Starting Salary
​25k

Job Growth:
Rising Need

Salary
25k - 80k

Check

Out Our

Animal
​Science

​Program
showing kid animals Picture
Image was taken pre-pandemic.
Course Description
This program prepares students for a wide range of careers related to animal care and veterinary science.  The driving objective of the course is client education in order to allow students to effectively recall and communicate with others on the practice care and management of different species of animals.  Topics of study include: animal health and disease, nutrition, reproduction, parasitology, anatomy and physiology, and animal behavior. Students work with a variety of companion and production animals to enhance their skills in animal handling, care and management.  Students will perform clinical procedures that are commonly performed at veterinary clinics and learn the technical skills to operate and manage a dog grooming clinic. Leadership opportunities are available in this class through the local chapter of the National Student Leadership Organization, FFA (Future Farmers of America), where students participate in leadership training, workshops and national conferences.  
Animals in the Animal Science classroom are used as educational tools in the program.  Animal care and grooming clinics are implemented to help students to learn standard operating procedures by following written protocols, documentation, team work, problem solving, and verbal communication/instruction in a professional work environment.
Concurrent Enrollment Credits
​Genesee Community College
VET 100: Veterinary Technology Orientation (1 credit)
VET 101: Introduction to Veterinary Technology (2 credits)
Course Content
  • Animal anatomy and physiology
  • Animal genetics and reproduction
  • Clinical exams
  • Hospital procedures
  • Parasitology
  • Office management
  • Laboratory techniques
  • Animal nutrition
  • Basic and advanced grooming
  • Animal behavior
  • Animal handling and restraint
  • Exotic animal husbandry
  • Animal nomenclature
animal science classroom Picture
Image was taken pre-pandemic.
Career Opportunities Can Include:
  • Veterinary Assistant
  • Animal Laboratory Assistant
  • Pet Groomer
  • Animal Shelter Worker
  • Pet Salesperson
  • Animal Caretaker
  • Veterinarian
  • Dairy Manager
  • Kennel Assistant
  • Herds Manager
  • Veterinary Technician

College Agreements with:

Concurrent Enrollment Credits​

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​Genesee Community College

VET 100: Veterinary Technology Orientation (1 credit)

VET 101: Introduction to Veterinary Technology (2 credits)
Mattea L Picture

Mattea LeFever

Animal Science Teacher

I attended Medaille College in Buffalo and earned my associates in veterinary technology (I became a Licensed veterinary Technician 2008) and my bachelors in science for Biology, 2009. I had every intention of continuing my education to become a veterinarian but I decided that I wanted to inspire others and help them on their path to find their career aspirations within the field of veterinary science. I then continued at Cornell University and earned my Masters in the Art of Teaching with an Agricultural Science Certification in 2011. While earning my masters, I started working as a licensed veterinary technician at the Moravia Veterinary Hospital, and I am still currently working there.  I joined the TST Career and Tech family in the fall of 2011 as the Animal Science teacher. It was a brand new program and they gave me the greatest honor to create this program from scratch! I have been able to grow as an educator with the program. We are a reflection of each other. I have been able to tie in all my animal science/veterinary science experiences over the years; veterinary skills, grooming, small animals, exotics and production animals. I have true passion and love for animals, and my hope is that every student that comes through this program regardless if they continue in the field that not only have a helped them but their future pets as well. ​

Open House

Testimonials

Lisa Bengeyfield
Owner of Clippity Do Dog

"I believe the Animal Science program is great for students who have interest in Grooming or other job opportunities in the animal field. If this program was around when I was in schooI it would have helped me, not only with the hands on experience, but by introducing me to a career path at a much younger age than when I was exposed to it.  I have had a few students from this program work for me. They start with an advantage over other employees because of their prior experience and exposure to grooming and their familiarity working with animals." 

Tyler Ward
2014 Candor Alum

"I am a Licensed Veterinary Technician and  I am now pursuing a Master of Public Health degree at the Colorado School of Public Health. The Animal Science program is amazing and really prepared me for my college career, and Mrs. LeFever is a great teacher. Mrs. LeFever prepares students by teaching them all about animal husbandry, animal agriculture, grooming, and entrance level Veterinary science! I remember being in 10th grade and almost decided not to start the program, but without it as my foundation, I wouldn’t be where I am now! Thank you TST BOCES Career and Tech Center! Thank you, Mrs. LeFever and Mrs. Hinman!"

Lizzy Drake
2016 Lansing Alum

“Choosing to go to BOCES was the best educational choice I made as a high school student. Being able to be in a hands-on learning environment half of the day, I learned time management, team building, and animal science skills that I used throughout my college education and now as a licensed veterinary technician at my current jobs. 
The animal science program let me turn my passion for animals into an education and a career.”

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