It’s not magic or simple logic to understand the psychology of animals. It simply involves inept study of these animals. To become a veterinary, you must attend veterinary colleges. Interestingly, some of the best veterinary colleges are found in California.
So, this post will not only throw more light on the 10 best veterinary colleges in California but will also analyze job outlook, salary, and how much it will cost you to be a veterinarian in California.
Before we go into listing the schools, I believe it’s essential to know the duties of a veterinarian and, seemingly, their job outlook in 2024.
Also, don’t forget to find a reliable write my essay online service to help you out with your admission essay once you decide which school you want to apply to.
What is Veterinary Medicine?
Veterinary medicine is the section of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, and injuries in animals.
The field of veterinary medicine is wide, embracing all animal species. It encompasses a wide array of conditions that can affect different species.
Professional care is oftentimes led by a veterinary physician (also known as a vet, veterinary surgeon or veterinarian). but also by para veterinary workers such as veterinary technicians or nurses.
Other paraprofessionals can augment this with precise specialisms such as animal physiotherapy or dentistry, and species-important roles such as farriers.
Veterinary science supports human health through the monitoring and control of zoonotic sickness. (infectious disease transmitted from non-human animals to humans), food safety, and indirectly through human applications. from basic medical research.
They also help to maintain food supply through livestock health monitoring and medication, and mental health by keeping pets healthy and long-living.
Veterinary scientists often connive with epidemiologists, and other health or natural scientists depending on the type of work.
Ethically, veterinarians are typically obliged to look after animal well-being. Veterinarians diagnose, treat and as well as helping to keep animals safe and healthy.
Who is a Veterinarian?
A veterinarian is a health professional who preserves the health and well-being of animals and people. They diagnose and manage animal diseases and also treat sick and injured animals.
They also advise owners about the precise maintenance of their pets and their livestock.
Wikipedia defined a Veterinarian as a professional who practices veterinary medicine to treat diseases, injuries, and disorders in non-human animals.
What Does a Veterinarian Do?
In numerous ways, a veterinarian is comparable to a pediatrician. Just as you know, animals cannot speak like children. And most of the medical history is obtained from the owner or patient, as a pediatrician would do with a child’s parents. Therefore, excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required.
Secondly, Veterinarians also work in the area of public health. They assist in the prevention and control of animal and human diseases to promote good health.
Then as an epidemiologist, they examine outbreaks of animal and human diseases such as foodborne diseases, influenza, plague, rabies, AIDS, and encephalitis. Equally, they assess the safety of food processing plants, restaurants, and water supplies.
Veterinarians in environmental health programs study and evaluate the impacts of various pesticides, industrial pollutants, and other pollutants on people and animals.
There are several veterinarians who are teachers and teach in veterinary medical schools and universities in California. In addition to teaching, faculty members in veterinary schools conduct fundamental and clinical research.
They also add to scientific publications and develop continuing education programs to help graduate veterinarians acquire new knowledge and skills.
Furthermore, veterinary health workers also contribute to human public health by working to combat zoonotic diseases. Which are primarily transmitted from nonhuman animals to humans, such as Lyme disease, West Nile virus, etc.
If Studying in California is not for you, you can also study veterinary medicine in Florida.
How Much Does it Cost to Attend Veterinary School in California?
Firstly, veterinary colleges in California vary depending on whether you attend private or public schools. For instance, tuition fees differ at the undergraduate level because schools have their corresponding tuition rates. The types of equipment and facilities each of these schools has, determine their tuition fee.
Secondly, Veterinary colleges in California also vary for those who are resident of California against international students. It is now well known that residents students always have less tuition than non-residents.
A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree typically costs $28,000-$54,000 a year for in-state tuition and fees (resident rate) or $41,000-$66,000 yearly (for four years) for out-of-state tuition and fees (non-resident rate).
In general, tuition costs are higher for non-residents attending a state school. For example, the University of Pennsylvania offers a D.V.M. for $32,450 annually for residents or $41,460 annually for non-residents.
The University of California, Davis charges tuition and fees of $53,000-$62,000 per year for California residents or $65,000 to 74,000 annually for non-residents.
Doctorate programs in veterinary medicine are also offered at private universities. For example, Tufts University, a private North Grafton, MA private school, offers a D.V.M. for $40,528 yearly for residents and $42,640 annually for non-residents.
How to Become a Veterinarian in California
To become a Veterinarian, you must obtain a doctorate degree. Although it is not mandatory. However, many students obtain a bachelor’s degree before applying to veterinary school in California. Biology, zoology, animal science and other related courses can benefit admission to the doctoral school.
Therefore, you must plan to attend an accredited veterinary school and obtain a doctorate degree in veterinary medicine (D.V.M. or V.M.D.). It usually takes about 4 years and includes class, laboratory, and clinical components.
Furthermore, most veterinary programs include math, humanities, and science. But now, most schools and colleges in California are beginning to introduce general business management and professional development courses so that new veterinary graduates will know how to start up a business after graduation.
Finally, all states need a license to practice. This does not leave California as an exemption. Moreso, applicants must pass an American veterinary license (NAVLE) exam to obtain certification before they can start practicing.
How do I Know the Best Veterinary Colleges in California?
There are many veterinary colleges in California, but knowing the best is what matters. With this objective in mind, we have listed the 10 Best Veterinary Colleges in California.
In choosing the best Veterinary colleges in California, we will consider several factors. They include:
Number of Programs: We consider this as one major criterion for ranking the best schools in California. Because some of the veterinary colleges can offer a good number of programs.
Accreditation: This criterion is very much necessary because a school can be cheap but yet not have quality. So we examine the accreditation and certification body for each of these veterinary colleges before ranking them. Whether they fall in the category of regional or national accreditation.
Acceptance Rate: This is one factor that is considered necessary because of the lower the acceptance rate the better the school.
Graduation & Employment Rate: Here, we examine if these veterinary colleges have a high tendency to graduate their students. Some can get enrolled but get stuck at the end. Also, we put into consideration whether school graduates are employable by great organizations. These factors are equally very important.
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10 best Veterinary colleges in California
Here are the top veterinary colleges in California:
1. The University of California-Davis(UC Davis)
The University of California-Davis is a large, public, four-year university enrolling 35,186 students and offering 270 degrees in Davis, CA. It provides the largest variety of degree programs among the University of California campuses.
Importantly, UC Davis’s programs are nationally ranked, thanks in part to the university’s award-winning faculty. UC Davis offers more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and specializations.
The veterinary medicine programs are particularly strong at UC Davis, and since its inception, it has continued to have a reputation as a good “Vet school.”
Most importantly, the College is well known globally as a top lead in public health, veterinary medicine, and biomedical research.
The college offers DVM, P.h.D, Master’s, and combined degree programs, as well as a wide range of continuing education in Veterinary Medicine.
The College Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree program is four years of study.
Graduates from this school are great Vet doctors in California and beyond.
Acceptance Rate: 37.95%
Number of Programs: 2
Graduation/Employability Rate: 81%
Accreditation: This institution is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission
#2. University of California-San Diego
The University of California-San Diego is a large, public, four-year university enrolling 32,906 students and offering 180 degrees in La Jolla, CA.
This University of California—San Diego is a public institution instituted in 1960. It is located in the La Jolla community of San Diego, close to the Pacific Ocean.
Also, over 75 percent of the student body studies at the undergraduate level. The school offers more than 100 undergraduate programs across a range of disciplines.
UCSD undergraduates are allotted to one of six residential colleges – smaller academic and social communities within the university.
Incoming undergraduates and transfer learners are guaranteed to house for two years. Accommodations are also prepared for graduate students.
Out-of-state students must pay a supplemental charge on top of the tuition in-state students pay.
UCSD follows a quarter-based academic calendar, and English is the language of instruction.
The University of California-San Diego offers 2 Veterinary Science Degree programs. It’s a large public university in a large city.
The college offers DVM, P.h.D, Master’s, and combined degree programs, as well as a wide range of continuing education in Veterinary Medicine.
Graduates from this school are great Vet doctors in California and beyond.
Acceptance Rate: between 13%
Number of Programs: 2
Graduation/Employability Rate: 86.2%
Accreditation: This institution is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission
You Can Also Check Out These 15 Best Veterinary Schools in Florida | 2024
#3. Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA
The College of Veterinary Medicine at Western University of Health Sciences was instituted in 1998 as the first new college of veterinary medicine in the United States in more than twenty years.
The school stands as a new standard in veterinary medical education: innovative instructional programs, cost-effective delivery of education, and cooperation with other educational institutions and the private sector.
On March 3, 2010, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education (COE) granted the College Full Accreditation.
Instruction and clinical opportunities are provided in a wide category of domestic species, including food, equine, and companion animals.
The College provides a vibrant, diverse faculty by encouraging progression through personal and professional advancement, and research, creating an academic community of competent, caring, ethical professionals, where cooperative learning., public service, and scholarship can flourish.
The college offers both DVM, P.h.D, Master’s, and combined degree programs, as well as a wide range of continuing education in Veterinary Medicine.
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
- Number of Programs: 3
- Graduation/Employability Rate: Western University Vet School is a fairly new veterinary school and admitted its first class in 2003.
- Accreditation: The Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission
#4. San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia
San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia offers 1 Veterinary Science Degree program. It’s a large private college in an outlying rural.
In 2015, 56 students graduated in the study area of Veterinary Science, with students earning 56 Associate’s degrees.
The college offers DVM, P.h.D, Master’s, and combined degree programs, as well as a wide range of continuing education in Veterinary Medicine.
Graduates from this school are great Vet doctors in California and beyond.
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Number of Programs: 2
- Graduation/Employability Rate: 50%
- Accreditation: The Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
#5. Pima Medical Institute – Chula Vista
The Pima Medical Institute – Chula Vista is a for-profit college located in Chula Vista, California, in the San Diego Area. It is a small institution with an enrollment of about 883 undergraduate students.
The Pima Medical Institute- Chula Vista acceptance rate is 100%. Popular programs include Veterinary Technician and Assistant, Medical Assistant, and Pharmacy Technician.
Graduating 76% of her students, Pima Medical institute – Chula Vista alumni earn a starting salary of $26,700.
Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista is a small private college in a large suburb. In 2015, 210 students graduated in the study area of Veterinary Science, earning 153 Certificates degrees and 57 Associate’s degrees.
The college offers DVM, P.h.D, Master’s, and combined degree programs, as well as a wide range of continuing education in Veterinary Medicine.
- Acceptance Rate:
- Number of Programs: 2
- Graduation/Employability Rate:
- Accreditation: Nationally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
SEE ALSO: 15 Best Free Online Veterinary Classes
#6. Foothill College
The Foothill College offers one (1) Veterinary Science Degree program. It’s a very large public college in a large suburb. In recent years, about 35 students have graduated in the study area of Veterinary Science, with students earning 35 Associate’s degrees.
The Foothill College is a community college in Los Altos Hills, California. It is part of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District. The college offers 79 Associate degree programs, 1 Bachelor’s degree program, and 107 certificate programs.
The college offers its graduates DVM, P.h.D, Master’s, and combined degree programs, and a wide range of continuing education in Veterinary Medicine.
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Number of Programs: 1
- Graduation/Employability Rate:90%
- Accreditation: The Accrediting Commission for Community & Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
#7. Platt College-Los Angeles
The Platt College-Los Angeles offers 2 Veterinary Science Degree programs. It’s a very small private university in a large suburb.
In recent years, 64 students graduated in the study area of Veterinary Science, earning 32 Associate’s degrees and 32 Certificates degrees.
The Platt College launched its Veterinary Technology Program in July 2011, with a scheduled graduation date of January 2013. The College has received AVMA accreditation for its program.
With AVMA approval, graduates will be eligible to sit for the California Veterinary Medical Board Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) Examination.
The Veterinary Technology Program at the Platt School of Medical Sciences is designed to provide in-depth study and training necessary to gain entry-level employment in animal health care.
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Number of Programs: 2
- Graduation/Employability Rate: 80%
- Accreditation: Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges(ACCSC),
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#8. Santa Rosa Junior College
The Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) is a public community college in Santa Rosa, California, with an additional campus in Petaluma and centers surrounding Sonoma County.
Santa Rosa Junior College was modeled as a feeder school for the University of California system (a “junior” version of the nearby University of California, Berkeley, with the Bear Cub mascot modeled after Oski). The Sonoma County Community College District operates SRJC.
Santa Rosa Junior College offers 1 Veterinary Science Degree program. It’s a very large public college in a mid-sized city.
In recent years, 9 students graduated in the study area of Veterinary Science with students earning 9 Certificates degrees.
The Veterinary Technician Certificate curriculum provides students the academic knowledge and semester units necessary to pursue Category 5 (Alternate Route Category) to becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT).
Upon completion of this certificate’s 23-semester unit requirement and 36 months (4680 hours) of outside. With practical experience working for a California-licensed veterinarian, students are prepared to satisfy the requirements to sit for the RVT examination. In the State of California.
All coursework and practical experience must be completed within five years before the examination application date for registration as a Registered Veterinary Technician.
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Number of Programs: 1
- Graduation/Employability Rate: 48.4
- Accreditation: Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
9. Central Coast College
Central Coast College offers 1 Veterinary Science Degree program. It’s a private school in a mid-sized city.
In recent years, 7 students graduated from the study area of Veterinary Science with students earning 7 Certificates degrees.
The college offers DVM, P.h.D, Master’s, and combined degree programs, as well as a wide range of continuing education in Veterinary Medicine.
Graduates from this school are great Vet doctors in California and beyond.
- Acceptance Rate: 56.7%
- Number of Programs: 1
- Graduation/Employability Rate: 71.8%
- Accreditation: Accredited through ACCET (the Accrediting Council on Continuing Education and Training).
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#10. Mt San Antonio College
Mt San Antonio College offers 1 Veterinary Science Degree program. It’s a very large public college in a large suburb.
Recently, 41 students graduated in the study area of Veterinary Science, with students earning 41 Associate’s degrees.
Mt. San Antonio College is a public community college in Walnut, California.
The school offers more than 260 degree and certificate programs, 25 support programs, 50 student clubs, and athletic programs, including counseling and tutoring.
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Number of Programs: 1
- Graduation/Employability Rate: 34%
- Accreditation: Accredited through ACCET (the Accrediting Council on Continuing Education and Training).
Conclusion
Although, there has been this argument that veterinary schools are more complex than medical school.
This cannot be argued because there are factors stated below to clear the arguments. But whether or not vet schools in California are more relevant than medical schools in the United States, it’s pointless.
The truth is that, like every great career, veterinary medicine is a challenging field that requires commitment and great devotion.
Indeed, there are top veterinary medicine schools where you can get to broaden your education in California.
However, this article stands wholly to give all the essential information you need to know when looking for the best veterinary technician colleges in California.
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