10 Vet Schools In Illinois 2022 | How To Get Into Illinois Veterinary Colleges.
Do you want to attend any of the vet schools and colleges in Illinois?
Know that going to a veterinary school in Illinois is going to prepare you to become a veterinary doctor, technician or surgeon.
Graduation from high school is one step to pursuing a degree in the field of veterinary science.
And from what we’ve seen about it, the job outlook for veterinarians is looking good.
But before you start thinking about the job outlook and career progress for this profession you need to first get a degree.
In that regard, we have put up a list of the best vet schools in Illinois just like our articles on the TOP 10 VET SCHOOLS IN TEXAS and VET COLLEGES IN CALIFORNIA.
So, if you’re looking for the best veterinary technician schools in Illinois, this article will give you all the prerequisite information you need to know.
A degree from a veterinary school or college is necessary to make a career in this field.
We have gathered the list of Veterinarian colleges in Illinois for students who want to study veterinary medicine.
So, in this post, we have also listed the cost implication of becoming a vet in Illinois.
Let me walk you through this piece and give you a firm footing to start this veterinary journey.
But First!!!
What is Veterinary Medicine?
Veterinary medicine is a branch of medicine whose specialists deal with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment of disease, and injuries in animals.
This is a broad practise that involves all kinds of animals, their species and the diseases they suffer.
As a broad range of expertise, the doctor in charge often works with other paraprofessionals with specific specialisms such as animal physiotherapy or dentistry.
This course of study teaches you all the things you need to know about animals and how to take care of them when they are sick.
Who is a Veterinarian?
By now, you should have known who a veterinarian is.
A veterinarian is a health professional who studies and practices veterinary medicine.
Veterinarians are also known as veterinary physicians, veterinary surgeons or simply vets.
If you follow the regular TV show known as Incredible Doctor Pol then you should know that he is a veterinarian.
The title “Veterinarian” is an umbrella that houses the specialties in veterinary medicine.
Such specialties include;
- Veterinary surgeon
- Veterinary physician
- The veterinary assistant.
- The veterinary technician etc
Find out more about the vet schools in Illinois below.
What Exactly Does a Veterinarian Do?
Depending on your specialty in the veterinarian structure, your specific involvement and role will differ.
A veterinary surgeon does not handle technical duties as that is majorly for the veterinary technician.
In order not to have a clash of duties, every specialist has his or her role in the Veterinarian umbrella.
And this is largely determined by your course of study.
Back to what veterinarians do, majorly, a veterinary doctor prevents, diagnoses, treats and ensures the health and well-being of animals are protected.
To expound a little bit more on their role, here are some of the duties of a Veterinary doctor;
- Vets advise animal owners about the precise maintenance of their pets and their livestock.
- Veterinarians assist in the prevention and control of animal and human diseases to promote public health.
- Administers immunizations and conducts physical examinations on animals.
- Provides emergency care, surgery and dental procedures on animals.
- Prescribes medications and euthanizes animals.
- As an epidemiologist, vets examine disease outbreaks of animals and humans like foodborne diseases, influenza, plague, rabies, AIDS and encephalitis.
- Furthermore, they assess the safety of food processing plants, restaurants, and water supplies.
- Vets add to scientific publications to help graduate veterinarians acquire new knowledge and skills.
What is the Tuition Cost Of Attending Veterinary Schools in Illinois?
Before we talk about the Vet Colleges and schools in Illinois, you need to know the tuition cost of Veterinary Schools in the area.
Keep in mind that the cost will differ based on the following reasons;
- School Status: private or public?.
- Program of study: undergraduate or master’s?
- Even in private or public schools, the tuition fee depends on the school.
We have stated the tuition cost for each vet school in Illinois.
Are Veterinarians in High Demand in the US States?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for veterinary Doctors, surgeons, Technicians and animal caregivers will increase by 18% between 2018-2028.
What this means is that people are expected to spend more money on their pets and this will increase the demand for veterinary services.
Available veterinary jobs for technicians, assistants, and animal caregivers are growing at a rate of 400 new positions every year.
Therefore, it’s not out of place to say that if you become a veterinarian today, you will not be out of jobs.
In Illinois, there are about 3,700 vet techs and 1,560 veterinary assistants and animal caregivers employed.
Major Things To Consider Before Going to Vet Schools in Illinois.
Before making an advancement to apply to study in Illinois vet schools and colleges ensure you put these key factors into consideration.
Veterinary colleges in Illinois are highly recommended, however, you need to consider the following points before making a choice;
- Accreditation
- Acceptance Rate
- Number of Programs.
- Graduation & Employment Rate.
10 Best Veterinary Schools In Illinois.
Below are overviews of eight vet schools offering veterinary training in Illinois.
#1. John A. Logan College
- Location: Carterville, IL
- Student Teacher Ratio: 54 : 1
- Number of Student Population: 3,744
- Tuition Cost: $3,766 (in-district); $5,506 (in-state); and $6,106 (out-of-state)
- Available Vet Degrees:
- Associate of Science Transfer Degree in Pre-veterinary Medicine
- Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology
Students who plan to continue their studies to become a veterinarian take up the associate’s degree transfer program at John A. Logan College.
The Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology prepares students in veterinary technology which certifies them as veterinary technicians.
#2. Joliet Junior College
- Location: Joliet, IL
- Student Teacher Ratio: 68 : 1
- Number of Student Population: 14,318
- Tuition Cost: $4,380 (in-district); $12,360 (in-state); and $13,140 (out-of-state)
- Available Vet Degrees:
- Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Medical Technology
Joliet Junior College in Joliet is one of the best vet schools in our list of colleges for veterinary medicine in Illinois.
The Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Medical Technology program ensures students get hands-on experience in veterinary clinics.
Unlike most veterinary colleges, Joliet Junior offers a veterinary technology program for two years.
#3. Kaskaskia College
- Location: Centralia, IL
- Student Teacher Ratio: 47 : 1
- Number of Student Population: 3,248
- Tuition Cost: $4,470 (in-district); $7,530 (in-state); and $12,330 (out-of-state)
- Available Vet Degrees:
- Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology
Kaskaskia College is one of the veterinary schools in Illinois whose degree in Vet Tech equips students to become technical and highly skilled administrative.
Basically, at the end of this veterinary program, students are equipped to assist veterinarians.
Also, veterinary technician students take their courses at the facilities near Herrin.
#4. Parkland College
- Location: Champaign, IL
- Student Teacher Ratio: 41 : 1
- Number of Student Population: 6,510
- Tuition Cost: $4,920 (in-district); $11,100 (in-state); and $15,870 (out-of-state).
- Available Vet Degrees:
- Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Medical Technology.
Also, this vet school in Illinois offers an associate’s degree in veterinary technology.
Basically, this program trains students to work with a variety of animal species in several areas of veterinary medicine.
Also, students do a lot of clinical laboratory testing, X-ray procedures, anaesthesia, surgery assistance, office procedures and pharmacy duties.
#5. Rend Lake College
- Location: Ina, IL.
- Student Teacher Ratio: 42 : 1
- Number of Student Population: 2,287.
- Tuition Cost: $3,900 (in-district); $5,850 (in-state); and $6,600 (out-of-state).
- Available Vet Degrees:
- Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Medical Technology
All students who want to enroll as veterinary technicians in Illinois should consider Rend Lake College.
Veterinary programs at Rend Lake College trains students about animal breeds, husbandry, nutrition, veterinary pharmacology, emergency care, clinical pathology, office management and parasitology.
#6. Shawnee Community College
- Location: Ullin, IL
- Student Teacher Ratio: 33 : 1
- Number of Student Population: 1,083
- Tuition Cost: $4,000 (in-district); $5,952 (in-state); and $6,464 (out-of-state).
- Available Vet Degrees:
- Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Medical Technology
Next on our list of good veterinary schools in Illinois is the Shawnee Community College in Ullin.
The veterinary technician program offered at Shawnee Community College is a two-year program.
This course prepares students in areas such as small animal nursing, animal physiology and anatomy, animal pharmacology, animal surgery technology and animal nutrition.
#7. Southeastern Illinois College
- Location: Harrisburg, IL
- Student Teacher Ratio: 47 : 1
- Number of Student Population: 1,732
- Tuition Cost: $3,960 (in-district); $5,940 (in-state); and $6,180 (out-of-state).
- Available Vet Degrees:
- Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Medical Technology
If you seek a basic understanding of animal nursing, anatomy, pharmacology, veterinary practice management and surgical technology, then Southeastern Illinois College is your best bet for vet school.
This is one of the vet schools in Illinois that offers a two-year program to train veterinary technicians.
Here, you will gain exposure to a variety of animals and receive advanced training in subject areas.
#8. University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign.
- Location: Champaign, IL
- Student Teacher Ratio: 22 : 1
- Number of Student Population: 51,605
- Tuition Cost: $15,094 (in-state) and $31,664 (out-of-state).
- Available Vet Degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences.
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
- Master of Public Health.
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
This is one of the few vet colleges in Illinois that offers a bachelor’s degree in veterinary science.
The University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign also offers pre-veterinary concentration for individuals interested in becoming veterinarians.
The bachelor’s course is a four-year program. Other programs are the four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree program and the five-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine/Master of Public Health joint degree program.
#9. Fox College
- Location: Bedford Park, IL
- Student Teacher Ratio: 13 : 1
- Number of Student Population: 451
Fox college offers one of the best veterinary programs in Illinois.
It’s one of the vet schools in Illinois that prepares students for their profession on and before graduation.
#10. Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College
- Location: Rockford, IL
- Student Teacher Ratio: 19 : 1
- Number of Student Population: 472
Last on our list of the top-notch veterinary schools in Illinois is the Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Vet Schools For Veterinarians in Illinois.
What’s the Duration of Veterinary Studies in Illinois?
To become a veterinary technician in Illinois vet schools takes 2 years to complete.
That earns you an Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Medical Technology.
However, to become a veterinary doctor or surgeon requires you to earn a bachelor’s, masters or PhD in Animal Sciences, veterinary medicine or public health.
That takes 4 years.
How Much Do Veterinary Technicians Earn In Illinois?
The national average salary for a veterinary technician is $32,350.
However, in Illinois, veterinary technicians earn about $32,050.
Veterinary assistants and animal caregivers, who require less training and don’t need to be certified, earn an average of $25,090 per year.
Keep in mind that top earners in each field can make $44,510 and $33,120, respectively.
Are Vet Schools and Colleges in Illinois Accredited?
Yes, Illinois vet schools and colleges are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA), the predominant accrediting body for vet tech programs in the country.
Do I Have To Renew My Veterinary Technician Certificate?
Yes, as a veterinary technician, you have to renew your certificate every two years.
And also, you have to take a minimum of 15 hours of continuing education coursework during each two-year period.
Where Are Veterinary Technicians Employed in Illinois?
Vet Techs are often employed in
- Banfield Pet Hospital, Aurora.
- Pets Are Worth Saving (PAWS), Chicago.
- Northern Illinois Cat Clinic, Libertyville.
- Veterinary Specialty Center at Illinois, Chicago
- University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Urbana.
- Animal Emergency Clinic of Champaign, Champaign.
Summary
Becoming a veterinarian at this time is a step in the right direction.
And studying in any of the vet schools is a decision that will set you on a career spree.
Good luck!!
