Animal Science and Technology

The program provides students with a working knowledge of small animal industries. Students are instructed in the care, maintenance, and grooming of all common laboratory and pet animals. Students will also receive instruction in working with and caring for large farm animals.

Students also receive a strong foundation in life science with emphasis on the following:

• biology
• anatomy
• physiology
• diseases
• reproduction
• genetics
• nutrition
• surgical assisting.

The instructional emphasis on science prepares students for post-secondary education. As a result, students considering this program need to possess a strong academic foundation, especially in math and science.

The students are graded on practical and “hands-on” activities as well as theory and classroom instruction. Students are provided ample opportunities to be introduced to the animal care industry via field trips, professional meetings, guest speakers and clinical and cooperative education job experiences.

This course prepares students for entry-level positions in the following:

• biomedical research
• veterinary care
• sales
• retail business
• animal breeding and training, and
• the military.

Career Opportunities:

Many career opportunities exist for animal care technicians and veterinary assistants in private veterinary practices, biomedical research, pharmaceuticals, diagnostic laboratories, sales, retail business and the military.

Program Certification Opportunities:

• Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Certificate by AALAS-American Association Laboratory Animal Science (Available after one year of continuous, full time employment in the field)
• Lab Animal Care Certificate by PMI Purina Mills Inc.

Textbook Information:

• Textbook: Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician

  Publisher: American Association for Laboratory Animal Sciences

  Textbook Readability Level: 12.0

• Textbook: Animal Care Assistant Student Manual

  Publisher: University of Missouri-Columbia

  Textbook Readability Level: 12.0

• Textbook: Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians

  Publisher: W.B.Saunders Company

  Textbook Readability Level: 12.0

• Textbook: Learning for Earning

  Publisher: The Goodheart-Willcox Company, Inc.

  Textbook Readability Level: 8.8

• Textbook: Laboratory Animal Technician Training Manual

  Publisher: Sheridan Books, Inc

  Textbook Readability Level: 12.0

Mathematics Skills:

• Algebra I
• Metric System
• Percent, Fractions
• Decimal Equivalencies
• Whole Numbers and Concepts
• Intro. Decimals and Concepts
• Rounding numbers
• Comparing decimals
• Whole numbers and decimals (+ -)
• Intro. Fractions
• Comparing fractions
• Fractions (+, -, ×, ÷)
• Ratio Probability
• Estimating
• Graphs and Tables
• Pre Algebra
• Algebra II
• Consumer skills
• Determining change
• Comparative Shopping
• Linear and Unit Measurements
• Reading scales and gauges
• Work Problems
• Appointments and Time
• Calculator usage
• Tape measuring