The Lakeland High School Academy of Veterinary Science is a four-year program designed to prepare high school students for a career in Veterinary Science. Upon completion of the program, students have the opportunity to take the Veterinary Assisting Certification exam. With a passing score, 500 hours of clinic time, and the skills list signed off on by a DVM/CVT, students will be Certified Veterinary Assistants able to go directly into the workforce or into post-secondary education.
Instructors:
GELB, KATHRYN - VET ACADEMY
COLLINS, NICOLE - AGRICULTURE/HORTICULTURE ACADEMY
In addition to the Vet Academy, we have a strong FFA program. The National FFA Organization is an intra-curricular student organization for students enrolled in an agriculture course and is interested in agriculture and leadership. This organization makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success.
Course Sequence
- 8106810 Agriscience Foundations 1
- 8111510 Veterinary Assisting 1
- 8111540 Veterinary Assisting 2
- 8111550 Veterinary Assisting 3
- 8111520 Veterinary Assisting 4
Each level is a pre-requisite to the next. We hope to offer Natural Resources as a course option soon for those uninterested in the Veterinary track.
Student Competitive Successes
- State level: Horse Evaluation, Job Interview, Livestock Evaluation, Ornamental Horticulture Demonstration- Consumer Use Category, Poultry Evaluation, Prepared Public Speaking, Vegetable Evaluation and Identification, and Veterinary Assisting
- Local level: County Opening and Closing, Quiz Bowl, Livestock and Horse Evaluation.
- 25 exhibits at the Polk County Youth Fair: Market Hogs, Steers, Beef Breeding Projects, Rabbits, Chickens, and Plants.
- Leadership opportunities: COLT conference, Chapter President Conference, Florida Leadership Adventures, Florida Outdoor Adventures.
- Students in officer positions at the Federation and District levels, as well as screening for State office.