This advanced pathway prepares students for careers supporting veterinarians in clinical, research, and field-based animal health roles across Georgia. Students study anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and diagnostic procedures relevant to various animal species. The program emphasizes laboratory techniques, medical terminology, and clinical reasoning essential for veterinary professionals. Georgia's growing companion animal market and food animal industries create strong demand for trained veterinary technicians.
Curriculum integrates biology and chemistry concepts with practical veterinary procedures and case studies. Students develop skills in patient assessment, sample collection, instrument sterilization, and treatment assistance. The pathway connects to pathways in food animal production, companion animal care, and zoo management, reflecting veterinary medicine's broad applications. Clinical rotations provide authentic practice in professional veterinary settings.
Georgia's veterinary schools and professional organizations support secondary education partnerships. Students gain exposure to career options ranging from companion animal practice to food safety and public health roles.
Veterinary Science at a Glance
3
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Georgia requires comprehensive knowledge of animal anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and pharmacology. Students must demonstrate competency in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, sterilization protocols, and medical documentation.
The pathway integrates chemistry and biology standards with veterinary-specific competencies. Students complete certifications in veterinary assistance and must understand state and federal regulations governing animal healthcare.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Basic Agricultural Science |
| Animal Science and Biotechnology |
| Veterinary Science |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓Certified Landscape Technician
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
- ✓First Aid/CPR/AED
- ✓NOCTI Agriculture Mechanics
- ✓NOCTI Agricultural Production
- ✓ServSafe Food Handler
- ✓ServSafe Manager
- ✓Certified Veterinary Assistant
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Veterinary Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $36,720 - $46,090
Clinical Animal Specialist
ExperiencedSalary range: $51,900 - $104,780
Zoo Animal Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $37,850 - $61,190
Veterinary Clinic Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $98,270 - $140,810
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Clinical rotations with veterinary clinics in Atlanta, Savannah, and regional centers; animal hospitals; and research facilities throughout Georgia.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in National FFA Organization, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Georgia CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Georgia Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Georgia's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Georgia standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Georgia
Animal Production and Processing
This pathway prepares students for careers in livestock production and meat processing operations throughout Georgia's agricultural regions. Students learn about animal husbandry, health management, nutrition, and processing standards that meet both state and federal regulations. Georgia's poultry industry, centered in the northwest part of the state, represents a major employment hub with significant growth potential. The curriculum covers sustainable farming practices, quality control, and value-added product development for the growing consumer demand in Atlanta and surrounding metro areas. Students gain hands-on experience with modern equipment and industry-standard protocols used in Georgia's processing facilities. Career pathways lead to supervisory roles or facility management positions in the state's $3+ billion annual livestock sector. Georgia's agriculture extension system and university research partnerships provide students with access to cutting-edge resources and mentorship. The pathway emphasizes both traditional farming knowledge and emerging biotechnology applications in animal production.
Agriculture, Food & Natural ResourcesCompanion Animal Systems
This pathway prepares students for careers in companion animal care and management, a growing sector in metropolitan Atlanta, Savannah, and other Georgia urban areas. Students learn animal behavior, health management, grooming, nutrition, and facility operations relevant to kennels, shelters, and veterinary clinics. The program combines scientific understanding of animal physiology with practical care skills demanded by pet owners and professional facilities. Curriculum covers species-specific knowledge for dogs, cats, birds, and other companions, emphasizing humane handling and evidence-based care practices. Students develop customer service skills crucial for positions in grooming facilities, boarding kennels, and retail pet supply operations. The pathway responds to Georgia's growing pet economy in urban centers where companion animal businesses continue expanding. Georgia's veterinary and animal welfare organizations provide guest experts and field placement opportunities. Students gain exposure to current industry practices and emerging trends in pet health and wellness.
Agriculture, Food & Natural ResourcesExercise Physiology
This specialized healthcare pathway prepares students for careers in fitness and health optimization throughout Georgia's growing wellness industry. Students develop expertise in exercise science, physiology, fitness assessment, and program design. The program combines exercise science knowledge with practical fitness instruction. Georgia's health-conscious population creates demand for exercise professionals. The pathway prepares graduates for fitness specialist positions with advancement through certifications. Curriculum covers human anatomy and physiology, exercise science principles, fitness assessment methods, program design, and health promotion. Students learn to evaluate fitness levels and develop personalized exercise plans. The pathway emphasizes evidence-based fitness practices. Students understand health coaching and behavior change principles. Field experiences in fitness facilities develop practical expertise. Students engage with Georgia's fitness and wellness professionals. The pathway prepares graduates for fitness specialist or health coach positions and exercise physiology certification eligibility. Georgia's wellness industry and fitness facilities provide abundant career opportunities.
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