AAEC Veterinary Science Tract
 The
Veterinary Science Tract was created
to offer students an opportunity to learn
about careers available as a veterinarian,
a certified veterinary technician and other
animal and human health fields.
 The 4 courses (2 semesters each) and a
brief description of each are as follows…..
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Introduction to Veterinary Science
_ The first few weeks are devoted to learning the
educational requirements and challenges to become a
veterinarian or a certified veterinary technician and the
specialty areas available to each. School costs and
salaries are discussed.
_ Students will learn the “language” as they are
introduced to the medical terms for each body system.
They will also learn “medical math” where they calculate
dosages of oral and injectable medications.
Surgical Suite
 Animal Anatomy
& Physiology
_ Students will learn the major bones,
muscles, body parts and how they
function; then, compare the similarities
between animal species.
_ They will build their own “model” of some
anatomical systems.
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Animal Diseases
_ Students will learn the major diseases and
problems for various species and what vaccines
we routinely administer to each.
_ They will learn what diseases affect both
humans and animals (Zoonotic) plus substantial
time will be spent on biological agents that can
be used for Bioterrorism.
Surgical Suite

Veterinary Clinical Techniques
_ This course is strictly “hands-on” and is reserved for senior
students. They begin with how to take a proper history, physical
exam and restraint of several species plus the administration of
medications, drawing blood and setting IV catheters.
_ Other skills include application of bandages and casts, anesthesia
monitoring, surgical prep, operation of medical equipment.
_ Teamwork and communication skills are heavily stressed.
_ Students spend a minimum of 200 hours working in the veterinary
field.
Observation of Surgery from above
Intro to Vet Science
 DVM
Educational Requirements and
Costs
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1. Pre-vet courses…..4 yrs average
2. Apply to one of 28 Accredited Veterinary
Schools in the US. (and get accepted)
3. Veterinary School….4 years
4. Pass State and National Exams
5. Av. Debt for 2010 graduates = $180,000
Seems Like a Long Road?
Always Something to Learn
 CVT
Educational Requirements and costs
_ 2 yr AVMA Accredited Veterinary
Technician Program
_ Pass State and National Exams
_ Av. Cost for a CVT program is $28,000
Placing an Endotrachael Tube
Understanding Animals
 DVM
and CVT Specialties
 _ Advanced
training after DVM and CVT
 _ Currently 20 approved for DVMs
 _ 4-5 yrs for DVMs
 _ Currently 10 approved for CVTs
 _ 2-5 yrs for CVTs

Animal Health Related Careers
_ Pharmaceutical reps
_ Zoo keepers
_ Animal Control Officers
_ Police and Military animals
_ Homeland Security
_ Research Facilities
_ Aquarium and Marine animals
_ Hosts of others
 Medical
Terminology
_ “Learn the Language”
_ Anatomy of a Word
_ Prefixes and Suffixes
_ Words for various body systems
Animal Anatomy & Physiology

Anatomy = study of structure
_ Bones, Muscles, Tissues and Organs
_ Build your own “model” of various systems.
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Physiology = how the body functions
_ Compare various species and why they
function differently.
Learning Anatomy by Painting
Animal Diseases
 Major
diseases and problems of various
species.
_ Core Vaccines
_ Recognize signs of major diseases.
_ Know how the diseases are spread.
 Zoonotic
Diseases
_ Affect humans and animals.
 Disease
agents used in Bioterrorism.
_ Why they may or may not be effective.
_ How to recognize these agents.
Veterinary Clinical Techniques
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History
Physical exam
Restraint
Administration of medications
Drawing blood
IV catheters
Applying bandages and casts
Performing Lab tests
Taking radiographs
Operating medical & surgical equipment
Office & Personnel Management
Teamwork & Communication
Minimum 200 hours working in the veterinary field
Restraint for Horses
Restraint for Cattle
Intravenous Injections
Surgical Procedures
Teamwork and Bonding