Veterinary Assisting

The Veterinary Assisting strand offers students a unique opportunity to earn an industry certification as a Certified Veterinary Assistant at the end of their high school career. During the Senior year of high school, the student will be working in both the classroom and in a clinical setting. The courses will prepare the student for further education in college through hands-on learning and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards.

*FAQs from Students & Parents*

What is the CVA?

The CVA stands for Certified Veterinary Assistant which is obtained through an industry certification exam provided to the students at the end of the Senior year. The certification entity is the FVMA, Florida Veterinary Medical Association that also licenses DVMs after they graduate from Veterinary School.

Will these hours count to their community service graduation requirement?

Yes, 250 hours are required in order to achieve their CVA, which are done outside of the classroom and will count towards their graduation requirement.

Why should my son or daughter be in FFA?

It is about much more than farming! Although learning about production agriculture is one aspect, an Agricultural Education program offers a wide variety of activities and topics to explore. Some general areas of study may include the following: veterinary science, ag business, environmental natural resources, alternative energies, ag communications, plant science, floriculture, horticulture, nursery and landscaping, recreation, tourism, genetics, entomology, careers, leadership, food science, education and ag law. Our program focuses on veterinary science with the opportunity to learn about various pathways through FFA.

In 1988, the FFA officially changed its name to The National FFA Organization. It was formally known as, and often is mistakenly referred to as, the Future Farmers of America. This update was made to recognize all aspects of the diverse and growing agricultural industry.

My child is not interested in an agricultural career. How could this veterinary class and FFA help him/her in the future?

Students will learn life skills that will be applicable in any future endeavor. Develop effective verbal, written and body-language communication skills. Apply problem-solving skills to real-world scenarios. Learn personal etiquette and business procedures. Use technology sources to gain 21st century abilities. Recognize civic responsibilities. Maximize human-relation and interpersonal skills. Improve employability and job interview techniques. Gain confidence and self-esteem through local, state and national recognition.

In fact, statistics tell us that 1 in 3 careers is related to agriculture, as reported by the United States Department of Agriculture. Whether it is directly or indirectly, many individuals will hold a job position that is tied to the agricultural industry. It is an amazing opportunity that Robert Morgan Educational Center is offering students a chance to prepare themselves for future possibilities!

What cool things will we do in veterinary class and FFA?

There is never a dull moment in the veterinary assisting class! Everyone will enjoy the wide variety of topics, veterinary internships, career development events, showing of animals, and much more!

The following activities are likely options: Animal Laws/Agencies, Overpopulation Issues, Common Ailments & Parasites, Vaccines & Preventative Medicines, Needles & Gauges, Animal Nutritional Needs/Essential Nutrients, Grooming Technology and Medical Terminology. Practice clinical exams on live animals.. Develop public speaking skills. Develop and complete a community service project. Practice job interview skills. Develop resumes. Research career pathways and opportunities. Listen to guest speakers from the local community. Learn to properly bandage an animal. Apply for scholarships and awards. Travel to FFA competitions in the State. Job shadow. Attend fun events. Judge livestock. And the list goes on!

Where do we travel to for contests, events and conventions? (Parents) How can I help?

Competitions are all over the State, from Miami to Gainesville. FFA is a wonderful opportunity to network with other high-achieving students in the school and with other schools across the State. If you would like to help chaperone any of these field trips, please notify Ms. Sandoval! You must register with Miami-Dade County Public Schools as a Level 2 volunteer in order to chaperone overnight.

CLICK HERE for the Robert Morgan FFA website.