When choosing veterinary schools in Ohio, finding the right one for you can be difficult. You may want to consider a public school instead of a private university for your degree, with concerns like cost and satisfaction.
Regardless of your decision, are you getting all the information you need before you go to school? When applying to vet school, you will likely encounter many unique situations that may or may not help you decide.
Some Veterinary Schools In Ohio may seem attractive because of specific areas of interest. In contrast, other schools and programs may be considered a better fit for you based on the results of a third-party application or contact with professors or other alumni of that institution.
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How Long are Veterinary Schools in Ohio?
Ohio is fortunate to have several veterinary technician programs accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. A veterinary technology degree can take 2-4 years, depending on whether you study full-time or part-time.
A veterinary technology specialist degree is usually awarded, but some schools still offer a bachelor’s degree.
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What is Ohio State Veterinary School Tuition?
- In-state tuition: $117,704 ($29,426/1st year)
- Out-of-state tuition: $253,312 ($64,578/1st year)
Each year, OSU and the College of Veterinary Medicine determine the cost of attendance in Ohio vet schools. It consists of direct university costs (tuition and fees) and indirect costs that are vital to attendance (textbooks and supplies, housing, food, etc.)
This information should be used for planning purposes. Still, it also acts as the annual maximum that can be received in financial aid, meaning that students cannot receive funding over the annual occupancy certificate.
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What are Ohio Vet School Requirements?
To be admitted to a vet school in Ohio 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.
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How to Become a Vet in Ohio
- If you want to become a veterinary technician in Ohio, you must complete an accredited veterinary technology program in one of the veterinary schools in Ohio.
- After completing an accredited program, you must pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) administered by the American Veterinary Association if you want to work as a veterinarian in Ohio.
- As a final step, you must obtain a license before getting a veterinary technician job. You must also register with the Ohio Veterinary Medicine Licensing Board (OVMLB).
- Although Ohio does not have a specific state exam for veterinarians, they must register with the OVMLB. The application requirements are listed below.
- Those licensed in other states may apply for a veterinary reciprocity license with a letter of good standing from their current licensing organization.
- Renewal of OVMLB registration (every two years).
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What are the Best Veterinary Schools in Ohio?
#1 Columbus State Community College
Columbus State College offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Veterinary Technology and is fully accredited by the AVMA.
The program helps prepare students for real-world employment and has relationships with 160 different clinics across the state where students can train and gain experience through hands-on parts of their training.
The full-time program takes about five semesters and the part-time program takes 11 semesters.
Courses include anatomy and physiology; veterinary parasitology; advanced medical terminology; principles of veterinary anesthesia; techniques of veterinary surgery; animal nutrition; and more.
Columbus State College also has joint programs with Otterbein University (equine veterinary technology) and Ohio State University (animal science/agriculture) where students can earn an AAS degree and a bachelor’s degree.
#2 Cuyahoga Community College
Cuyahoga Community College in Parma is another affordable choice for students in Ohio looking for veterinary technology programs.
The school offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in veterinary technology and is accredited by the AVMA.
The program provides hands-on learning in high-tech, newly constructed classrooms and laboratories, offering real-world clinical internship experience.
Students spend four semesters and a summer session completing the program for 64 credits.
Courses include veterinary medicine; veterinary diagnostic imaging; veterinary pathology; dentistry for veterinary technicians; animal health and diseases; veterinary emergency and resuscitation care; and more.
Between 2018 and 2021, 84.21 percent of Cuyahoga graduates passed the VTNE on their first attempt.
#3 Kent State University
Kent State University offers an AAS in Veterinary Technology at its Tuscarawas and Trumbull campuses. To apply, students must have a minimum GPA of 2.7 and 15 hours of veterinary practice experience.
The program prepares students to become successful veterinary technicians who perform support functions such as clinical procedures and routine laboratory work.
The program spans 64 credits and includes courses such as clinical laboratory; veterinary care; surgery and anesthesia; medicine of laboratory and exotic animals; veterinary office applications; and more.
Students perform laboratory work and practice in a veterinary hospital. Upon successful completion, graduates of this program are eligible to take the national veterinary technician exam, which is the first step toward registration in the state of Ohio.
Graduates of this program can expect employment opportunities in biomedical research, wildlife facilities, diagnostic laboratories, animal control facilities, and humane societies.
#4 Ross College
Ross College in North Canton also offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Veterinary Technology. Students learn a variety of laboratory procedures, as well as how to assist during anesthesia and surgery.
Students in this program gain skills and knowledge that will prepare them for entry-level employment in various veterinary clinics and related fields.
This 24-course program includes courses such as Introduction to Veterinary Technology; veterinary anatomy and physiology; medicine for small animals; pharmacology; large animal medicine; veterinary imaging; veterinary medical terminology; and more.
The program consists of 96 credits. Students complete laboratory work and an externship; the program takes 96 weeks. Between 2018 and 2021, the VTNE rate for Ross vet tech graduates was 45.45 percent for the first time.
#5 Sinclair Community College
Sinclair Community College offers an accredited AAS program in Veterinary Technology.
This program includes training in nursing, animal husbandry and restraint, drug administration, surgical preparation and technique, anatomy, anesthesia, radiography, and laboratory techniques.
The program also includes mentorships at several research institutions and private practices, providing valuable on-the-job training.
Courses in this program include microbiology and laboratory; admission to the provision of medical care; medical terminology; comparative anatomy and physiology, animal husbandry and diseases; veterinary anesthesia, surgery, diagnostic laboratory and radiology; and more.
Students complete laboratory work, clinical practicums, and mentoring to gain practical knowledge as veterinary technicians. From 2018 to 2021, Sinclair graduates had a 75.4 percent first-time VTNE pass rate.
#6 Stautzenberger College
Stautzenberger College in Brecksville and Maumee offers a 24-month AAS degree in Veterinary Technology. This is a hybrid program that combines online learning with on-campus instruction for hands-on components.
Preparing students with the knowledge, procedures, and skills to promote the welfare and health of veterinary patients effectively; this program’s mission is to prepare them to work in a small animal clinic setting.
The curriculum of this 114.5 credit program includes courses in advanced clinical animal procedures; microbiology; pharmacology; breeding and diseases, large animals; medical methods of large animals; breeding and diseases, small animals; veterinary life science; and more.
In other programs, students complete laboratory work and a veterinary externship. Between 2018 and 2021, the percentage of Maumee vet tech graduates taking the VTNE for the first time was 41.48 percent, compared to 47.37 percent for Brecksville graduates.
Upon completion of the program, graduates can pursue opportunities in veterinary hospitals, animal hospitals and shelters, on-site veterinary services, and more.
#7 University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College
The University Of Cincinnati College Of Blue Ash offers another AAS degree in veterinary technology in Ohio that takes 5 semesters (including one summer).
This competitive program requires students to have a 2.75 GPA and 20 hours of veterinary experience before applying.
Students who earn this associate’s degree will be eligible to continue their studies in UC Blue Ash College’s Bachelor of Science in Technical and Applied Studies program.
Comprised of 71 required semester hours, the program includes courses such as veterinary imaging; laboratory procedures; pharmacy and pharmacology; principles of anesthesia and surgery; animal husbandry and diseases; office and hospital procedures; and more.
Students complete a technical practicum and mentorship in the final semester. From 2018 to 2021, UC Blue Ash graduates had an 87 percent first-time pass rate for the three-year VTNE.
Graduates can pursue careers in pet and farm animals, zoos, industrial and medical research facilities, federal agencies, and the military.
#8 Valley College
Valley College in Cleveland, Ohio, offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technician, exposing students to a wide range of advanced veterinary techniques and concepts.
This highly interactive veterinary program will help students enhance their skills by teaching them to educate the public and clients about the gold standard of animal care.
The program comprises 65 credits, including coursework in veterinary anatomy and physiology; applications of small animals; large animal applications; laboratory animals and methods; surgical and dental procedures; and a veterinary technician externship.
Students in this program learn about anesthesia monitoring, laboratory testing, tissue specimen preparation, critical patient monitoring, wound care, phlebotomy, radiology, animal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, animal surgical preparation, and surgical asepsis.
VTNE ratings are not yet available for Valley College, as it received AVMA accreditation in 2021.
Conclusion
Ohio vet schools are limited but extremely competitive. The demand for competent, exceptional veterinarians is accompanied by a strong academic foundation. Students seeking admission will need a viable GPA and a bachelor’s degree in a science-intensive field of study such as genetics.
Students accepted into the program can expect a 4-year degree program filled with laboratory work, lectures, and research initiatives. The college awards a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine for those who complete the degree program.
Graduates motivated to pursue a career in veterinary medicine after college will be required to pass the NAVLE and obtain appropriate licensure from the Ohio State VMLB.
Veterinary Schools in Ohio FAQs
Are Vets in Demand in Ohio?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2021), vacancies for veterinary technicians and technologists are expected to grow by 15 percent between 2020 and 2030, much faster than the average projected rate for all occupations (8 percent).Â
With 17,100 new jobs in the country, and many in more rural areas, becoming a veterinary technician in Ohio can be an important investment in the future.
How Much Do Veterinary Technicians Make in Ohio?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2020), 109,490 veterinary technicians nationwide had an average annual salary of $37,860, and 3,870 veterinary technicians in Ohio had an average annual salary of $36,210. It is important to note that the cost of living in Ohio is lower than in many other states.
Do You Need a License to Work as a Vet in Ohio?
After graduating from an accredited veterinary school in Ohio, students are usually required to register with the state of Ohio. Ohio has no state licensing exam, but students must take the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). Vets must score 425 or higher to pass. In addition to taking the exam, students must apply to the Ohio Veterinary Medicine Licensing Board (OVMLB).
References
vettechcolleges.com – VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SCHOOLS IN OHIO
