Veterinary Science Courses

The Freshman students will focus on the topic of Zoonosis and infection control measures needed in a veterinary hospital and other animal industries. The students will participate in an observation level with our partners at the Second Chance organization, farms and Klem’s focusing on observation, husbandry including cage/stall cleaning, communication and basic employability skills. The students will be introduced to medical terminology and anatomical planes, and basic restraint and handling skills on models. They will also begin studying healthy vs. nonhealthy as it relates to the various body systems of all animals; small, exotic, large animal and equine, marine animals and fish. Students also complete their OSHA certification for safety prior to the end of freshman year.

The sophomore students are introduced to basic animal care and introductory veterinary assisting skills such as animal nutrition and diet along with basic laboratory skills such as collection of specimen samples for diagnostic tests. Restraint and handling and behavior of animals is of utmost importance as students will attain more hands-on applications as they progress through the program. The students cover modeling of basic jobs in a clinical setting, such as front office and reception, animal care environments, cleaning, and basic care of the animals. Safety and Compliance in a Veterinary setting are further explored and practiced prior to introduction to many more hours in our partner organizations. The students will be learning anatomy and physiology with a focus on small animals but also with comparative studies with large animals, marine animals, fish, and wildlife conservation with focus on healthy vs. nonhealthy. Students will also be introduced to pharmacology and mathematical calculations.

Junior students will be training to take the Certified Veterinary Assistant Exam. Students will be participating with their instructor at clinical sites and working alongside professionals in the field of veterinary medicine from the front office, veterinary technicians and assistant in the field along with the veterinarians. Attention will be directed towards reinforcing key concepts such as infection control, safety, communication, and animal care and husbandry. The students will also have clinical rotations through surgery preparation, surgery, recovery and dental. The students will be involved with the staff during history and physical exams, diagnostics and testing as well as treatments including vaccinations, medications and discharge. Students will also be involved with grooming and our partner kennels/shelters and farms in the area. Skills Check off requirements along with clinical hours will be a major focus this year as they are a requirement to sit for the CVA exam.

Senior Veterinary/Animal Science students will continue their study towards a career in any of the amazing opportunities in the Veterinary/Animal Science industries. Our hope is that students will be working on Co-op opportunities by participation in numerous clinical sites, businesses, farms, or shelters in the region. The students will have the opportunity to acquire certifications in other areas such as; Beef Quality Assurance, CET Dental Ambassador, Fear-Free, Nutrition, VRBAC Infection Prevention Certification, Animal Care certifications offered at the retail business level.