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Veterinary Science

VETERINARY SCIENCE

INSTRUCTOR:
MONICA GRANT

A woman smiles while sitting at a table with a microscope.

Ms. Grant has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Radford University. Ms. Grant has 6 years of teaching experience, and 6 years of experience as a Veterinary Technician. She has a teaching license with an endorsement in English. She has been working as a reading teacher in Florida since 2019. She is also CATEC's PM English instructor.
 

Two students examine a small dog, using a stethoscope.

In CATEC's Veterinary Science program, students learn hands-on training in small animal care in a variety of classroom settings, including its simulated small animal veterinary hospital and on-site visits. The course introduces students to the technical knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in careers pertaining to companion animals, including, but not limited to, pet care industries, government agencies, laboratory research institutions, pharmaceutical occupations and veterinary medical assisting and technology, and post-secondary education opportunities. Additionally, the program includes guest speakers, animal demonstrations, and field trips to small animal care facilities. Students will also learn workplace readiness and leadership skills to further them on their pathway to success. The Veterinary Science program is part of CATEC's Health and Medical Sciences Academy. 

Veterinary Science Video

CREDIT, CERTIFICATIONS, COURSE INFORMATION, AND PATHWAYS

  • Students receive up to 3 high school credits total each year for successful completion of the program. Passage of the certification exam will award the student 2 student-verified elective credits, one of which can be substituted for a verified credit in either science or history. 1 additional science credit is awarded due to the integration of the Biology II: Anatomy & Physiology standards of learning in the coursework.

  • American Allied Health Veterinary Assistant Certification 

    Virginia Workplace Readiness Skills Assessment

    Class: Veterinary Science I and II

    State Code: 8088, 8089

    Duration: 1 year

    Grade(s): 10-12

    Dual-Enrollment: BRCC – 12 credits

    Credential(s): Small Animal Science and Technology Assessment

    Time(s): AM Only

  • The Veterinary Science program is dual-enrolled with Blue Ridge Community College. Dual-enrolled students who satisfactorily compete the program with a C or better will also complete the Blue Ridge Community College Career Studies Certificate in Veterinary Assisting concurrent with high school graduation. Students successfully completing the program may receive 12 college credits. 

    College Course Codes

    College Course Name

    Credit Per Course

    College

    VET 101

    Introduction to Veterinary Assisting

    3

    BRCC

    VET 102

    Care and Maintenance of Small Domestic Animals

    3

    BRCC

    VET 103

    Veterinary Office Assisting

    3

    BRCC

    VET 136

    Companion Animal Behavior

    3

    BRCC

  • Blue Ridge Community College

    • Veterinary Technician, A.A.S.

    Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine

    • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, DVM

    • Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, MS or PhD

    • Master of Public Health, MPH

    • Career Opportunity: Veterinary Assistant

    • Assist vet, set up equipment, prepare animal for treatment, and keep records.

    • National Wage Average: $30,000

    • Virginia Wage Average: $32,000

    • Projected Job Growth in Virginia: 19.6%

    • Nationally, 20,000 jobs increase each year for next 10 years

     

    • Career Opportunity: Veterinary Technician

    • Perform medical tests for treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Prepare vaccines and serums. Clean and sterilize instruments and materials. May assist vet during surgery. 

    • National Wage Average: $34,000.00

    • Virginia Wage Average: $38,000.00

    • Projected Job Growth in Virginia: 30%

     

    • Career Opportunity: Veterinarian

    • Diagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals. Can include conducting research and development, inspecting livestock, or caring for pets and companion animals. 

    • National Wage Average: $94,000.00

    • Virginia Wage Average: $98,000.00

    • Projected Job Growth in Virginia: 29%