Agriculture, Food, & Natural ResourcesTennessee

Veterinary & Animal Science in Tennessee

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Tennessee's Veterinary & Animal Science pathway prepares students for careers supporting animal health and production. Tennessee's diverse agriculture includes beef and dairy cattle, poultry, equine operations, and growing pet care industries—all requiring skilled veterinary technicians and animal health professionals.

Students study animal anatomy and physiology, medical procedures, diagnostic techniques, and animal husbandry across multiple species. Hands-on work includes assisting with animal examinations, learning surgical nursing, managing medical records, and caring for livestock.

Graduates work as veterinary technicians in clinics, hospitals, and farm settings; animal health technicians in production facilities; or pursue advanced education in veterinary medicine at universities like UT Knoxville's College of Veterinary Medicine. Employment is strong across rural and urban settings.

Veterinary & Animal Science at a Glance

4

Courses

8

Credentials

4

Career Paths

State Standards & Framework

Tennessee's veterinary science standards align with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and veterinary technician licensure requirements. The state partners with veterinary colleges and practicing veterinarians to ensure current, relevant curriculum.

Students complete competency assessments in animal handling, basic veterinary procedures, medical terminology, and client communication. Many complete the veterinary technician examination while still in high school.

View Tennessee CTE Framework →

Typical Course Sequence

Course
Principles of Agriculture
Veterinary & Animal Science I
Veterinary & Animal Science II
Veterinary & Animal Science III

View Tennessee 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
$35,750in Tennessee
National: $37,390-4%

Salary range: $35,750 - $43,420

Adjusted for cost of living: $38,640

-0.3% growth1,000 openings/yr
Search jobs on Indeed →

Animal Health Technician

Entry Level
$38,410in Tennessee
National: $40,700-6%

Salary range: $38,410 - $57,340

Adjusted for cost of living: $41,515

-3.6% growth7,900 openings/yr
Search jobs on Indeed →

Veterinary Clinic Manager

Experienced
$125,420in Tennessee
National: $125,510-0%

Salary range: $104,520 - $154,420

Adjusted for cost of living: $135,560

-2.3% growth2,400 openings/yr
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Large Animal Veterinary Technician

Entry Level
$104,520in Tennessee
National: $98,420+6%

Salary range: $104,520 - $154,420

Adjusted for cost of living: $112,970

-2.3% growth2,400 openings/yr
Search jobs on Indeed →

Work-Based Learning Opportunities

Students intern at veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, large animal facilities, equine centers, and university veterinary teaching hospitals.

Career & Technical Student Organization

Students in this pathway can participate in HOSA-Future Health Professionals, National FFA Organization, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.

How Sage Helps Tennessee CTE Programs

AI-Powered Curriculum

Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months

Tennessee Standards Built In

Pre-loaded with Tennessee's CTE standards and frameworks

Teacher Customization

Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment

Ongoing Updates

Curriculum stays current as Tennessee standards and industry needs evolve

Related Pathways in Tennessee

Therapeutic Services

Tennessee's Therapeutic Services pathway provides specialized preparation for careers in physical therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, sports medicine, and rehabilitation services. This specialized healthcare program focuses on therapeutic interventions helping patients recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and improve functional abilities and quality of life. With Tennessee's aging population and increasing demand for rehabilitation services, therapeutic professionals are critically needed throughout the state in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, and sports medicine facilities. The pathway provides foundational knowledge in human anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, therapeutic techniques, patient assessment, rehabilitation principles, and therapeutic equipment. Students learn about various therapeutic modalities, assistive technologies, and evidence-based interventions used in rehabilitation settings. The curriculum emphasizes patient-centered care, therapeutic communication, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional ethics essential for effective therapeutic services. Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory simulations, clinical observations, and partnerships with Tennessee rehabilitation facilities. Tennessee's Therapeutic Services pathway prepares students for entry-level positions as therapy aides or rehabilitation technicians, creating pathways to advanced therapeutic careers through postsecondary education. Strong partnerships with hospitals, sports medicine clinics, and rehabilitation facilities throughout Tennessee provide clinical learning experiences and employment opportunities. Graduates are well-prepared for continuation to physical therapy assistant, occupational therapy assistant, or other therapeutic degree programs at Tennessee colleges while addressing the state's therapeutic services workforce needs.

Health Science

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