Students groomed for vet careers

The 8:30 a.m. bell has sounded at Tampa Bay Technical High School, and as the last of the stragglers scurries to clear the hallways, students in Heather Carr's class are preparing dogs, cats, rabbits, goats and reptiles for a day of pampering.

"It's fun connecting with different animals and getting to know them," said Crystal Reddish, a senior at Tampa Bay Tech.

Reddish is in the student veterinary assisting program, an agricultural education program that offers core study and hands-on training to prepare students for careers in veterinary science.

For three hours each school day, 30 seniors work closely with animals in the veterinary lab, learning the fundamentals of grooming, treatment and overall care. Students who complete the program and pass the certification test receive a vet assistant certificate and are qualified for an entry-level job at a veterinary hospital or in other animal-related careers.

Similar technical programs exist at high schools throughout the Tampa Bay area. In Pasco County, Marchman Technical Education Center established a veterinary assisting program, which recently moved to Hudson High. Lakeland High School in Polk County has a veterinary science academy, and in Pinellas County, Tarpon Springs High School and Seminole Vocational Education Center offer veterinary assisting programs similar to that at Tampa Bay Tech.

The valuable skills the students learn come at a price. Feed, animal care and vet costs are among the program's biggest expenses, said Carr, director of the vet assisting program at Tampa Bay Tech. Nearly $500 a month from the district and state is designated for these costs, which do not include veterinary bills for routine care, vaccinations and illnesses.

"Without funding we cannot continue programs like these," Carr said. "We would not be able to pay for the animals and lab equipment that enables the students to learn by doing through hands-on activities."

Recently, Carr stood before the Hillsborough County School Board with a group of students and classroom animals to explain the certification process and answer questions about the program. Students demonstrated some of the skills they have acquired.

"I was really impressed with their passion," said board member April Griffin.

Griffin proposed that the board cover the cost of the certification exam. Students currently pay the $125 expense. Students often must wait to take the certification exam because they do not have the money, Griffin said.

"Our goal as a district is to get them into a position where they are going out into the world once they graduate and they're ready for the work force or ready for college," Griffin said. "I don't feel that they're ready if they're not able to take that certification test after going through the whole program."

Thirteen of the 15 students who took the exam last year passed, said Pamela Walden, the district's agricultural education supervisor.

The National FFA is an integral part of the program. The organization, formerly known as Future Farmers of America, promotes agricultural education and service, and teaches leadership skills.

Nicole Liles, state FFA officer and a recent graduate of Palmetto High School in Manatee County, said self-advocacy is a key component of the campaign for funding. Programs must show the school board that they are making the most of their money to convey the need for more funding.

"Show them you need the funding by doing community service," she said.

From candy sales to pet sales, fundraising is a theme of Carr's class.

"We do grooming and animal care during the school year," Carr said. "We raise a limited number of animals like rabbits, goats, chinchillas and birds to sell."

Paw Spa, the class-run grooming service offers cuts, ear cleanings, pedicures, brushouts and day care to the public as part of the program's fundraising efforts. Prices range from $10 to $50, depending on the service.

A percentage of sales from a soda machine inside Carr's classroom helps supplement the program, as do two candy sales. The class also collaborates with the Hillsborough County FFA federation, sharing profits from selling hams and turkeys during the holidays and selling bottled water at the Florida Strawberry Festival.

"We ask for a lot of donations," Carr said.

Student Roxanne Chaviano said students usually have adequate supplies, but they could always use more.

"Students have to donate supplies every nine weeks," she said.

Student Anthony Avila said he thinks the program is worth more than the amount of money that funds it.

"It's free at the high school and $3,000 at a community college," he said.

Maria Douaihy and Katie Giesen are students in the University of South Florida's multimedia journalism program.