New Veterinary Science Course Prepares Kelso-Area High School Students For High-Demand Animal Care Careers (Photo) - 11/06/25
PHOTO OPP: High school students learning vet science—miniature donkeys in class Friday, November 14
The program currently serves 16 students from Kelso, Kalama, and R.A. Long high schools, with capacity to expand to 24. Offered as part of Kelso’s Off-Campus Career & Technical Education (CTE) program, the class gives students real-world, industry-aligned training that mirrors the work of veterinary assistants and technicians.
“Students in our area grow up around farms, family pets, and rural animal care; and many have a passion for working with animals,” said Instructional Coach and Veterinary Science Instructor Lynda Carlson. Most of the students in class want to be veterinarians, while others plan to pursue veterinary technician certification or other careers involving animals. “This class offers them a true head-start, giving practical experience and industry knowledge.”
Inside the Classroom, students are learning:
- Veterinary medical terminology and charting
- How heart sounds are formed and measured
- Blood smear preparation and white blood cell differential testing
- Identification and treatment of common parasites
- Disease prevention, vaccinations, and animal husbandry practices
- Sterilizing surgical instruments and preparing animals for surgery
Each Friday, students work with live animals—including dogs, cats, kittens, and donkeys—gaining confidence and comfort in handling and observing different species.
Next week, students will travel to the Oregon State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Corvallis for their first field trip, offering a look into professional veterinary environments.
Career Outlook: Why This Pathway Matters
The career prospects for animal-care professionals are strong and continuing to grow, making this new course especially timely for students considering a future in the field:
- For veterinary technicians, employment is projected to grow 9% from 2024 to 2034, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- For veterinarians, employment is projected to grow 10% from 2024 to 2034, also well above the average for all occupations. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- These favorable outlooks reflect rising pet ownership, increased spending on animal health and wellness, and expanded treatment options—including advanced diagnostics and surgical care for animals.
Photo Opportunity: Miniature Donkeys Return to Class
Friday, November 14 | 8:00–9:30 a.m.
Media are invited to capture students working hands-on with miniature donkeys during their weekly live animal lab session. Classroom access and interviews upon request.
About Kelso’s CTE Program
Kelso School District’s CTE program offers approximately 80 on-site courses and 7 off-campus courses in partnership with industry leaders. Kelso’s off-campus CTE programs connect students with career pathways in high-demand fields—including Aviation Science, Diesel Mechanics, Fire Science, Health Science Careers, Industrial Trades, Police Science, and Veterinary Science. These courses are open to eligible 11th and 12th grade students from Kelso and surrounding districts. Students can earn dual credit in 21 CTE courses.
About Kelso School District
Kelso School District has a long-standing tradition of excellence in education and a goal of 100% (bit.ly/ksd-100) of students graduating high school and having post-secondary plans for college, career, trades, or military. Our mission is to prepare every student for living, learning, and achieving success as a citizen of our changing world.
