Health Science Academy
Veterinary Assisting
Caring for Animals Through Hands-On Learning
The Veterinary Assisting program prepares students for careers in animal care through hands-on experiences with a variety of species, clinical skills, and leadership opportunities. Students learn proper animal handling, health care techniques, and veterinary procedures while developing compassion and responsibility for the animals in their care.
Working directly with live animals, internships, and agricultural leadership organizations, students gain practical experience that prepares them for careers in veterinary medicine, animal science, and related fields.
Course Sequence
Students progress through a four-year sequence that builds both technical skills and business knowledge.
9th Grade
10th Grade
11th Grade
12th Grade
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
Certifications
Students earn industry-recognized credentials that prepare them
for careers in veterinary medicine and animal care.
Students may earn:
- Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA)
"I've done the summer internship and now volunteer at a clinic. It's awesome because I get real hands-on experience while learning something new every day." - Katalina Alvarez (12th grade)
Competitions and Achievements
Students in the Nursing program expand their healthcare knowledge through certifications, HOSA competitions, and clinical experiences.
Achievements include:
- FFA National Chapter Award
- Top Three Placings in Animal Showmanship at the Miami-Dade Youth Fair
- Veterinary internships and clinic volunteer experiences
Career Pathways
The Veterinary Assisting program prepares students for careers in animal care, veterinary medicine, and agricultural sciences.
Possible pathways include:
- Veterinary Assistant
- Veterinary Technician
- Veterinarian
- Animal Science
- Agriscience
- Wildlife Rehabilitation
Students also develop transferable skills including leadership, communication, teamwork, compassion, responsibility, and professional work habits.
Student Voices
Learning Through Real Experience
Students regularly care for live animals, participate in FFA competitions, and gain professional experience through internships and clinic work.
Through practical assignments and leadership opportunities, students build confidence while developing the technical and professional skills needed in veterinary medicine.
"Learning the FFA Creed challenged me because it took confidence and memorization to recite it in front of judges."
- Alena Agostini (10th grade)
"Learning how to be responsible for an entire team and multiple animals taught me what leadership really means."
- Kiara Arango (12th grade)
Teacher Perspective
Ms. Atisha Jackson
"Our goal is to introduce students to the field of nursing early and give them a strong foundation before college."
Students gain both technical and professional skills, including:
- Animal handling and care
- Leadership and teamwork
- Communication skills
- Responsibility and professionalism
- Compassion for animals
- Veterinary assisting fundamentals
Successful students also develop confidence, initiative, strong work habits, and the ability to work collaboratively while caring for a variety of animal species.
The program prepares students for careers in veterinary medicine and animal science through classroom instruction, hands-on animal care, internships, FFA participation, and real-world agricultural experiences.
Advice for Future Students
Current students encourage future participants to embrace the responsibility that comes with caring for animals.
Program Legacy
The Veterinary Assisting program gives students the opportunity to begin working toward careers in veterinary medicine while still in high school through hands-on learning, internships, leadership development, and agricultural competitions.
Students graduate with practical experience caring for animals, professional skills developed through FFA and veterinary clinics, and the confidence to pursue careers in veterinary medicine, animal science, wildlife rehabilitation, and other animal-related professions.
