Animal Science
Veterinary Medicine / Small Animal Science
Grades: 11th, 12th
Prerequisites: Successful completion (3.0 or higher) of required science courses to date for juniors and/or seniors
Additional requirements: Students must maintain an overall GPA in all classes of a 3.0 (B) or higher.
Fees: $25 (Includes: required uniform scrubs and supplies needed for the class and field trips.
Dual Credit: No
Join this class and learn through hands-on mentorship experience, group work, lectures, debates, projects and a variety of field trips and guest speakers! Pursue a career in veterinary medicine or other related field by doing something you are passionate about and will challenge you to be more than you imagined! Work with our class dog, assist veterinarians through weekly clinic work, volunteer at vaccine clinics and dive into a rewarding career. Your first step starts here, in this class!
Veterinary Medicine / Small Animal Science is an introductory course for students interested in a career working with animals. This is a work-study/mentorship and project-based course designed to give students first-hand experiences working in the animal care profession from a clinical perspective as well as learning the academics required to pursue a career as a veterinarian or other animal related field.
Content will include but is not limited to examining the medical aspects concerned with the prevention, control, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the health of domestic and wild animals. Students will learn, practice and apply medical terminology used in the industry, as well as animal behavior and animal handling. Sub-topics will include examining careers in wildlife management, animal handling, animal ethics, diagnostic testing, pathology, & zoonotic diseases.
Field Trips & Guest Speakers (based on funding and transportation availability): Rio Grande Nature Center - Beaver Education in the Bosque, various animal career guest speakers, etc.
Mentorship (6 hrs/week – 75 hrs per semester x 2 semesters – required): The mentorship portion of the class provides all aspects of the operations of clinic life, including exams, diagnosis, treatment, and surgeries from the veterinarian, technician, management, front desk, and client/patient perspectives. Paid opportunities may be available based on yearly funding; however, this is not guaranteed.
Literacy (reading, writing, & research): Students will integrate literacy strategies through reading, writing, and research throughout the curriculum and are expected to present their findings in a professional and thorough manner. Students will create a professional resume and cover letter to use when applying for their mentorship. Students are expected to share their mentorship experience with their peers through student-led lessons and presentations, and weekly journal entries.
Additional Course Information: Required paperwork will be sent to accepted students in May preceding the start of the school year. Students must have reliable transportation to/from their mentorship site. Additional Work-Based Learning Credits may be available. This is a year-long course for 3 credit hours. Students may not take only one semester.
| Session / Days / Times | Course Length | Credit Information |
|---|---|---|
| Session II Mon thru Fri* - 1:20-2:50 pm  |
Full year | 1.5 credit per semester |
*Fridays are reserved for students to attend required clinical hours; asynchronous assignments may be posted online.
NMPED Course/Career Cluster or Academic Course of Study: Agriculture - Animal Systems
Revised Feb. 9, 2026