It is a great privilege that the Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA) now recognizes and certifies the designation of Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA). Mariner High School is proud to offer the students of the Veterinary Assisting Academy the unique opportunity to earn the CVA certification while attending high school. The veterinary assistant is an integral member of the veterinary health care team. All veterinary assistants work under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian. A veterinary assistant is trained in many skills, including obtaining and recording patient histories, collecting specimens and performing laboratory procedures, restraining pets, sterilizing instruments, performing front-office duties, maintaining sanitary conditions in kennels and exam rooms, and providing basic grooming services such as nail clipping. The Veterinary Assisting pathway at Mariner offers both an academic and hands-on learning experience; students work with animals right in the classroom! Students who successfully complete all four courses in the veterinary assisting pathway will have the opportunity to take the Certified Veterinary Assistant exam (CVA) their senior year.
4 Essential Elements must be completed to earn this credential
- Online Computer Modules (40 hours of self-paced educational videos)
- Skills Competency (A list of clinical skills must be mastered and completed).
- Internship (On-the-job training with a local veterinary hospital. 500 hours of supervised, hands-on work experience is required).
- Testing (Students must pass an online exam consisting of 100 questions).
Download Requirements
Veterinary Assisting Academy.pdf