Best Veterinary Schools in Alabama in 2024

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Veterinary schools are competitive in Alabama, so admission requires a high GPA and a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as zoo physiology. 

Our dedicated veterinary school’s page offers targeted information on educational and career opportunities for interested individuals searching for the best vet schools in Alabama.

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Are there Colleges in Alabama With Veterinary Programs?

Fortunately for future veterinary technicians in Alabama, there are several qualified veterinary schools in Alabama to help them obtain their licenses. 

Students are encouraged to seek programs accredited by the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Practice (CVTEA).

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This is the primary accrediting body for veterinary medicine programs of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

AL candidates who have completed a program not approved by the AVMA may apply to have their education recognized by the Alabama Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (ASBVME).

ALSO CHECK: Best Veterinary Schools in Missouri

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How Long are Veterinary Schools in Alabama?

Vet schools in Alabama typically take four years to complete, leading to a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M. or V.M.D.) designation. 

Graduates wishing to practice veterinary medicine in Alabama must be licensed by passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE).

This is in addition to all applicable requirements required by the Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. 

ALSO CHECK: Best Veterinary Schools In Indiana

What are the Requirements for Veterinary Schools in Alabama?

To be admitted to a CVTEA-accredited program, students must complete an application; submit official high school transcripts with evidence of specific coursework (e.g., English, Algebra, Biology, Computers, etc.)

They also need to write a personal statement, submit test scores (e.g., TOEFL for non-native English speakers), provide proof of vaccinations or health insurance, and pay a fee. 

It can also enhance your application to have proven experience working with animals.  Some programs also ask for an interview with the candidate or letters of recommendation.

ALSO CHECK: Best Veterinary Schools In Massachusetts

How Many Veterinary Schools are in Alabama?

AL has two CVTEA-accredited programs.  Coastal Alabama Community College (formerly Faulkner State) Bay Minette offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Veterinary Technology. 

This program includes courses such as mammalian anatomy and physiology; clinical procedures and pathology; anesthesia and diagnostic imaging; animal pharmacology and toxicology; and hands-on learning through local mentoring.

ALSO CHECK: Best Veterinary Schools In Wisconsin

What is the Salary of a Vet in Alabama?

Veterinarians working in Alabama earn $59,095, which is 75% higher than the state average and 45% higher than the national average for all occupations. 

Veterinarian employment is limited only to the working population in Alabama due to the specific qualifications required along with the schooling associated with this career. 

The growing demand for qualified veterinarians, combined with the educational barrier to entry into the field, is met with a steady stream of eager college graduates looking to make a lasting impact on the lives of others in and around Alabama.

ALSO CHECK: Best Veterinary Schools In Michigan

How to Become a Vet in Alabama

Under the Alabama Veterinary Practice Act, Alabama veterinarians who employ unlicensed veterinarians are guilty of a misdemeanor. 

The veterinarian’s license must be held at the person’s employment.  Therefore, a professional license is required to practice as a veterinary technician in this state. Here are the typical steps to becoming a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) in Alabama:

  • High school graduate with coursework in English, Chemistry, Biology, and Algebra
  • Complete a 2-4 year veterinary technology program, ideally accredited by the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activity (CVTEA) of the American Veterinary Medical Association
  • Pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) with a score of at least 70 percent
  • Apply for state licensure through the Alabama Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (ASBVME)

What are the Best Veterinary Schools in Alabama?

#1 Jefferson State Community College 

Jefferson Community College (JSCC) Birmingham offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Veterinary Technology.

It comes with classes such as Veterinary Emergency Technician, First Aid; and veterinary microbiology and toxicology. 

Impressively, 100 percent of JSCC’s veterinary programs graduates are reported to be employed upon graduation.

This vet school in Missouri is ideal for students working in the animal health field, as applicants must have at least 360 hours of practical experience before enrolment. 

Other requirements for applying to the Jefferson State program include two letters of recommendation and an in-person interview.  Clinical mentors are also required to undergo AL. 

Between 2016 and 2019, the VTNE pass rate for Jefferson State Graduates was 67 percent.

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#2 Northern Virginia Community College

Northern Virginia-Loudon Community College (NOVA) offers a three-year, part-time, online AAS in Veterinary Technology program for individuals who work at least 20 hours per week at an approved veterinary facility. 

Distance courses at NOVA include Mathematics for Allied Health, Animal Breed and Behavior, Animal Pharmacology, Animal Dentistry and Clinical Pathology. 

Please note that this web-based program requires two to three visits to the Loudoun, VA campus per semester, and maybe more.

Application preference may be given to students residing in Virginia.  Interested AL residents are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office to determine eligibility. 

Between 2017 and 2020, 77.12 percent of graduates from on-campus programs passed the VTNE on the first attempt.  Online NOVA students performed better on their first attempt, with a three-course first-pass score of 84.62.

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#3 St. Petersburg College

St. Petersburg College (SPC) in Florida offers an Associate of Science (AS) degree in Veterinary Technology with advanced training in surgery, nursing, radiology, dentistry and laboratory research. 

Classes include exotic pet medications, veterinary medical terminology, veterinary office procedures, animal care, and animal diseases.

This program begins in August, January, and May of each year and is open to applicants with at least 40 hours of work or volunteer experience in a veterinary hospital.

In addition, students are expected to work 20 hours per week in an approved veterinary facility to fulfill clinical requirements. 

Notably, of the graduates of this 73-credit program, 74 percent passed the VTNE on the first attempt between 2016 and 2019.

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#4 Tuskegee University

Tuskegee University’s Master of Science in Veterinary Medicine program is taught at their Tuskegee campus.  Of the 3,103 students, about 17% are graduate students. 

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges institutionally accredits the university. Tuition is typically around $20,015 per year. 

Books and supplies can cost around $1,603, although this will depend on the program. 

The Master of Veterinary Science program in the College of Veterinary Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health produces successful academics and researchers in cancer cell biology, HIV/AIDS, cancer and monotherapy, reproductive biology, risk analysis/epidemiology, food safety, and food control.

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Conclusion

With all the programs available today, it can be difficult to choose the best one for you.  You’re also no longer limited to schools in your area, as online programs are becoming more common.  Or you may find vocational school programs a better alternative for you.

Along with detailed profiles of schools and the programs they offer, we’ve compiled the top veterinary schools in Alabama to help you find the best school for you.

Veterinary Schools in Alabama FAQs

What are Alabama State Requirements for Veterinary Technicians?

To work as a veterinary technician in Alabama, people must be licensed by the state.  Qualifications for a license include being at least 18 years old, demonstrating good character, and proof of completion of an animal technology program at an approved school.  New veterinarians must also apply with a fee to the Alabama Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners and pass the national licensing exam with a score of at least 70 percent.  Veterinarians are required to take advanced training courses and renew their licenses every year.

How Many Vets are in Alabama?

Alabama currently employs 840 veterinary technicians, but the number of positions is constantly growing, and there are many opportunities for those hoping to work in this field.  Veterinarians work in animal hospitals, veterinary practices, research facilities, kennels, shelters, and stables.

Are there Online Veterinary Schools in Alabama?

Some people in AL may find it difficult to attend an accredited program at Coastal Alabama Community College. Attending an online veterinary technology program is one option for people with time or distance constraints. Online veterinary technology programs typically involve completing online coursework and clinical mentoring (ie, hands-on training under the guidance of licensed professionals) at local sites. One of the eight CVTEA-accredited distance learning programs is located in Alabama.

References

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