both small and large animals. Classroom, laboratory, and field experiences prepare students for future educational and career opportunities in veterinary medicine and animal science.
Note: This course involves the interaction with and active care of live animals, primarily but not limited to dogs and cats. For the purposes of this course, CCIC will partner with local rescues and shelters to provide medical care to adoptable animals, including exams, vaccines, and spay/neuter surgery.
Grades: 10-12
Length: 1 Year
Credits: 2 Credits (1 CTE / .5 English C / .5 Tech Writing)
Certifications: Fear Free Certification, Cat & Dog First Aid Online Training
This course prepares students to step into the fast-paced world of animal health care by focusing on advanced animal behavior and handling, positioning and restraint for surgical procedures, pharmacology, asepsis, hospital and surgical procedures, antibiotics and antibiotic resistance, and the use of veterinary technologies. Students will engage in laboratory testing and diagnostic imaging, surgical assisting, nursing care, and compassionate patient handling while addressing current issues in animal agriculture. Through classroom learning, hands-on labs, and field experiences, students will practice the scientific processes of observation, hypothesizing, data gathering, interpretation, analysis, and application. Career opportunities and the educational preparation needed to pursue them will also be examined. Building on this foundation, students participate in an internship experience where they assist with patient care, surgical preparation and recovery, vaccinations, and laboratory techniques, while also developing professional skills in teamwork, client communication, and veterinary office operations. Learning activities are varied and designed to prepare students for future opportunities in veterinary medicine, animal science, and related fields.
Note: This course involves the interaction with and active care of live animals, primarily but not limited to dogs and cats. For the purposes of this course, CCIC will partner with local rescues and shelters to provide medical care to adoptable animals, including exams, vaccines, and spay/neuter surgery.
Prerequisite: Veterinary Assistant Fundamentals
Grades: 11-12
Length: 1 Year
Credit: 2 Credits (1 CTE / 1 Math A)
Certifications: Foundations of Anesthesia & Sedation Veterinary Certificate, NAVTA AVA (test required) optional certificate, CVMA CVA (test required) optional certificate
Concurrent Enrollment: Veterinary Assistant Surgery and Nursing Care (VET 1017, 2 credits), Vet Assist Lab & Clinical Procedures (VET 1014, 3 credits), Internship (VET 1083, 2 credits), Technical Writing I (ENG 1031, 3 credits)
Related Higher Education in Colorado
Community College of Denver: Veterinary Technology, Veterinary Assistant
Front Range Community College: Veterinary Technology, Veterinary Assistant
Colorado State University Fort Collins: Pathway to Veterinarian
Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology: Veterinary Technology
