Arizona has some of the best veterinary schools in the state. If you want to be on one of them, you must be accepted to one of these schools.
Under the direction of a veterinarian or veterinary technician, a veterinary student or apprentice cares for animals in a hospital or animal clinic.
If accepted into veterinary school, you can learn how to help animals and end their suffering.
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Requirements for Veterinary Schools in Arizona
To get into a two- to four-year veterinary technology program in one of the veterinary schools in Arizona, admissions officers may require official high school transcripts and confirmation of passing grades in specific classes (for example, algebra, chemistry, biology, English).
They will also require good test results (SAT or ACT and TOEFL for those who do not speak English); letter(s) of recommendation; immunization, health insurance, or US citizenship documents; and application fee.
Applicants may also need to have experience working (or volunteering) with animals in a professional environment to demonstrate their commitment to the field.
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What is Arizona Vet School Tuition?
Tuition for Arizona veterinary schools is likely to be around $14,265 per year. Study materials can cost around $580. The program usually takes 9 months to complete.
The program includes courses in nursing skills, animal anatomy and physiology, surgical procedures, chemistry, animal restraint, and office skills such as computer basics, telephone, and appointment scheduling.
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What are the Veterinary Jobs in Arizona?
The AVMA defines a Certified Veterinary Technician in Arizona as someone who has either completed a two-year AVMA-accredited program and passed the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) or was certified before 2010 under previous board regulations.
Veterinarians in Arizona can provide emergency or first aid under veterinary supervision over the phone, demonstrating a relatively high volume of practice compared to other states.
Finally, any certified veterinarian who provides emergency care in good faith is not liable for damages except in cases of gross negligence.
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How to Become a Vet in Arizona
To qualify for certification through the Board, applicants must provide proof of completion of an AVMA-accredited program, submit official VTNE exam results, and provide three character references.
You also need to provide proof of US citizenship, a resume with two years of experience as a veterinary technician, pay $150 and pass the State Commission exam for certification.
The Arizona Special Exam is offered three times a year, usually in April, August, and December. Finally, CVTs must apply for renewal and complete 10 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years to maintain active certification.
All certificates expire on December 31 of every even-numbered year. Additionally, Arizona has specific rules regarding the type of CE that qualifies, which are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please see the AZVMEB Continuing Education page.
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What are the Best Veterinary Schools in Arizona in 2024?
Here is the list of best vet schools in Arizona in 2023.
- Carrington College-Mesa
- Carrington College-Phoenix
- Arizona State University (ASU) Veterinary Program
- Mesa Community College
- Pima Medical Institute-East Valley
- Pima Medical Institute-Mesa
- Pima Medical Institute-Phoenix
- Carrington College-Tucson
- Pima Community College
- Pima Medical Institute-Tucson
#1 Carrington College-Mesa
Carrington College’s veterinary assistant certificate program is taught at their Mesa campus in Mesa. This private for-profit college has a total enrolment of about 718 students, with the majority enrolled in 2-year programs.
The Bureau of Medical Education Accreditation institutionally accredits the college. Tuition for a Vet Tech program is likely to be around $14,265 per year. Study materials can cost around $580. The program usually takes 9 months to complete.
The program includes courses in nursing skills, animal anatomy and physiology, surgical procedures, chemistry, animal restraint, and office skills such as computer basics, telephone, and appointment scheduling.
#2 Carrington College-Phoenix
Carrington College is one of the best vet schools in AZ and its Veterinary Assisting Certificate Program is taught at their Phoenix campus in Phoenix.
This private for-profit college has a total enrolment of about 617 students, most of whom are enrolled in 2-year programs. The Bureau of Accreditation of Health Schools accredits the college.
Tuition for a Vet Tech program is generally around $14,265 for each academic year, while study materials can cost around $580. The program is usually completed in 9 months.
#3 Arizona State University (ASU) Veterinary Program
Arizona State University (ASU) in Tempe offers a pre-veterinary medicine concentration as a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness. Students may continue their studies in veterinary school.
Students of the pre-veterinary concentration have a unique opportunity to take business management courses within the program.
Financial and administrative skills have been identified as playing a key role in the success of practicing veterinarians, especially those who manage and/or own veterinary practices,” according to the ASU website.
According to the university, students with an agribusiness degree can go on to work in veterinary hospital management, the human and veterinary pharmaceutical industry, and other fields related to the veterinary profession.
#4 Mesa Community College
Mesa Community College’s veterinary technology associate degree program is based on its campus in Mesa, Arizona. Most of the school’s 22,711 students are enrolled in 2-year programs.
The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Higher Learning accredits the college.
Tuition for in-state students is about $2,046 and for out-of-state students is about $7,830 for each academic year, while books and supplies can cost about $1,280, although this depends on programs to program.
#5 Pima Medical Institute-East Valley
Pima Medical Institute is one of the veterinary schools in Arizona that offers several training options, including a certificate program and an assistantship program.
All programs are taught at their East Valley Campus in Mesa in Maricopa County, Arizona.
Most of the school’s 459 students are enrolled in 2-year programs. The Bureau of Medical Education Accreditation institutionally accredits the college.
Tuition for a Vet Tech program is around $16,443 per year, while study materials can cost around $1,824. The program is usually completed in 12 months.
#6 Pima Medical Institute-Mesa
The certificate program at Pima Medical Institute is offered at their Mesa campus in Mesa, Arizona. Most of the school’s 1,038 students are enrolled in 2-year programs.
The Bureau of Accreditation of Health Schools accredits the college. Tuition is about $12,024 per year. Books and supplies can cost around $670, although this will depend on the program.
#7 Pima Medical Institute-Phoenix
Pima Medical Institute offers several training options, including an assistantship and certificate programs. All programs are taught at their Phoenix campus in Phoenix.
At 1,055 contact hours, the Vet Tech program is the College’s largest program. Tuition is around $16,443 per year, while books and supplies can cost around $1,824, although this varies from program to program.
#8 Carrington College-Tucson
Carrington College’s veterinary assistant certificate program is offered at their Tucson campus in Tucson, Arizona.
This private for-profit college has a total enrolment of about 424 students, most of whom are enrolled in 2-year programs. The Bureau of Accreditation of Health Schools accredits the college.
Tuition for a Vet Tech program is typically around $14,265 for each academic year. Books and supplies can cost around $580. A typical program completion time is 9 months.
#9 Pima Community College
Pima Community College offers several degree options, including certificate and associate degree programs. All programs are taught at their Tucson campus.
This public college has a total enrolment of about 28,070 students, most of whom are enrolled in 2-year programs. The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Higher Learning accredits the college.
Tuition for in-state students is typically around $1,974, and for out-of-state students, around $8,610 per year, while study materials can cost around $1,600 depending on the program.
#10 Pima Medical Institute-Tucson
Pima Medical Institute offers several training options, including an assistantship and certificate program. Classes are held at their Tucson campus in Tucson, Arizona.
This private for-profit college has about 1,948 students, with the majority enrolling in 4-year degree programs. The Bureau of Medical Education Accreditation institutionally accredits the college.
Tuition for the Vet Tech program is approximately $12,024 per academic year. Study materials can cost approximately $743. Completion of the program usually takes 8 months.
Conclusion
As mentioned above, prospective veterinary technicians in Arizona are encouraged to look for programs accredited by the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activity (CVTEA), an organization created by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
To become licensed, certified, or registered in most states, including Arizona, you must complete an AVMA-accredited program.
In addition to passing the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE)—the primary national exam for veterinarians—a candidate must complete a 2- to 4-year program accredited by the AVMA.
Veterinary Schools in Arizona FAQs
What is the Requirement to be a Vet in Arizona?
To become certified in Arizona, veterinarians must complete training at a school accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and approved by the Arizona State Board of Veterinary Medicine. Applicants for certification must also pass the National Veterinary Technician Exam and the Arizona State Veterinarian Exam.
How Many Vets are in Arizona?
Arizona currently employs more than 2,000 veterinarians and nearly 800 veterinary assistants, and the number of available jobs is growing. There are many employers for veterinary technicians and assistants, including animal clinics, research facilities, kennels, and private veterinary practices.
How Much Do Vets in Arizona Make?
As of June 28, 2022, the average salary for a veterinarian in Arizona is $100,298, but typically ranges from $78,774 to $127,273. The salary range can vary greatly depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
References
- vettechnicians.org – Becoming a Veterinary Technician in Arizona
- vettechcolleges.com – VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SCHOOLS IN ARIZONA
