Veterinary Science

Program Description

Are you considering a career working with animals? Aren’t sure exactly what that profession might look like? Join us, along with students just like you who share a love of animals. There are many career paths to choose from. Our instructors, with their combined 87 years of experience, expose you to every type of animal you can imagine. Yes, you can have a career working with animals. 

Courses are designed to first meet entry-level animal science topics with a focus on multiple species of animals. Dedicated students can continue with their education to gain a deeper understanding of animal physiology both normal and abnormal.  Each course will include laboratories at ROC School of Veterinary Science, a veterinary teaching hospital, and at Kern High’s Farm.

NOTE: Introduction into Veterinary and Animal Science I is a career awareness class open to juniors and seniors that instructs students on the basics necessary for entry-level employment. Introduction to Veterinary and Animal Science II is for second-year students and gives them a head start toward professions in veterinary medicine.

Veterinary and Animal Science I & II students learn:

• Comparative anatomy and physiology
• Basic pet grooming skills
• Animal handling and restraint
• Animal behavior and observation
• Nutrition and housing
• Veterinary terminology
• Species and breed identification
• Disease studies and human/animal issues
• Animal welfare and ethics
• Large, small, and exotic animal care
• Classroom and laboratory instruction
• Hospital operations

Professional Certification opportunities

Certifications offered to students completing the ROC Veterinary and Animal Science program include:

• Certificate of Completion
• Precision Veterinary Assistant
• Precision Veterinary Technology
• Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA), California Veterinary Medical Association

Pre-Requisites

These are actual college courses. Introduction to Veterinary and Animal Science students should have above-average skills in reading and writing and science; a 3.0 or higher grade point average is recommended. Students should also have a solid attendance record and are accountable to both the KHSD and their assigned work site’s dress code.

High School credit available

Students earn 15 elective units per semester.

College prep course.  A-G approved.  Meets area “G” approval for UC and CSU admissions.

Career Pathways and Related Occupations

Introduction into Veterinary and Animal Science I is a career awareness class that instructs students on the basics necessary for entry-level employment. Introduction to Veterinary and Animal Science II gives the student a head start toward professions in veterinary medicine.

Successful Students in these courses can pursue careers in:

• Livestock management and production
• Animal Attendant/Kennel Worker
• Animal Groomer
• Dog Walker/Pet Sitter
• Animal Trainer
• Animal Shelter worker
• Certified Veterinary Assistant
• Registered Veterinary Technician
• Zookeeper
• Animal Control Officer
• Wildfire Rehabilitation
• Shelter Management
• Veterinarian