TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Bay Tech’s Academy of Veterinary Science offers one of the best veterinary assisting programs in the state, and it’s the only Hillsborough County Public School to have a fully operational veterinary surgical suite.
On Wednesday, students assisted with the first surgery in the new surgical suite.
What You Need To Know
Tampa Bay Tech is the only Hillsborough County Public School to have a fully operational veterinary surgical suite
Students assist veterinarians in surgeries in the suite
Bluey is the first patient in the brand new veterinary surgical suite at the high school; the majority of his caretakers today are high school seniors
Bluey is a cute, rambunctious 2-year-old dog who currently calls the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center home. He didn’t know what he was in for at Tampa Bay Technical High School on Wednesday, but he stayed in good spirits.
“We’re doing a surgery today, we’re doing a spay and a neuter from two dogs from the pet resource center. So we’re basically just helping them out with that, and it’s a nice learning opportunity for us,” said Sara Peachey, a senior at Tampa Bay Tech.
Bluey is the first patient in the brand new veterinary surgical suite at the high school. The majority of his caretakers are high school seniors, enrolled in the Academy of Veterinary Science, with two veterinarians looking on and performing the actual surgeries.
“I know our veterinary field is starting to decrease in numbers, so literally showing the future of like, ‘Hey this is the risk, rewards and benefits of the field.’ Hopefully they can take that and excel within that,” said Micaela Spatola, the vet assisting instructor.
Students assist veterinarians in surgeries in the suite. (Spectrum News/Fallon Silcox)
Spatola said giving students this hands on experience is part of what makes this program stand out — students not only graduate with their high school diploma, but they also have a 93% pass rate on the Certified Veterinary Assistant Test. She said she is very proud of her students today.
“My heart exploded. My kids were very nervous and I just said, ‘You know what, you’re going to be nervous but that’s a good thing because you know that you’re going to be on your toes and you know that you care about this,’” she said.
Sade Young said she never thought she’d be assisting in veterinary surgeries while she’s still in high school.
“Honestly, it’s awesome, because in high school you think you wouldn’t do too much, you think it’s like a regular program, but the fact that you can do certain labs, work with animals, learn about new stuff, it’s really just amazing,” Young said.
Tampa Bay Tech received a grant from the State’s Department of Education for the surgical suite. (Spectrum News/Fallon Silcox)
By the end of the school year, after these students hopefully ace the CVA exam, they could be caring for your furry family members at a veterinary clinic near you.
Tampa Bay Tech received a grant from the State’s Department of Education for the surgical suite. The CAP grant is meant to help schools create or expand career and technical education programs that lead to industry certifications.