Veterinary Science
Life Sciences & Services Academy
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Agriculture, Environmental and Life Sciences Pathway
Program Description
Students enrolled in Minuteman’s Veterinary Science career major, which launched in the fall of 2021, will be introduced to several rewarding career opportunities related to veterinary science.
Students will have the opportunity to work with a variety of animals throughout this extensive four-year program. The hands-on skills and training they receive will prepare our students for the role of a veterinary assistant.
Students will have the opportunity to work with a variety of animals throughout this extensive four-year program. The hands-on skills and training they receive will prepare our students for the role of a veterinary assistant.
Veterinary assistants provide care for animals under the supervision of a veterinarian or veterinary technician. The primary responsibilities of a veterinary assistant include hands-on animal care, hospital clerical duties, laboratory and clinical tasks, and client communication/education. Veterinary assistants learn a wide range of skills to effectively assist the veterinary professional team in providing the best care for their patients.
Jobs in the veterinary industry are expected to grow 19% between 2021 and 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. During the pandemic in 2020, about 20% of U.S. households obtained a new dog or cat, according to the ASPCA.
Students who graduate from this program will practice the skills they need to obtain entry level positions at a variety of veterinary/animal care related employers.
Jobs in the veterinary industry are expected to grow 19% between 2021 and 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. During the pandemic in 2020, about 20% of U.S. households obtained a new dog or cat, according to the ASPCA.
Students who graduate from this program will practice the skills they need to obtain entry level positions at a variety of veterinary/animal care related employers.
Animal Ambassadors
Course Content
- Safety and Animal Health
- Fundamentals of Veterinary Science
- Animal Welfare/Rights
- Breeds and Species
- Medical Terminology
- Veterinary Industry
- Animal Behavior
- Animal Disease Prevention
- Husbandry and Housing
- Handling and Restraint
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Nutrition
- Office and Client Relations
- Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction
- Animal Nursing
- Disease and Pathology
- Laboratory Procedures
- Pharmacy and Pharmacology
- Imaging Modalities
- Surgical Assisting
Course Content
- Safety and Animal Health
- Fundamentals of Veterinary Science
- Animal Welfare/Rights
- Breeds and Species
- Medical Terminology
- Veterinary Industry
- Animal Behavior
- Animal Disease Prevention
- Husbandry and Housing
- Handling and Restraint
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Nutrition
- Office and Client Relations
- Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction
- Animal Nursing
- Disease and Pathology
- Laboratory Procedures
- Pharmacy and Pharmacology
- Imaging Modalities
- Surgical Assisting
Career Tree
Veterinary Science Instructors
Sasha Chapin
Instructor-Animal Science, Community Service Taskforce Chair
Rebecca Maynard
Instructor-Animal Science
Industry Certifications
Students will have the opportunity to achieve several industry recognized credentials including:
- Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA)
- Veterinary-specific OSHA-10 Safety
- Animal CPR and first aid certification
- Pet nutrition certification
- Fear-free care certification
Possible Career Pathways
- Animal Care and Service Workers
- Animal Law
- Animal Trainers
- Administrative Support in Clinics and Hospitals
- Equine Management
- Farmers
- Groomers
- Marine Biologists
- Research and Laboratory Animal Technicians
- Shelter Medicine and Animal Sheltering Practice
- Surgical/Specialty Practices
- Veterinary Assistants
- Credentialed Veterinary Technicians/Technologists
- Veterinarians
- Wildlife Rehabilitators
- Zookeepers and Zoologists
Salary
Massachusetts averages:
- Veterinary Assistant: $17.96/hour or $41,938/year
- Certified Veterinary Technician/Technologist: $20.80/hour or $37,823/year
- Veterinarian: $49.30/hour or $128,648/year
National average:
- Veterinary Assistant: $28,191-$42,203
- Certified Veterinary Technician/Technologist: $34,300-$54,590
- Veterinarians: $87,198-$140,881
Sources: Indeed.com, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
(Updated 1/1/23)
Advisory Committee Partners
- BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital
- Zoo New England
- Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical High School
- UMass Amherst (Previously Mount Ida College) Veterinary Technology Program
- MassHire Workforce Development Boards
- United Veterinary Care
- Greenwood Farm/Black Walnut Meadows
- Lexington Veterinary Associates
- Hingham Animal Clinic
- Codman Community Farms
- Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA)