ASCEND Ag/Veterinary Science

Preparing students for future in the animal-related career that interests them. Students can graduate high school with an Elanco Certification in Veterinary Medical Applications starting in the 2022-23 school year.

Thanks for coming to learn about our newest ASCEND addition to the Medical Science pathway! ASCEND Ag/Veterinary Science students will take a variety of courses including Introduction to Animal Careers and Animal Diseases and Parasites. Students will also be required to complete a Veterinary Science Internship their senior year.

Students will learn that working with animals is not just playing with kittens and puppies. They will be introduced to diagnostic tests, diseases, treatments, cleaning and hygiene, and can learn what it takes to be successful as a Veterinary Assistant. As a part of ASCEND, they will also be exposed to personal growth topics such as professionalism, teamwork, record keeping and time management.

YOU MIGHT LOVE A CAREER IN THE VETERINARY SCIENCE FIELD IF:

  • You love helping animals. 

  • You are detail-oriented, but can see the big picture as well!

  • You like finding solutions to problems. 

  • You have a strong work ethic. 

  • You like studying science.

EXAMPLES OF DEGREES THAT ASCEND GRADUATES CAN PURSUE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL:

  • Veterinary Technician Certification

  • Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine

  • Associates or Bachelor Degrees in Animal Science, Biology, and more!

EXAMPLES OF POSSIBLE CAREERS THAT ASCEND GRADUATES CAN PURSUE:

  • Veterinary Assistant/Technician

  • Veterinarian

  • Animal Scientist

  • Laboratory Animal Technician

  • Zoologist or Wildlife Biologist

DID YOU KNOW?

The NAVTA Veterinary Assistant training program through Animal Behavior College costs between $2,999 and $5,630 to complete, but the ASCEND Elanco Veterinary Medical Applications certification program is FREE for ORCA students.

YOUR ASCEND TEACHER

MRS. JESSICA MORGAN

Mrs. Morgan is the ASCEND Ag/Veterinary Science pathway teacher. She started learning about the animal science industry in high school where she was very active in FFA (Future Farmers of America). After high school Mrs. Morgan earned her Bachelors Degree in Animal Science from Colorado State University. After college she worked as an Inside Sales representative for a veterinary supply company and then later as an inventory manager for a specialty veterinary hospital. 

Mrs. Morgan then took several years off from working to start her family. Then she decided to go back to school to become an Elementary School Teacher. She earned her teaching license and second Bachelors Degree from Western Governors University in Elementary Education. Her first teaching position was as a substitute teacher for ORCA. Mrs. Morgan realized after subbing in the Ag/Veterinary Science pathway that she really missed science! Now she is excited to bring her love of animal science to her students!

Interested in joining? 

If you have any questions about the program please contact the Career Advisory Teachers, or fill out the Interested in Joining form below.