Agriculture, Food, & Natural ResourcesSouth Carolina

Animal Science and Veterinary in South Carolina

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South Carolina's Animal Science pathway prepares students for careers in livestock management, veterinary services, and animal agriculture. The state's agricultural economy includes substantial beef cattle, poultry, and specialty livestock operations, creating diverse career opportunities.

Students study animal anatomy, nutrition, genetics, health management, and production systems. They gain hands-on experience caring for livestock, conducting health assessments, and managing breeding programs through school farms and partnering veterinary clinics.

Graduates work as veterinary technicians, livestock managers, animal health specialists, feed specialists, or continue studies in veterinary medicine at universities with strong agricultural programs. Employment opportunities exist with veterinary clinics, animal agricultural companies, and livestock operations throughout the state.

Animal Science and Veterinary at a Glance

3

Courses

8

Credentials

4

Career Paths

State Standards & Framework

South Carolina animal science standards emphasize animal health, nutrition, genetics, and ethical management practices. Clemson University and industry veterinary professionals collaborate with the state to ensure current, relevant standards.

Assessment includes practical animal handling skills, health assessment competencies, and written exams on animal biology and management. Students earn certifications in animal health and welfare.

View South Carolina CTE Framework →

Typical Course Sequence

Course
Introduction to Veterinary Science
Animal Science
Animal Health and Management

View South Carolina course standards →

Industry Certifications & Credentials

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 Level
$35,420in South Carolina
National: $37,390-5%

Salary range: $35,420 - $48,260

Adjusted for cost of living: $38,012

-0.3% growth1,000 openings/yr
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Livestock Manager

Experienced
$32,820in South Carolina
National: $36,150-9%

Salary range: $21,640 - $35,820

Adjusted for cost of living: $35,222

-4.6% growth700 openings/yr
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Animal Health Specialist

Entry Level
$61,960in South Carolina
National: $60,820+2%

Salary range: $61,960 - $103,200

Adjusted for cost of living: $66,495

-3.9% growth26,000 openings/yr
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Feed Mill Manager

Experienced
$99,340in South Carolina
National: $102,950-4%

Salary range: $66,730 - $148,690

Adjusted for cost of living: $106,611

+0.4% growth4,100 openings/yr
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Work-Based Learning Opportunities

Students intern at veterinary clinics, livestock operations, feed mills, and animal care facilities across South Carolina.

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 South Carolina CTE Programs

AI-Powered Curriculum

Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months

South Carolina Standards Built In

Pre-loaded with South Carolina's CTE standards and frameworks

Teacher Customization

Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment

Ongoing Updates

Curriculum stays current as South Carolina standards and industry needs evolve

Related Pathways in South Carolina

Agricultural Education

South Carolina's Agricultural Education pathway prepares students for diverse careers in the agricultural industry, from production agriculture and agribusiness to agricultural science and natural resource management. As one of the state's foundational economic sectors, agriculture provides career opportunities throughout South Carolina's rural and suburban communities. This comprehensive program integrates classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience (SAE) projects, and FFA leadership development. The pathway covers core agricultural concepts including animal science, plant science, agricultural mechanics, agribusiness management, natural resources, and agricultural biotechnology. Students develop both technical agricultural skills and essential business competencies including financial literacy, marketing, and entrepreneurship. South Carolina's Agricultural Education programs maintain strong connections to the state's agricultural industry, providing students with authentic learning experiences on working farms, agribusinesses, and natural resource sites. With agriculture contributing significantly to South Carolina's economy and the industry facing workforce needs across multiple sectors, this pathway provides critical career preparation. Graduates are prepared for immediate employment in agricultural careers, continuation to agricultural college programs, or operation of their own agricultural enterprises.

Agriculture

Health Science Education

South Carolina's Health Science Education pathway prepares students for careers in one of the state's fastest-growing employment sectors. This comprehensive program aligns with the state's modernized career cluster framework transition, now housed under Healthcare and Human Services. Students engage in hands-on clinical experiences, laboratory simulations, and real-world healthcare scenarios that mirror the expectations of South Carolina's healthcare industry. The pathway emphasizes both technical healthcare skills and essential soft skills like communication, teamwork, and ethical decision-making. South Carolina's program meets rigorous state standards and prepares students for multiple industry certifications including CNA, CPR/First Aid, and medical terminology credentials. Students benefit from partnerships with local hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities throughout the Palmetto State. With South Carolina facing a growing demand for healthcare professionals—particularly in rural and underserved areas—this pathway provides critical workforce development. The program's work-based learning opportunities connect students directly with healthcare employers, creating a pipeline from classroom to career that addresses the state's healthcare workforce needs.

Healthcare and Human Services

Therapeutic Services

South Carolina's Therapeutic Services pathway prepares students for careers in specialized healthcare fields including physical therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, and rehabilitation services. This specialized program within the Healthcare and Human Services cluster focuses on therapeutic interventions that help patients recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and improve quality of life. With South Carolina's aging population and increasing demand for rehabilitation services, therapeutic professionals are critically needed throughout the state. The pathway provides foundational knowledge in human anatomy and physiology, therapeutic techniques, patient assessment, and rehabilitative procedures. Students learn about various therapeutic modalities, assistive technologies, and evidence-based interventions used in rehabilitation settings. The curriculum emphasizes patient-centered care, therapeutic communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration essential for effective therapeutic services. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical simulations and partnerships with rehabilitation facilities. South Carolina's Therapeutic Services pathway prepares students for entry-level positions as therapy aides or technicians, creating pathways to advanced therapeutic careers through postsecondary education. The program addresses the state's healthcare workforce needs while offering students rewarding careers helping individuals overcome physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges.

Healthcare and Human Services

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