Veterinary Academy: Keeper to Reef Researcher

Massachusetts & Florida

From land to sea, experience the full spectrum of animal care and conservation. Begin at the AZA-accredited Capron Park Zoo in Massachusetts, where you’ll work as a zookeeper and learn about exotic animal medicine. Then transition to Florida’s coastline to dive into marine biology and reef conservation research. This program showcases the diverse career paths available in veterinary science.

Prepare for the future

During week one in Massachusetts, you can look forward to:
  • Working alongside teaching and staff veterinarians at the AZA-accredited Capron Park Zoo that is home to over 100 animals
  • Participating in daily animal care rotations including food preparation, enclosure maintenance, and enrichment activities
  • Learning about a diverse range of animals including birds, reptiles, and exotic mammals from African Lions to Red Pandas
  • Researching and presenting your own Keeper Talk to zoo visitors on animal conservation topics
During week two in Florida, you can look forward to:
  • Working alongside experts at The Reef Institute on important coral reef restoration
  • Conducting data collection runs to monitor coral and fish conditions and perform coral tagging
  • Time in the land-based nursery to learn about the latest innovations in coral conservation like gene banking
  • An excursion to Peanut Island, a natural habitat that promotes the growth of several health coral colonies

By attending Veterinary Academy: Keeper to Reef Researcher, you can earn up to 40 veterinary and 30 research hours, a required part of every vet school application.

2026 Program Dates & Tuition

  • 14 Days
  • July 12-25
  • $9,199

What’s Included

Transportation between program locations*

All meals

Comfortable
accommodations

10:1 teaching vet-to-student ratio

Up to 40 veterinary & 30 research hours

*Transportation to the first program location and home from the final program location is the responsibility of the participant

College credit is included with tuition. Students attending high school Veterinary Academy programs are eligible to receive college credit(s) through George Mason University. Credits are included in the cost of tuition and are awarded for successful completion of the program and credit requirements. Learn more.

Image Gallery

Want to learn more? Fill out this form to schedule a call with one of our advisors

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Student name
Please let us know the best way for one of our admissions advisors to reach you
Call me ASAP
sms_messages

By submitting this form, I confirm that I am at least 13 years of age and provide my written consent for WorldStrides to contact me using email or telephone—including the use of automated technology and prerecorded messages for calls to any wireless or residential telephone number I provide. This consent is not required to purchase goods or services.

**Available in the U.S. only. Message and data rates may apply. You may opt out of text messaging at any time by replying STOP.

For the safety of students, staff, and animals, not all animals may be touched or handled by participants. The teaching veterinarian and other professional staff members will advise students of the proper time, place, and method to handle animals when it is safe to do so.