Dr. Dean Rice Veterinary & HUman Health Program

Program Overview

We offer a 4 year veterinary and human health program that allows the student to explore careers related to the respective fields. Many of our students move on to Vet School, Medical School, Nursing, PharmD, Dental School, CVT/RVT and other veterinary and human health careers. 

The key is, we give them the opportunity to explore, think and experience the path. They are able to make an informed decision on a career path that is right for them. This early choice of a career, allows the students to focus and grow in that field. This process will also save the student and parents money in college tuition and fees due to the focus of their college path. 

Now, add on the path of free college AAEC offers - every student who graduates with an Associates degree from MCCD or other partner institution is two years ahead of their peers from other neighboring schools. They get to apply to undergrad, graduate, and doctoral studies related programs 1-2 years sooner than peers from traditional high schools. 

We currently have two graduates of Midwestern University's School of Veterinary Medicine working at Arizona Humane Society - supporting the community through their dreams. 

Who should enroll in the Veterinary Science Program ?

Any student who has an interest in health or medicine will benefit from the program.  There are many careers in both human and animal health that require the medical terms and training we teach.

• Veterinarian  

  1. Midwestern, University of Arizona

• Certified Veterinary Technician/Registered Veterinary Technician 

  1. Mesa Community College

• Physician, RN/BSN

  1. Midwestern, University of Arizona, ASU

• Physician Assistant 

  1. https://www.asapa.org/page/PAPrograms

• Nurse Practitioner (DNP)

  1. https://www.azbn.gov/sites/default/files/education/nprr/advance-practice-nursing-programs-list-10-4-18.pdf

• Pharmacist (PharmD) 

  1. Midwestern, University of Arizona

• Dentistry 

  1. Midwestern

• MRI Technician, Ultrasound Technician 

  1. Maricopa Community Colleges

• Dentist 

  1. Midwestern

  2. Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health

• Veterinary Anesthesiology

  1. https://acvaa.org/jobs/anesthesiologist-arizona/

• Human Anesthesiology

  1. Midwestern

  2. University of Arizona

• Animal Conservation & Ecology (also Wildlife Science Major)

  1. University of Arizona

  2. US News Article showing schools: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/wildlife-science-major-0306

• Zoo Medicine

  1. https://www.aczm.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=366916&module_id=48994

• Animal Shelter/Welfare Professional

  1. Article: https://www.bachelorstudies.com/bachelor/animal-care-and-welfare

  2. To be a Certified Animal Welfare Administrator - https://theaawa.org/

  3. ASU - Nonprofit Leadership & Management (NLMBS/BSNLM) (https://degrees.apps.asu.edu/bachelors/major/ASU00/PPNLMBS/nonprofit-leadership-and-management)

• Practice Manager

  1. Business Degree and/or Marketing

  2. Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (https://www.vhma.org/cvpm-certification/about-certification)

• and many, many more! The sky is the limit.

How difficult is the program ? 

• The program is a challenge and requires more than an average student effort.  There is a lot of time spent on medical terminology, understanding how the body works, diseases and disease agents.

• Critical thinking skills are incorporated……especially in the Animal Diseases and Clinical Techniques classes.

What are the classes ? 

• Freshmen:

  1. Intro to Veterinary Medicine

• Sophomore:

  1. Animal/Human Anatomy & Physiology

• Junior:

  1. Animal Diseases

• Senior:

  1. Clinical Veterinary Techniques 

There are special cases where students are allowed to double up on classes, which must be approved by the Director and the campus Principle. This is usually the case for students transferring in as a Sophomore or Junior that would like to complete the 4 year program. If a student transfers in as a Senior, we generally cannot accommodate them getting all four classes completed by graduation.