OCEANSIDE, CA: Mission Animal & Bird Hospital is happy to host the Oceanside Health Academy on an informative tour of their 11,000 square foot hospital on May 24th from noon to 2pm. The tour will consist of breaking the academy members into 4 groups to tour the hospitals treatment and surgical areas, BARK Avenue Resort & Kamp Boarding facility, Customer Service area and exam rooms, with a stop in the break room for lunch. Dr. Robert Cartin (owner and CEO) will end the day with a presentation on Veterinary Medicine in the Hospital’s Multi-Purpose Room.
The Oceanside High School Health Academy Program is a 3 year program beginning in the tenth grade. Students are recruited in the ninth-grade through a variety of Health Academy sponsored activities such as (a) classroom presentations (b) health/science fairs (c) blood drives held on campus three times/year (d) elective day and extracurricular day, and (e) Health Occupations Students of American (HOSA) campus chapter.
Fifty percent of new students must be ‘at risk’. To qualify as ‘at risk’ they must meet one of these categories: below 2.0 GPA or basic or lower California State Testing scores or three of the following: credit deficient for their grade, have a poor attendance record, low socio-economic status, previous interaction with the juvenile system, or low motivation.
The retention rate of this program is over 90% and the graduation rate is over 95%. Many graduates continue their education at a community college then transfer to a four-year college or university. Some graduates have gone directly to a four-year college or university.
The Health Academy Program is primarily funded through the Regional Occupational Program and a California Partnership Academy grant. The intent of the Academy and its teachers is to provide a school-within-a-school atmosphere, and become a reliable, trusted resource for students to connect with.
The Program received the Channel 10 Leadership award in 2003 fro promoting Health Career Education and training to High School students. The Health Academy is currently involved with the HASPI (Health and Science Pipeline Initiative) that promotes science education among High School Students.
Juniors and seniors have internship opportunities at Mission Bird & Animal Hospital, Palomar Hospital, North County Health Services, Vista Community Clinic and TriCity Medical Center. Various departments include Pulmonary, Nursing-Oncology, Laboratory, Food and Nutrition, Rehab: Physical Therapy, Cardiac Wellness Center, Physician Assistant, NICU, Infection Control and Imaging. Students commit volunteer hours outside of the regular school day to experience firsthand the daily activities and duties of specific individuals and departments.
Mission Animal & Bird Hospital currently has 3 student volunteers from the Oceanside High School Health Academy program and has hired 2 students in the past.
ABOUT MISSION ANIMAL & BIRD HOSPITAL: An Oceanside presence for over 40 years, Mission Animal & Bird Hospital’s vision is to provide world-class care to pet patients and their caregivers, while also acting as a source of pet care education and animal rescue services within the community. For more information, visit www.missionanimal.com or call 760.433.3763.
For more information regarding the Oceanside High School Health Academy please contact Kim Roy at Kim.Roy@Oside.k12.ca.us or call (760)722-8201.
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