Veterinary Science (Magnet)

What is Veterinary Assisting?

Veterinary assisting is the entry-level profession within veterinary medicine that focuses on supporting veterinarians and veterinary technicians while providing compassionate care to animals. Veterinary assistants help ensure that veterinary hospitals, clinics, shelters, zoos, and research facilities operate safely and efficiently.

Common responsibilities of a veterinary assistant include:

Safely restraining dogs, cats, and other animals during examinations and treatments.
Feeding, exercising, bathing, and monitoring hospitalized patients.
Cleaning and disinfecting examination rooms, cages, surgical suites, and equipment.
Preparing instruments and supplies for medical procedures and surgery.
Assisting with laboratory procedures such as collecting and processing samples.
Taking and recording patient information, including weight, temperature, and medical history.
Administering medications and treatments under the direct supervision of a veterinarian, as permitted by state regulations.
Educating pet owners about basic animal care, nutrition, parasite prevention, and post-treatment instructions.

Veterinary assistants work in a variety of settings, including:

Private veterinary hospitals and clinics
Animal shelters and rescue organizations
Emergency and specialty hospitals
Zoos and aquariums
Wildlife rehabilitation centers
Research laboratories
Farms and livestock operations

Skills needed

Successful veterinary assistants develop:

Compassion and empathy for animals and their owners
Strong communication and teamwork skills
Attention to detail
Physical stamina and safe animal-handling techniques
Basic knowledge of animal anatomy, behavior, and disease prevention
Professionalism and a commitment to animal welfare

Career opportunities

Veterinary assisting is an excellent starting point for careers in animal health. Many veterinary assistants continue their education to become veterinary technicians or veterinarians, while others specialize in shelter medicine, wildlife care, laboratory animal science, or large animal medicine.

For high school students, veterinary assisting provides valuable hands-on experience, opportunities for community service, leadership through organizations like FFA, and industry-recognized certifications that can prepare them for employment or further education in veterinary medicine.

Why Choose Veterinary Science at Felix Varela Senior High School?

Choosing the Felix Varela Veterinary Science Magnet Academy means becoming part of a program that prepares students for college, careers, and leadership in the veterinary and animal science industries.

Hands-On Learning

Students gain real-world experience through hands-on laboratories, clinical skills training, and animal care activities. Learning extends beyond the classroom with opportunities to work alongside veterinary professionals and participate in community service projects.

Industry Certification

Students have the opportunity to earn the Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA) Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA) certification, giving them a competitive advantage for college admissions and future employment.

College and Career Readiness

The program prepares students for careers in:

Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary Assisting
Veterinary Technology
Animal Science
Wildlife and Conservation
Agriculture
Animal Rescue and Shelter Medicine
Research and Biomedical Sciences

Leadership Through FFA

Every student has the opportunity to become involved in the National FFA Organization, Florida State FFA, and our Local Chapter of the Varela FFA, developing leadership, public speaking, teamwork, and career skills while participating in competitions, conferences, and community service.

Community Partnerships

Students work with veterinarians, animal hospitals, rescue organizations, and community partners through wellness clinics, animal care projects, internships, spay and neuter events and service-learning opportunities.

Competitive Opportunities

Students can participate in:

Veterinary Science Career Development Events (CDE)
Leadership Development Events (LDE)
Livestock and market animal projects
Public speaking competitions
Community outreach and educational events

Build an Outstanding Resume

Graduates leave with:

Veterinary clinical experience
Community service hours
Leadership experience
Industry certification opportunities
Professional references
Career and technical education credentials

A Family That Supports Your Success

At the Felix Varela Veterinary Science Magnet Academy, students become part of a supportive community where they are encouraged to challenge themselves, serve others, and develop the knowledge, confidence, and compassion needed to make a difference in the lives of animals and people.

Your future starts here—where passion for animals becomes a pathway to success.

FVMA Veterinary Assisting Level 1 Certification and Criteria

FVMA CVA Certification Criteria

The Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA) Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA) Level I Certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates a student's knowledge, clinical skills, and practical experience in veterinary assisting.

FVMA CVA Level I Certification Criteria

To earn the FVMA Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA) Level I designation, students must:

Complete an Approved Veterinary Assisting Program
- Successfully complete at least 9 months in an approved high school or adult veterinary assisting program with a passing grade.
Demonstrate Required Clinical Skills
- Successfully complete the Skills Competency Validation List under the supervision of:
  - A licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
  - A Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)
  - An approved Veterinary Assistant Instructor (VAI), where applicable.
Complete 500 Hours of Practical Experience
- Minimum of 500 documented hours of veterinary assisting experience.
- At least 250 hours must be completed in a veterinary hospital working with live animals under direct supervision of a licensed DVM or CVT.
- Up to 250 hours may be earned through supervised school laboratory experiences.
Pass the FVMA CVA Final Examination
- Earn a score of 70% or higher on the comprehensive Level I certification exam.
Maintain Required Documentation
- The school must retain the student's signed application and Skills Competency Validation List for a minimum of three years following the examination.

After Certification

To maintain active FVMA CVA certification, Certified Veterinary Assistants are required to complete:

5 hours of approved continuing education (CE) annually for renewal.

Skills Evaluated

The Skills Competency Validation List includes proficiency in areas such as:

Animal handling and restraint
Safety and biosecurity
Medical terminology
Physical examinations and patient observation
Medical record keeping
Laboratory procedures
Pharmacy and medication administration
Surgical assisting and aseptic technique
Radiology safety
Anesthesia monitoring
Client communication
Kennel management
Preventive medicine
Emergency procedures
Professional ethics and workplace skills

For students in a high school veterinary science program, earning the FVMA CVA Level I Certification demonstrates that they have met rigorous academic, technical, and clinical standards and are prepared for entry-level employment in veterinary hospitals or to continue their education in veterinary medicine.

Course Sequence

Florida Department of Education (FDOE) Veterinary Assisting Program (Program #8115110) is a five-course Career and Technical Education (CTE) program designed to prepare students for careers as veterinary assistants while integrating FFA and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects.

Grade Level (Recommended)	Course Number	Course Title	Credit
9th Grade	8111510	Veterinary Assisting 1	1.0
10th Grade	8111540	Veterinary Assisting 2	1.0
11th Grade	8111550	Veterinary Assisting 3	1.0
12th Grade (Semester 1)	8111520	Veterinary Assisting 4	1.0
12th Grade (Semester 2)	8111530	Veterinary Assisting 5	1.0

Veterinary Assisting 1

Introduction to veterinary science
Animal care and welfare
Safety and biosecurity
Medical terminology
Careers in veterinary medicine
Animal behavior and restraint
Basic husbandry and breed identification

Veterinary Assisting 2

Anatomy and physiology
Physical examinations
Basic first aid
Clinical equipment
Sanitation and infection control
Animal nutrition
Animal body systems

Veterinary Assisting 3

Reproduction and genetics
Digestive and endocrine systems
Animal diseases
Animal laws and regulations
Animal handling and welfare
Record keeping

Veterinary Assisting 4 ( MDCPS AY Miami Internship)

Parasitology
Disease prevention
Laboratory procedures
Pharmacology fundamentals
Veterinary office management
Client communication
Clinical skills development

Veterinary Assisting 5 (MDCPS AY Miami Internship)

Surgical assisting
Diagnostic imaging
Anesthesia assistance
Advanced laboratory procedures
Dentistry
Emergency care
Externship/clinical experience
Industry certification preparation (FVMA Certified Veterinary Assistant where applicable)

Florida Department of Education Program Requirements

Throughout all five courses, students are expected to:

Participate in FFA as an intra curricular component.
Maintain a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project.
Develop employability and leadership skills.
Complete extensive laboratory and hands-on clinical experiences.
Prepare for industry certification and postsecondary veterinary education.

This sequence is the standard progression used by many Florida veterinary magnet and academy programs and aligns with the current FLDOE Veterinary Assisting curriculum framework.

Eligibility Requirements and Application

Veterinary Science Requirements:

2.0 unweighted GPA in core courses
2.0 average GPA in conduct
No more than 10 unexcused absences or 20 tardies in the previous year

In order to meet eligibility requirements, please mail (varelamagnet@gmail.com) or fax (305-386-8987) proof of registration from the FLVS to Felix Varela Senior High School.

Link to Application: http://yourchoicemiami.org/magnet-applications/