So, this post will not only throw more light on the 10 best veterinary colleges in California but it 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 important to know the duties of a veterinarian and seemingly their job outlook in 2021.  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. This can be augmented by other paraprofessionals 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 normally 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 also treat sick and injured animals. They also advise owners about the precise maintenance of their pets and their livestock. According to Wikipedia, defined a Veterinarian as a professional who practices veterinary medicine in order 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 actually 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.

How Much Does it Cost to Attend Veterinary School in California?

Firstly, veterinary colleges in California vary depending on whether you choose to attend private or public schools. For instance, regarding the undergraduate level, the tuition fees differ 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 in California against international students. It is now well known that residents’ students always have lesser tuition to pay 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 school in North Grafton, MA, offers a D.V.M. for $40,528 yearly for residents and $42,640 yearly 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 be beneficial for 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 normally 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 really matters. With this objective in mind, we have made a list of 10 Best Veterinary Colleges in California. Also, we will be stating a full detail of our ranking criteria In choosing the best Veterinary colleges in California, we will be considering 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 have a good number of programs they offer. Accreditation: This criterion is very much necessary because a school can be cheap but yet do not have quality. So we examine the body of accreditation as well as certification 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 of graduating 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.

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 offers the largest variety of degree programs amidst 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 both DVM, P.h.D, Master’s and combined degree programs, as well as a wide range of continuing education in Veterinary Medicine. Basically, 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: 2Graduation/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 that was instituted in 1960. It is located in the La Jolla community of San Diego, close to the Pacific Ocean. Also, more than 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 both 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

#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 animal, 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 both 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 go on to 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 with students earning 153 Certificates degrees, and 57 Associate’s degrees. 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: Number of Programs: 2 Graduation/Employability Rate: Accreditation: Nationally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)

#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 graduate 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 in the school. The college offers its graduates 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: 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 with students earning 32 Associate’s degrees, and 32 Certificates degrees. The Platt College lanched 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 specifically 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),

#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 nearby University of California, Berkeley, with the Bear Cub mascot modeled after Oski). SRJC is operated by the Sonoma County Community College District. Santa Rosa Junior College offers 1 Veterinary Science Degree program. It’s a very large public college in a mid-sized city. In the 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 the 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. 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 prior to the examination application date for registration as a Registered Veterinary Technician. Acceptance Rate: 100% Number of Programs: 1Graduation/Employability Rate: 48.4Accreditation: 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 both 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).

#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, and more than 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). 4 yearsIn the United States, veterinary school is a four-year degree program following undergraduate Bachelor’s degree level education (a total of 7 to 9 years: 3 to 5 years undergraduate plus 4 years of veterinary school). All United States citizens and qualified non-citizens who have completed the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online and been accepted to veterinary school are eligible to receive up to $40,500 each year. This is a supplemental federal loan that can be used for any remaining educational expenses Veterinarian Salary Per Month. The median annual vet salary as of May 2017 was $90,420. A medial salary is the midpoint in a list of salaries for an occupation, where half made more and half made less. Share that by 12 (months in a year) to arrive at $7,535 per month. SDSU has an excellent pre-veterinary medicine curriculum that allows students to meet the basic science & other course demands for application to Colleges of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) throughout the nation. The Veterinary Science department updates recommendations for pre-veterinary course qualifications yearly. There are currently 28 U.S., 5 Canadian and 12 foreign veterinary schools accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and many other listed foreign programs. UC Davis and Western University of Health Sciences (WUHS) offer the only two(2) veterinary medical programs in California. A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree basically costs $28,000-$54,000 per year for in-state tuition and fees (resident rate) or $41,000-$66,000 per year (for four years) for out-of-state tuition and fees (non-resident rate). Generally, tuition costs are higher for non-residents attending a state school.

Conclusion

Although, there has been this argument that veterinary schools are more difficult 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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