Bachelor of Veterinary Science Degree Programs with Course Info
A Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree is a 4-year program that prepares students to assist veterinarians in laboratory studies, medical emergencies, extended critical care and research. Though the majority of veterinarian assistants or technicians have associate degrees, a bachelor's degree may lead to greater career opportunities and higher pay.
Bachelor of Veterinary Science Degree Programs with Course Info
Recipients of a bachelor's degree in veterinary science are qualified to become veterinary technologists and help veterinarians by performing tests to diagnose illnesses, providing dental care and administering treatments prescribed by the vet. With this degree, students have the opportunity to study in areas other than traditional pet care. Extra or elective classes provide students with training in exotic animal care, disease research, nutrition and husbandry. These extra classes expand the students' knowledge and enables them to find jobs in areas such as ranching, zoology, animal nutrition and research.
After earning a veterinary science degree students may take the Veterinarian Technician National Exam (VTNE), administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (www.aavsb.org.). Though licensing requirements vary by state, many states use the VTNE exam to license vet techs. The exam tests academic and practical knowledge through questions demanding written, oral and practical responses.
Education Prerequisites
As with other medical-related programs, students are required to have medical insurance, prove they are physically and medically fit to perform the necessary duties, and have regulation attire. Applicants also need to have several immunizations, the most important of which is a rabies shot.
Program Coursework
In this course of study students receive hands-on experience in addition to their regular book-centered and lecture-based classes. Many programs require clinical experience and offer apprenticeship-style internships with professionals in the field. Students need to be able to devote at least one year to resident training. Some typical classes students may take include:
- Care of laboratory animals
- Infectious diseases and common ailments
- Nutritional needs
- Anesthesia for animals
- Clinical procedures and management
- Pre- and post-surgical nursing
- Research methods
- Medical ethics
Employment Outlook and Salary Info
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that jobs for veterinary technologists will grow about 36% between 2008 and 2018 (www.bls.gov). This growth rate is much faster than average. One reason for this is the growing number of pet owners and the resultant increasing demand for veterinary care. Also expected to increase are venues for animal care such as shelters, kennels, animal control and humane societies.
According to the BLS, the median annual wage of vet techs was $28,900 in May of 2008. Veterinary technologists and technicians who worked in research tended to earn a higher salary than those who held other positions.
Related to Bachelor of Veterinary Science Degree Programs with Course Info
- Related
- Recently Updated
- Popular
Veterinary Epidemiologist: Job Description, Duties, Outlook and Salary
Veterinary epidemiologists study how diseases affect animal populations. Epidemiologists generally look at a...
List of Free Veterinary Classes and Courses Available Online
See our list of the top free online veterinary courses. Learn about what courses are available and what topics they...
Career Information for a Degree or Certification in Veterinary Science
Veterinarians are practitioners who treat animals with diseases, ailments or conduct routine checkups. An individual...
Doctor of Veterinary Science Degree Program Information
There is no Doctor of Veterinary Science degree. Students interested in studying veterinary science typically do so by...
Veterinary Science Degree Program Overviews
- Become a Veterinary Pharmacologist: Education and Career Roadmap
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS): Veterinary Technology Degree Overview
- Critical Care Nursing Courses and Classes Information
- Top Pharmacy Technician Degree Programs - Phoenix, AZ
- Top School for a Multimedia and Graphic Design - Colorado Springs, CO
- Top School for a Degree in Business Finance - Colorado Springs, CO
- Top Business University - Charlotte, NC
- Online Veterinary Science Degree Program Summaries
- Equine Physical Therapist: Salary Info and Requirements
- Top Graduate School for a Human Resource Management Degree - Columbus, OH
- Top Degree Programs for the Culinary Arts - Denver, CO
- Best School with Project Management Degree Programs - Dallas, TX
13 Popular Schools
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- California (1 campus)
- Minnesota (1 campus)
- Texas (1)
Classroom-Based Programs
- Bachelor
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 21 years of age or older and have completed some college or 24 years of age or older and a high school graduate for a Bachelor's degree
- Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
- Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Bachelor
-
- BS in Health Studies - General
- BS in Health Studies - Health Management
-
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must have either two or more years of college or active military status if you are under 24 years of age
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Bachelor
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Georgia (1 campus)
- Texas (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
- Bachelor
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Bachelor
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Arizona (5 campuses)
- California (19)
- Colorado (2)
- Florida (4)
- Hawaii (2)
- Louisiana (1)
- Michigan (1)
- Ohio (1)
- Tennessee (1)
- Texas (4)
- Virginia (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
- Bachelor
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
- Currently not accepting applicants from Minnesota or Tennessee
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
