Advanced Career Education (ACE) Center at Hermitage

ACE @ Hermitage Instructors: Karen Bickett, Gretchen Hedges

State Course Title: Veterinary Science I, Veterinary Science II. 

Veterinary Science I is an introductory course designed to teach basic skills in animal care and explore animal-related careers. This class introduces basic skills and instruction in animal behavior, breeds and species, basic animal anatomy, restraint and handling, feeding/nutrition, animal grooming, facility maintenance and cleaning, and workplace readiness. Applicants should have a genuine concern for the care and well-being of animals. Previous or current experience of working with animals is preferred. Students must have the aptitude to deal with some of the less pleasant tasks involved in working with animals. Good people skills along with a positive attitude are necessary for dealing with owners and their cherished pets.

The purpose of the Veterinary Science I class is to introduce basic skills and instruction in:

• Animal restraint and handling

• Animal anatomy and terminology

• Disease and treatment

• Breeds and species

• Feeding and nutrition

• Patient/ client relationships

• Office management

• Animal grooming

• Facility maintenance and cleaning

Desirable Aptitudes for Veterinary Science I

Applicants should have a genuine concern for the care and well-being of animals. Students must have the aptitude to deal with some of the less pleasant tasks involved in working with animals. Good people skills along with a positive attitude are necessary in dealing with owners and their cherished pets.

Career Information

Entry-level jobs are available in the areas of veterinary assisting, office receptionist, pet retail, grooming, kennels, doggie daycare, pet sitting, and pet training.

Veterinary Science II is a second-year course that involves more in-depth instruction and study, focusing on the skills and information needed to pursue a professional degree in the veterinary field. Students will take a certification test during the second year. With the approval and recommendation of the teacher, students may spend time in actual on-the-job experiences during the second semester.

In-depth instruction focuses on:

• animal anatomy and physiology

• veterinary medical terminology

• prevention, and treatments, diseases,

• administering medication

• large animal breeds

• dog bathing and grooming

• exotic species

• surgical prep

• laboratory work

• medical math

• pharmacology

Desirable Aptitudes for Veterinary Science II

Students would need the same aptitudes as for Veterinary Science I as well as a good background in science (biology 1) with a desire for continuing education to become a licensed Veterinary Technician or a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

Career Information

Students may pursue careers in veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, zoology, pharmacology, marine biology, animal police work, behavior, and wildlife conservation.

Certifications:

• NOCTI Small Animal Science & Tech Assessment

• Workplace Readiness

Please see your counselor or instructor if you have questions. Click here for more information on this program.

Click Here for Employment Outlook According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

For questions, please click here to email the Health & Medical Sciences Specialist. 

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.

Published: July 28, 2020. Click here to listen. This episode’s guest is Dr. Samantha Habib, a veterinarian with Locke A. Taylor and Associates. We are continuing to focus on essential workers and I don’t think anyone would argue that point when it comes to our pets. Dr. Habib is working as a vet at one of Richmond’s more popular vet hospitals with 2 locations in the Richmond area.