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Pre-Veterinary Science

You love animals. You are compassionate and caring. You have a strong desire to work in an in-demand field. This program might be just for YOU!

Questions? Call 440.891.7732

You love animals. You are compassionate and caring. You have a strong desire to work in an in-demand field. This program might be just for YOU!
The Pre-Veterinary Science program is designed to provide you with the fundamental skills for success in the animal science field. During this two-year program, you learn to provide basic health care for animals, and acquire on-the-job training to be a skilled Veterinary Assistant. Typical activities will include caring for animals after surgery, helping provide emergency first aid and medication to sick or injured animals, maintaining and sterilizing instruments and equipment and obtaining animal health histories and more. The curriculum features rigorous course work with a focus on higher level science, animal health, management, and veterinary medical concepts. Prior to graduation, you may complete internship hours at a local veterinary office. 

Teacher: Christine "Chrissy" Gilbride

Teacher: Christine "Chrissy" Gilbride

Email Christine Gilbride
Education:  Associates in Applied Science degree; Cuyahoga Community College
At Polaris Since:  2022
Industry Experience:  After graduating, Chrissy worked at a veterinary practice in Columbus, Ohio that saw almost every small animal you could imagine.  A few years later, she moved back to the Cleveland area and made a home at Crossroads Animal Hospital in Strongsville, Ohio.  She was the lead surgical technician, OSHA/AAHA, and radiology appointee and eventually became Hospital Manager.    
Interests & Hobbies:  Chrissy enjoys spending time with her family playing games, having family dinners, and finding new places to go hiking and enjoying nature.  In her free time she loves to read, put together jigsaw puzzles, spend time gardening and hanging out by the pool.

Pre-Veterinary 2024-2025 Advisory Members

  • Tricia Eureka, Family Companion

  • Kim Fegan, Big Creek Pet Hospital

  • Alane Halley, Midwest Veterinary Supply

  • Sara Hill, Idexx Laboratories

  • Tyler Moxley, Zoetis Reference Labs

  • Samantha Siclair, Crossroads Animal Hospital (VetCor)

  • Chanel White, MedVet

  • Gretchen Zarle, Bartels Pet Hospital