Animal and Veterinary Science

Animal Health Science B.S.

In only four years, you'll have more hands-on experience than a pre-vet major — taking x-rays, assisting in surgeries. With a bachelor's degree in animal health science, you can become a veterinary technologist, working side-by-side with veterinarians. Customize your major to go into private practice, research, public health or business administration.

We have been accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association's Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities since 1997. Our students are eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and become licensed as a registered veterinary technologist (RVTg). 

Veterinary Technician National Exam Passing Rates
Effective March 1, 2014, all veterinary technician applicants are required to take and pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) to be licensed in the state of California. In April 2019, the California Veterinary Medical Board discontinued the California State RVT exam as a requirement for licensure.

Veterinary Technician national Exam Passing Rates
Dec. 17, 2020-
Dec. 18, 2023
Number of first-time candidates that have taken the VTNE 75
Three-Year VTNE Pass Percentage (%) 78.6%
Three-Year VTNE Pass Percentage (%) National Average 66.9%

 

California State University programs for professions that require licensure or certification are intended to prepare the student to meet California licensure and certification requirements. Admission into programs for professions that require licensure and certification does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate. Licensure and certification requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the California State University and licensure and certification requirements can change at any time.

The California State University has not determined whether its programs meet other states’ educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students enrolled in a California State University program who are planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether they will meet their state’s requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).

Student holds baby goats by the mom goat
A student learns how to intubate on a dog replica
students at meat lab study the bones of a pig

On the farm and in the hospital.

Learn hands-on with small animals and the farm animals on our 1,500-acre campus and at off-campus externships. Get certified as a registered veterinary technologist in only 4 years.

Perform wellness care

Keep animals healthy and happy by performing dental exams and administering vaccines.

Practice preventive medicine

Study animal nutrition and develop feeding programs for different lifecycle stages.

Personalize your degree

Take courses that take you where you want to go — from the pet food industry to becoming a specialist. Focus on business, research, nutrition, anesthesiology, dentistry, emergency and critical care.