A study was conducted to determine the feasibility of an animal health (paravetical) competency development inservice program for vocational agriculture teachers in Pennsylvania. Objectives were to identify the paravetic (paraveterinary medical) competencies needed by vocational agriculture teachers to teach high school students and adults via laboratory demonstrations and State Office of Education projects, to identify appropriate methods for teaching paravetic competencies, and to develop an awareness of legalities pertaining to the performance of these competencies. A survey instrument based on Mc Clay's National Agriculture Occupations Competency Study was administered to Pennsylvania vocational agriculture teachers. Practicing veterinarians and extension agents also supplied input on competencies and legislation affecting their performance. After data analysis, lists of beef and dairy, horse, sheep, swine, and poultry paravetical competencies were derived. It was concluded that (1) there are 90 paravetinary medical competencies in animal sciences needed by high school and adult level vocational teachers, (2) proper education in animal anatomy, physiology, and asepsis in conducting paravetical procedures is necessary, and (3) The Veterinary Medicine Practices Act of 1974 regulates the practice of veterinary medicine in Pennsylvania. Recommendations include a statewide inservice program, summer workshops, and hiring a full-time resource person to assist inservice faculty. The survey instrument is appended. (MN)