Veterinary Science II
Veterinary Science II builds on foundational knowledge to prepare students for postsecondary studies and careers in veterinary medicine, animal science, and related health fields. Students advance their understanding of disease prevention, parasitology, laboratory diagnostics, and pharmacology while developing the practical skills needed to support veterinarians and veterinary technicians in a clinical setting. Hands‑on learning includes medical and surgical assisting, aseptic technique, medication preparation and administration, diagnostic sample handling, and essential office and client‑care procedures. Throughout the course, students apply critical thinking, professional communication, and workplace readiness skills. Supervised opportunities to work with live animals may be provided to strengthen confidence, competence, and career exploration. Contextual instruction and student participation in co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) activities will develop leadership, interpersonal, and career skills. High-quality work-based learning (HQWBL) will provide experiential learning opportunities related to students' career goals and/or interests, integrated with instruction, and performed in partnership with local businesses and organizations.
Notes
This course has specific state laws and regulations from a governing medical board or agency. Please contact the Virginia Department of Education Office of Career and Technical Education prior to implementing this course. All inquiries may be sent to cte@doe.virginia.gov.
Competencies within this course ensure compliance with the National FFA Organization's Federal Charter Amendments Act (Public Law 116-7). Through this legislation, students are provided opportunities for leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.Class Size Regulation
The Virginia Administrative Code regulates the class size for this course. For additional information, see 8VAC20-120-150, "Maximum class size," or contact the Virginia Department of Education Office of Career and Technical Education at cte@doe.virginia.gov.
Course Sequences
A combination of this course and those below, equivalent to two 36-week courses, is a concentration sequence. Students wishing to complete a specialization may take additional courses based on their career pathways. A program completer is a student who has met the requirements for a CTE concentration sequence and all other requirements for high school graduation or an approved alternative education program.
Industry Credentials (Only apply to 36-week courses)
- Animal Systems Assessment
- Beef Quality Assurance Examination
- Canine Care and Training Program Level 1 Certification Examination
- Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA) Examination (AAH)
- Certified Veterinary Assistant Examination (TVMA)
- College and Career Readiness Assessment (CCRA+)
- Fundamentals of Animal Science Certification Examination
- Meat Evaluation Certification
- National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)
- Pet Sitters Certification Examination
- Principles of Livestock Selection and Evaluation Certification Examination
- Small Animal Science and Technology Assessment
- Veterinary Medical Applications Certification Examination
- Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth Examination
Virginia’s High Demand Occupations and Apprenticeable Occupations
Section § 2.2-2472 of the Code of Virginia requires the Virginia Board of Workforce Development (VBWD) to publish a list of jobs, trades, and professions for which a high demand for qualified workers exists or is projected. The Virginia Office of Education Economics (VOEE) collaborated with the VBWD and related stakeholders to develop the high demand occupations list. VOEE’s mission is to leverage data to inform educational programming, policy, and workforce partnerships across the Commonwealth. See also the Virginia 2024 High Demand Occupations Dashboard.
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code, Occupation Description, and Active Apprenticeable Occupation status (Yes/No per the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry).
| SOC Code | Occupation Description | Apprenticeable Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| 292056 | Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | No |
| 252031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | No |
| 319092 | Medical Assistants | No |
| 292042 | Emergency Medical Technicians | No |
| 291141 | Registered Nurses | No |
| 291126 | Respiratory Therapists | No |
| 292055 | Surgical Technologists | No |
| 319096 | Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | No |
Career Clusters
| Pathway | Occupation |
|---|---|
| Agribusiness Systems |
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| Animal Systems |
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| Environmental Service Systems |
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| Natural Resources Systems |
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| Pathway | Occupation |
|---|---|
| Biotechnology Research and Development |
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| Diagnostic Services |
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| Health Informatics |
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| Support Services |
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| Therapeutic Services |
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| Pathway | Occupation |
|---|---|
| Science & Mathematics |
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