Animal Veterinary Sciences

Transform Your Passion for Animals into a Career in Veterinary Sciences

Two female students ina science lab

Program Overview

Imagine embarking on a journey in animal veterinary sciences at College of Western Idaho (CWI), where your passion for animal care becomes a rewarding career. The Animal Veterinary Sciences program will allow you to dive into a world of veterinary knowledge, gaining the skills and understanding to make a significant impact in animal health. This program is the beginning of an educational journey that can lead you to advanced studies and a fulfilling career in veterinary sciences.

At CWI, our focus is on you. With smaller classes and accessible instructors, you get the personal attention needed to excel. Starting your higher education journey here means you are more likely to succeed, whether you aim for a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree. Our program is designed to give you the best start, combining high-quality education with practical experience, ensuring you are well-prepared for your future in veterinary sciences.

Degree or Certificate Type

Associate of Science

Time to Complete

2 years

A female student inspecting a hairless cat

Learning Opportunities

  • Comprehensive Veterinary Knowledge: Explore fundamental and advanced topics in veterinary sciences.
  • Practical Animal Care Skills: Gain hands-on experience in animal handling and care.
  • Preparation for Advanced Studies: Establish a strong base for further education in veterinary medicine.
  • Personalized Educational Experience: Enjoy learning with dedicated faculty in a supportive environment.
  • Pathway to a Veterinary Career: Lay the groundwork for a successful career in veterinary sciences.

Community Partnerships

As a student in this program, you will work alongside Treasure Valley veterinarian clinics, the Boise Zoo, Idaho Fish and Game, and University of Idaho.

Area of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Animal Veterinary Sciences – Associate of Science Degree

A male rancher and a female veterinarian inspecting cows on a farm

Career Opportunities

  • Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

    Plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, and supervise farm workers or contract for services to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May engage in or supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, and financial and marketing activities. Excludes “First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers” (45-1011).

    374

    Annual Openings*

    $17.34

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $36,067

    Annual Median Salary

    4.88%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Animal Caretakers

    Feed, water, groom, bathe, exercise, or otherwise provide care to promote and maintain the well-being of pets and other animals that are not raised for consumption, such as dogs, cats, race horses, ornamental fish or birds, zoo animals, and mice. Work in settings such as kennels, animal shelters, zoos, circuses, and aquariums. May keep records of feedings, treatments, and animals received or discharged. May clean, disinfect, and repair cages, pens, or fish tanks. Excludes “Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers” (31-9096) and “Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals” (45-2093).

    166

    Annual Openings*

    $11.18

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $23,254

    Annual Median Salary

    28.74%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

    Feed, water, and examine pets and other nonfarm animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury in laboratories and animal hospitals and clinics. Clean and disinfect cages and work areas, and sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment. May provide routine postoperative care, administer medication orally or topically, or prepare samples for laboratory examination under the supervision of veterinary or laboratory animal technologists or technicians, veterinarians, or scientists. Excludes “Animal Caretakers” (39-2021).

    59

    Annual Openings*

    $13.27

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $27,602

    Annual Median Salary

    30.32%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

    Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related workers. Excludes “First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers” (37-1012).

    23

    Annual Openings*

    $20.42

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $42,474

    Annual Median Salary

    5.55%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

    Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.

    14

    Annual Openings*

    $30.64

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $63,731

    Annual Median Salary

    -2.46%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Farm and Home Management Educators

    Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development. Excludes “Dietitians and Nutritionists” (29-1031).

    7

    Annual Openings*

    $29.62

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $61,610

    Annual Median Salary

    22.28%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Animal Control Workers

    Handle animals for the purpose of investigations of mistreatment, or control of abandoned, dangerous, or unattended animals.

    3

    Annual Openings*

    $17.73

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $36,878

    Annual Median Salary

    9.75%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Animal Breeders

    Select and breed animals according to their genealogy, characteristics, and offspring. May require knowledge of artificial insemination techniques and equipment use. May involve keeping records on heats, birth intervals, or pedigree. Excludes “Animal Scientists” (19-1011) whose primary function is research and “Animal Caretakers” (39-2021) who may occasionally breed animals as part of their other caretaking duties.

    N/A

    Annual Openings*

    $16.37

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $34,050

    Annual Median Salary

    N/A

    Growth (2021 - 2031)*

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*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data.

Admissions

Step 1

  • Apply to CWI.
  • Choose Animal Veterinary Sciences as your major.

Step 2

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
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