8 Veterinary Schools in Arizona

1. University of Arizona

Acceptance Rate: The acceptance rate is currently 6%.
Tuition Fee: For the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program, the tuition fee is $33,185 for Arizona residents and $50,695 for non-residents per academic year.

The University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) offers an innovative program tailored for the next generation of veterinary professionals.

CVM’s three-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program provides a solid foundation in veterinary medicine and surgery, along with critical professional and clinical skills. Students experience a blend of hands-on learning, a student-centred curriculum, and team-based training that extends beyond traditional classroom settings.

CVM’s curriculum spans nine semesters without breaks, ensuring a seamless learning experience. Students engage in experiential learning from day one, preparing them for the challenges they’ll face as veterinarians.

During the clinical year, students work with a diverse caseload across a network of training sites. This exposure allows them to actively participate in the profession and gain practical skills.

2. Midwestern University Glendale

Acceptance Rate: 26.94%
Tuition Fee: $72,831

The College of Veterinary Medicine at Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona, offers a comprehensive Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) program.

The college emphasizes innovative veterinary healthcare and hands-on learning, preparing students to become compassionate and patient-centred veterinarians. The program is designed to impact animal and human health through research, scholarly activity, and service, aligning with the principles of One Health.

Students at the College of Veterinary Medicine engage in a rigorous curriculum that spans four years. The first two years focus on pre-clinical training, including classroom lectures, laboratories, and simulation lab exercises.

Hands-on experience with live animals begins in the first quarter, ensuring that students develop practical skills early on. The final years involve diverse clinical rotations, both on campus and at external sites, providing a well-rounded clinical education.

Midwestern University’s veterinary program boasts of its state-of-the-art facilities, which include a veterinary teaching clinic and a large animal teaching facility, specifically designed for veterinary students.

3. Pima Medical Institute Tucson

Acceptance rate: 100%
Tuition fee: $23,423 per year

The Veterinary Technician Associate Degree Program at Pima Medical Institute’s Tucson campus offers comprehensive training for those looking to advance their careers in veterinary medicine.

The program is designed to equip students with both clinical and administrative skills necessary for a successful career as a veterinary technician.

Students enrolled in the program will learn a wide range of skills, from medical terminology and animal anatomy to office management and examination techniques. The curriculum also covers the radiologic, dental, and surgical procedures of animal care, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to assist veterinarians in various settings.

The Tucson campus features real-world labs and training facilities, including a nursing simulation lab with arena seating.

This blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience makes the veterinary program at Pima Medical Institute Tucson unique and prepares students for immediate employment upon graduation.

4. Mesa Community College

Acceptance Rate: The program admits 24 students to the 2nd year to begin in the Fall of each year.
Tuition Fee: For Maricopa County residents, the tuition is $97 per credit hour. For out-of-state residents residing in Arizona, the tuition is $372 per credit hour. For Distance Learning/Online, the tuition is $253 per credit hour.

The Veterinary Technology program at MCC is dedicated to providing comprehensive education and training for those passionate about animal care.

The program is part of the Applied Sciences and Technology Department, and it offers a blend of basic medical sciences, animal care and management, veterinary medical care, and client communication and service.

The program is rigorous and includes instruction in medical and surgical nursing for small, large, and laboratory animals, as well as laboratory techniques, office protocol, emergency medicine, and specialty medicine, among other topics.

The program boasts an impressive three-year pass rate of 82.8% on the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), reflecting the quality of education and preparation students receive. Additionally, the program prepares students for a diverse range of career opportunities in the field, from small and large animal practice to roles in public health organizations and the pet food industry.

5. Pima Community College

Acceptance rate: Pima Community College has an open admission policy, so the acceptance rate is 100%. However, the pass rate for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) for first-time candidates at Pima Community College is 70.27%.
Tuition fee: The in-state tuition for the academic year 2024 is approximately $2,370. For out-of-state students, the tuition is approximately $7,686.

Pima Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Veterinary Technician. This program is designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in veterinary care.

As a veterinary technician, you’ll study a wide range of topics related to animal health and gain real-world clinical experience. The program covers essential areas such as nutrition, nursing, anesthesiology, radiography, and clinical laboratory procedures.

Upon completion of the program, you’ll be eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) and work as a certified veterinary technician. This opens up opportunities to collaborate with veterinarians, researchers, and organizations dedicated to animal care.

The program emphasizes practical skills and hands-on experience. Students learn how to provide compassionate care to animals, handle clinical procedures, and assist in surgeries. Coursework includes topics like animal anatomy, pharmacology, diagnostic imaging, and veterinary office management.

The program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), ensuring high-quality education and adherence to industry standards.

6. Pima Medical Institute-East Valley

Acceptance rate: 100%
Tuition fee: $16,675

Pima Medical Institute’s East Valley campus serves the suburban Phoenix areas of Mesa, Gilbert, and Apache Junction. The campus is committed to providing the best value in allied health career education and supporting the medical and veterinary employment needs of the community.

Specific Programs Offered:

1. Veterinary Assistant Program

Program Length: Approximately 9 months.

Description: In this program, students learn how to assist veterinarians with various responsibilities, including administrative and medical duties. Courses focus on in-office procedures, animal nursing, laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging, surgical procedures, and other vital elements of a veterinary assistant’s role.

2. Associate Veterinary Technician Program

Program Length: Approximately 18 months.

Description: This program allows students to manifest their animal-loving dreams and work in a field dedicated to animal care. It covers a comprehensive curriculum, including in-depth knowledge of veterinary procedures, animal health, and diagnostics. Graduates are well-prepared to contribute to veterinary practices and animal healthcare.

7. Pima Medical Institute Phoenix

Acceptance Rate: 100%
Tuition Fee: $17,304 per year

Pima Medical Institute’s Phoenix campus is a hub for healthcare education, offering a range of programs designed to prepare students for successful careers in the medical field.

The campus, which opened in 2015, is located in Phoenix, Arizona, and serves students from various nearby cities. It provides hands-on learning experiences with instructors who are industry professionals, ensuring that students receive practical and relevant education.

The veterinary department at Pima Medical Institute Phoenix offers a Veterinary Assistant program that equips students with the skills needed to support veterinary teams.

This program covers a variety of tasks such as cleaning teeth, assisting with surgeries, sterilizing lab and surgical equipment, and more. The program is designed to be completed in approximately nine months, making it an efficient path for those looking to quickly enter the veterinary field.

Pima Medical Institute Phoenix is committed to providing real-world experience through clinical externships. Students in the veterinary program get the opportunity to work in the field they’ve studied, applying their knowledge in practical settings.

8. Carrington College-Phoenix North

Acceptance rate: 16%
Tuition fee: $15,711

Carrington College’s Phoenix North campus offers a comprehensive Veterinary Assisting program that prepares students for a variety of clinical, lab, and administrative duties. The program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills for entry-level employment in the veterinary field.

The Veterinary Assisting program at the Phoenix North campus includes hands-on training in areas such as veterinary surgical and assisting techniques, veterinary hospital practices, and animal nursing and care.

Students have access to modern facilities, including lecture classrooms with LCD projectors, learning laboratories, science labs, and a medical library equipped with reference materials, textbooks, and journals.

Carrington College’s Phoenix North campus is committed to providing flexible learning options and affordable tuition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all veterinary schools in Arizona accredited?

Not all veterinary schools in Arizona are accredited. For example, the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine is still working toward full U.S. accreditation. To be certified in Arizona, vet techs must graduate from an AVMA-accredited program.

What are the admission requirements for veterinary schools in Arizona?

Prerequisites for veterinary schools in Arizona include prior education, GPA, and specific science courses. The application process involves submitting through the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) and completing a supplemental assessment.

What opportunities are available for hands-on experience and clinical rotations?

During clinical rotations, students gain experience in patient care and client communication at various clinical sites.

What career prospects do graduates of veterinary schools in Arizona have?

Graduates can pursue careers as companion animal practitioners, emergency veterinarians, zoo veterinarians, and more.

How can prospective students learn more or visit the veterinary schools in Arizona?

Prospective students can visit the schools' websites, attend information sessions, and explore campus tours.

Conclusion

You read it yourself, these veterinary schools with their unique strengths provide students with a strong foundation in veterinary medicine mixed with hands-on experience.

So, if you’re considering a career in this field, Veterinary medicine, Arizona’s veterinary schools are certainly worth going for. We’ve come to the end of this article, good luck in your pursuit of success.

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8 Veterinary Schools in Arizona

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List of the veterinary schools in Arizona