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VETERINARY SCIENCE

Veterinary Science Career Pathway

The Veterinary Science trade program prepares students to directly enter the workforce in the Veterinary Medicine field. A balance of theoretical and hands-on training ensures our students are ready for immediate employment or to further their education in a post-secondary school.

Medical professionals in protective gear attend to a patient on an operating table.

Real World Professional Learning

CTECS Veterinary Science students gain unparalleled professional learning experiences, including direct observation of complex procedures including the opportunity to observe and assist with surgical procedures.

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Two people gently handle a small, white dog on a grooming table.

Paws-On Learning!

Students gain invaluable hands-on experience from day one. Our program emphasizes interactive learning, ensuring students develop practical skills and real-world confidence for successful careers in animal healthcare.

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A veterinarian smiles while holding a cat, with a stethoscope around his neck.

A Passion for Paws: Guiding the Next Generation of Animal Care Professionals

Our Veterinary Science program is rooted in a profound focus on animal health and well-being. Our dedicated instructors, whose love of animals is evident in every lesson, embody the program's core attributes: expert animal care.

Three people in blue overalls examine a sheep in a barn setting.

Comprehensive Animal Care

From beloved household pets to vital farm animals, CTECS's Veterinary Science program provides hands-on instruction in both companion animal care and large animal husbandry and healthcare, preparing students for the full spectrum of the veterinary field.

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A veterinarian examines a dog on an examination table.

Setting the Standard in Animal Care

Vinal Tech's Veterinary Science program continually updates its curriculum, ensuring our students learn and practice the latest industry standards and best practices established by leading veterinary associations. This commitment prepares them for excellence in animal healthcare.

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A small white dog receives care from two veterinary professionals.

Learning In both the Classroom and the Clinic

From lab and classroom work to hands-on clinical experience, our students build a solid foundation of medical knowledge alongside plenty of practical skills, preparing them for success in animal healthcare!

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Medical professionals in scrubs and masks converse in a brightly lit hallway.

Strong Partnerships: Paving the Way for Vet Science Success

Our program thrives on robust partnerships with local veterinary clinics and national associations like the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). These vital connections provide our students with unparalleled hands-on experience, ensuring our graduates are workforce-ready and connected to the industry's best.

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Course Sequence by Grade

Students successfully completing this course of study will be able to pursue a two-year veterinary technology degree or a four-year pre-veterinary medicine degree. Students can obtain immediate employment in the veterinary science field. Employment opportunities in veterinary science include groomer, kennel attendant, farmhand, animal control officer, laboratory animal caretaker, veterinary assistant (1-year certificate), veterinary technician (2- or 4-year degree), and veterinarian (doctorate).

  • Exploratory and Introduction to Veterinary Science (VS110)

    All Grade 9 students participate in the Exploratory Program. Students deciding to enter the field of Veterinary Science will be introduced to the basic safety and sanitation, as well as basic identification, husbandry and handling of canines and felines. They will also learn basic anatomy and medical terminology. Students will work with live animals to perform basic restraint and grooming techniques.  Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.

    A veterinarian and assistant examine a dog in a bright, clean clinic.A veterinary team prepares for a procedure on a cat in a sterile operating room.Two veterinary staff members examine a dog on a medical table in a clinic.

  • Veterinary Science II (VS210)

    In Grade 10, the veterinary science program is designed to provide students with practical knowledge in working with small animals in a clinic, laboratory, or similar setting. Building on the knowledge obtained in 9th grade, students will learn advanced identification, husbandry, handling/restraint, and nutrition of dogs, cats, and rodents. Students will also learn about the welfare, rights and ethics that protect animals. They will continue their Anatomy and Physiology learning with the identification and uses of the musculoskeletal system. Students will work with live animals to perform advanced handling/restraint techniques, basic clinical procedures, and grooming. Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.

    A veterinarian scans a dog's microchip in a clinic setting.Three students in blue overalls examine a sheep in a barn setting.A veterinarian examines a cat with a stethoscope, both looking up.

  • Veterinary Science III (VS310) 

    In Grade 11, the veterinary science program is designed to provide students with practical knowledge in working with large animals. Students will learn identification, husbandry, handling/ restraint, and nutrition of horses, ruminants, pigs, and other large animals. Students will also learn about the computerized filing systems used in veterinary practices. They will continue their Anatomy and Physiology learning with the identification and uses of the respiratory and cardiac systems. Students will work with live animals to perform advanced handling/restraint techniques, basic clinical procedures, and grooming. Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for Work-Based Learning (WBL). Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, blueprint reading, and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.

    A veterinarian examines a happy French Bulldog in a clinic setting.Veterinarians in surgical attire perform a procedure on a cat in an operating room.A veterinary team prepares for a procedure on a cat in a sterile operating room.

  • Veterinary Science III (VS410)

    In Grade 12, the veterinary science program is designed to provide students with practical knowledge in working with miscellaneous large animals and exotic pets. Students will learn identification, husbandry, handling/ restraint, and nutrition of reptiles, birds, and indigenous wildlife. Students will also learn about animal pharmacology, advanced clinical and laboratory procedures. They will continue their Anatomy and Physiology learning with the identification and uses of the lymphatic and digestive systems. Students will work with live animals to perform advanced handling/restraint techniques, basic clinical/laboratory procedures, and grooming. Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for Work-Based Learning (WBL). Each student will take the Senior Summative Assessment, which is a computerized interactive test. Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, blueprint reading, and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.

    A veterinarian and assistant examine a dog in a clinic setting.A veterinarian and assistant bandage a small white dog's paw in a clinic.Two medical professionals examine a small gray kitten in a clinic setting.

     

Course Sequence

Students successfully completing this course of study will be able to pursue a two-year veterinary technology degree or a four-year pre-veterinary medicine degree. Students can obtain immediate employment in the veterinary science field. Employment opportunities in veterinary science include groomer, kennel attendant, farmhand, animal control officer, laboratory animal caretaker, veterinary assistant (1-year certificate), veterinary technician (2- or 4-year degree), and veterinarian (doctorate).

 

A veterinarian examines a happy French Bulldog in a clinic setting.

Exploratory and Introduction to Veterinary Science (VS110)

3 credits

All Grade 9 students participate in the Exploratory Program. Students deciding to enter the field of Veterinary Science will be introduced to the basic safety and sanitation, as well as basic identification, husbandry and handling of canines and felines. They will also learn basic anatomy and medical terminology. Students will work with live animals to perform basic restraint and grooming techniques.  Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.

A veterinarian scans a dog's microchip in a clinic setting.Three students in blue overalls examine a sheep in a barn setting.A veterinary team prepares for a procedure on a cat in a surgical room.

Veterinary Science II (VS210)

3 credits

In Grade 10, the veterinary science program is designed to provide students with practical knowledge in working with small animals in a clinic, laboratory, or similar setting. Building on the knowledge obtained in 9th grade, students will learn advanced identification, husbandry, handling/restraint, and nutrition of dogs, cats, and rodents. Students will also learn about the welfare, rights and ethics that protect animals. They will continue their Anatomy and Physiology learning with the identification and uses of the musculoskeletal system. Students will work with live animals to perform advanced handling/restraint techniques, basic clinical procedures, and grooming. Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.

Two veterinary staff members examine a dog on a blue examination table.A veterinarian examines a cat with a stethoscope, both looking up.Veterinarians in surgical attire perform a procedure on a cat in an operating room.

 

Veterinary Science III (VS310)

3 credits

In Grade 11, the veterinary science program is designed to provide students with practical knowledge in working with large animals. Students will learn identification, husbandry, handling/ restraint, and nutrition of horses, ruminants, pigs, and other large animals. Students will also learn about the computerized filing systems used in veterinary practices. They will continue their Anatomy and Physiology learning with the identification and uses of the respiratory and cardiac systems. Students will work with live animals to perform advanced handling/restraint techniques, basic clinical procedures, and grooming. Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for Work-Based Learning (WBL). Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, blueprint reading, and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.

A veterinary team prepares for a procedure on a cat in a sterile operating room.A veterinarian and assistant examine a dog in a bright, clean clinic.A veterinarian and assistant bandage a small white dog's paw in a clinic.

 

Veterinary Science IV (VS410)

3 credits

In Grade 12, the veterinary science program is designed to provide students with practical knowledge in working with miscellaneous large animals and exotic pets. Students will learn identification, husbandry, handling/ restraint, and nutrition of reptiles, birds, and indigenous wildlife. Students will also learn about animal pharmacology, advanced clinical and laboratory procedures. They will continue their Anatomy and Physiology learning with the identification and uses of the lymphatic and digestive systems. Students will work with live animals to perform advanced handling/restraint techniques, basic clinical/laboratory procedures, and grooming. Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for Work-Based Learning (WBL). Each student will take the Senior Summative Assessment, which is a computerized interactive test. Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, blueprint reading, and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.

Two medical professionals examine a small gray kitten in a clinic setting.A veterinarian and a farm worker examine cows in a barn.A veterinary team prepares for a procedure on a cat in a surgical room.

 

  • Exploratory and Introduction to Veterinary Science (VS110)

    3 credits

    All Grade 9 students participate in the Exploratory Program. Students deciding to enter the field of Veterinary Science will be introduced to the basic safety and sanitation, as well as basic identification, husbandry and handling of canines and felines. They will also learn basic anatomy and medical terminology. Students will work with live animals to perform basic restraint and grooming techniques.  Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.

    A veterinarian scans a dog's microchip in a clinic setting.Three students in blue overalls examine a sheep in a barn setting.A veterinary team prepares for a procedure on a cat in a surgical room.

  • Veterinary Science II (VS210)

    3 credits

    In Grade 10, the veterinary science program is designed to provide students with practical knowledge in working with small animals in a clinic, laboratory, or similar setting. Building on the knowledge obtained in 9th grade, students will learn advanced identification, husbandry, handling/restraint, and nutrition of dogs, cats, and rodents. Students will also learn about the welfare, rights and ethics that protect animals. They will continue their Anatomy and Physiology learning with the identification and uses of the musculoskeletal system. Students will work with live animals to perform advanced handling/restraint techniques, basic clinical procedures, and grooming. Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.

    Two veterinary staff members examine a dog on a blue examination table.A veterinarian examines a cat with a stethoscope, both looking up.Veterinarians in surgical attire perform a procedure on a cat in an operating room.

     

  • Veterinary Science III (VS310)

    3 credits

    In Grade 11, the veterinary science program is designed to provide students with practical knowledge in working with large animals. Students will learn identification, husbandry, handling/ restraint, and nutrition of horses, ruminants, pigs, and other large animals. Students will also learn about the computerized filing systems used in veterinary practices. They will continue their Anatomy and Physiology learning with the identification and uses of the respiratory and cardiac systems. Students will work with live animals to perform advanced handling/restraint techniques, basic clinical procedures, and grooming. Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for Work-Based Learning (WBL). Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, blueprint reading, and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.

    A veterinary team prepares for a procedure on a cat in a sterile operating room.A veterinarian and assistant examine a dog in a bright, clean clinic.A veterinarian and assistant bandage a small white dog's paw in a clinic.

     

  • Veterinary Science IV (VS410)

    3 credits

    In Grade 12, the veterinary science program is designed to provide students with practical knowledge in working with miscellaneous large animals and exotic pets. Students will learn identification, husbandry, handling/ restraint, and nutrition of reptiles, birds, and indigenous wildlife. Students will also learn about animal pharmacology, advanced clinical and laboratory procedures. They will continue their Anatomy and Physiology learning with the identification and uses of the lymphatic and digestive systems. Students will work with live animals to perform advanced handling/restraint techniques, basic clinical/laboratory procedures, and grooming. Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for Work-Based Learning (WBL). Each student will take the Senior Summative Assessment, which is a computerized interactive test. Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, blueprint reading, and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.

    Two medical professionals examine a small gray kitten in a clinic setting.A veterinarian and a farm worker examine cows in a barn.A veterinary team prepares for a procedure on a cat in a surgical room.

     

Veterinary Science Program Information

    • Veterinary Medical Terminology
    • Species Identification, Characteristics & Husbandry
    • Veterinary Restraint & Handling Procedures
    • Animal Boarding & Grooming
    • Animal Anatomy & Physiology
    • Clinical & Laboratory Procedures
    • Veterinary Assistant
    • Veterinary Office Management
    • Animal Boarding and Grooming
    • Laboratory Animal Care
    • Veterinary Assistant
    • Veterinary Office Management
    • Animal Boarding and Grooming
    • Laboratory Animal Care

  • $21.00 - $77.00/Hour

  • A brick building with a sign that reads 'VINAL REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL' under a blue sky.

    Vinal Technical High School
    60 Daniels Street, Middletown, CT 06457
    860-344-7100

     

     

  • Students and Faculty can purchase Vinal Technical High School Veterinary Science uniforms from Darter Specialties

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Building Connections with our Broader Community

Veterinary Science Program Newsletter

Veterinary Science Newsletter with images of a vet with a cat and a vet with a dog.

 

Stay abreast of all the exciting program updates and student activities with our regular newsletters.​​​​​​​

Veterinary Science Alumni Network

Two veterinary students pose with a dog and a cat in a clinic setting.

 

Stay connected with your fellow graduates and help current students develop their professional networks

CT Vet Connections

Veterinarians examine a dog in a clinic setting, providing care.

Partner with the CTECS Veterinarian Science Program to provide mentoring, internship, and career assistance to current students and graduates