Veterinary Academy: Middle School

If your student is passionate about caring for animals, likes hands-on learning, and is considering a career in veterinary medicine, this is the program for them!

Your student can look forward to experiencing the life-changing power of working with animals as they spend up to six days in Washington, D.C. getting a firsthand look at the life of a veterinarian.

Prepare for the future

Getting an early taste of various potential careers is essential for young students. At Veterinary Academy: Middle School, your student can look forward to doing just that as they:
  • Get hands-on experience in the lab, from blow dart practice to practicing physical exams and learning suture techniques
  • Explore the Smithsonian National Zoo to learn about enrichment activities and enclosure design
  • Learn about veterinary school from the application process to what it’s like to study so many different species

By attending Veterinary Academy: Middle School, you can earn up to 25 veterinary hours, a required part of every vet school application.

2025 Program Dates & Tuition

  • Residential
  • June 29-July 5
  • July 6-12
  • $3,799
  • Day
  • June 30-July 5
  • July 7-12
  • $3,399

What’s Included

All Meals

On-Campus Accommodations at American University

15:1 Teaching Vet-to-Student Ratio

Up to 25 veterinary hours

Program Highlights

The National Zoo

The Smithsonian National Zoo is home to over 2,100 animals that represent nearly 400 different species. There’s no better place for your student to learn about animal anatomy and the important role of zoos in animal conservation.

Hands-On Lab Time

Students can look forward to using the same tools and techniques as professional veterinarians, from taking heart rates and using a microscope to suturing a wound and even practicing veterinary first aid!

Career Discussions

Throughout their time at Veterinary Academy: Middle School, students will explore the various career paths in veterinary science and learn about the dedication it takes to become successful in veterinary school.

The Business of Zoos

In addition to learning about the important roles played by zookeepers and veterinarians, students will also learn about the business side of caring for animals, from the cost of animal feed to designing and maintaining new zoo enclosures.

Your Adventure, Day by Day

Day 1

Arrive in Washington, D.C.

  • Registration and Check-in
  • Program Orientation

Day 2

Companion Animal Medicine

  • Heart Sounds and Stethoscope Use
  • Activity: Dog Visit
  • Human Rescue Alliance Speaker

Day 3

Animal Medicine

  • Workshop: Introduction to Animal Anatomy
  • Lab Time: Suturing and Assisted Dissection
  • Veterinary School Discussion
  • D.C. Monument Experience

Day 4

Exotic Animal Medicine

  • Lecture: Veterinary Careers with Exotic Animals
  • Lab Time: Small Pets Handling & Physical Exams
  • Lab Time: Using a Microscope and Canine First Aid
  • Lab Time: Injections, Bandage Removal and Prescriptions

Day 5

Smithsonian National Zoo

  • Activity: GPS Tracking and Animal Training
  • Lesson: Comparative Anatomy of Zoo Animals
  • Activity: Designing an Animal Enrichment
  • Lab Time: Blow Darts

Day 6

Smithsonian National Zoo

  • Activity: Feeding Zoo Animals Cost Analysis
  • Activity: Designing a Zoo Exhibit
  • Lab Time: Reptile Handling & Anatomy

Day 7

Departure Day

  • Animal Encounter
  • Final Group Meeting

Please Note: The events included in this itinerary are subject to minor changes before your program.

Image Gallery

What some of our students and their parents are saying…

My son was able to have a wonderful experience learning meaningful things while having fun with his new friends.”

Motoko S.

Veterinary Academy parent

The [program] was very interesting to him. He actually wanted us to go to the zoo the day we picked him up so he could show us around! He loved it.”

Kimberly M.

Veterinary Academy parent

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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.