Pre-Veterinary Medicine A.A.

Associate in Arts
Transfer Degree
Cost
$11,025* (estimated)

Start your journey to become a veterinarian

Protect animal health and welfare

You must love dogs … and cats, lizards, horses, cattle, pigs, birds, etc.! Work toward becoming a veterinarian with this lower cost route to veterinary school. The coursework in your Associate in Arts in Pre-Veterinary Medicine prepares you for this competitive professional program.

The knowledge you develop is also transferable to other medical professions and the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries. Consult an Academic Success Advisor to ensure the courses in your program fulfill the requirements of your desired college or university.

What can you do with an A.A. in Pre-Veterinary Medicine?

The Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree in pre-veterinary medicine prepares you to transfer and complete additional veterinary school prerequisites or a bachelor's degree in animal sciences, biology and related fields.

Highlights

  • Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

    Explore ways to pay for college (based on need/achievement).

  • Transfer Degree

    Save money on your first 2 years and transfer your credits to the 4-year school of your choice.

  • Program Length: 2 Years

    Finish in 2 years as a full-time student.

*Estimated cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours for full-time students for academic year 2025-2026. This includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees, before financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials, and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

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Need help getting started?

Ask us for help. Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will help you:

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, see the CLC college catalog.


Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CLC 120

    CLC 120 College Success Seminar

    Class Description

    This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
         		2
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ENG 121

    ENG 121 English Composition I

    Class Description

    This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    CHM 121

    CHM 121 General Chemistry I

    Class Description

    This course develops an analytical approach to solving chemical problems. The student is provided with principles that relate chemical structure, energy and reactivity and is introduced to the following topics: composition and properties of matter, nomenclature, stoichiometry, solutions, gas laws, thermochemistry, atomic structure and periodic trends, bonding, molecular geometries, and properties of liquids, solids and gases. This course is the first semester of a two semester sequence intended for chemistry majors, science majors, engineering majors, and students seeking careers in pre-professional health related fields.
         		5
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    MTH 222

    MTH 222 Business Statistics

    Class Description

    This course focuses on the application of statistical methods to the solution of real-life business problems. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to apply appropriate statistical techniques needed to collect, summarize, and interpret data in order to answer business-related questions and communicate informed business decisions. In addition, students will be able to identify and implement appropriate statistical tests using past business data in order to test claims about current conditions and estimate unknown parameters. Emphasis is on interpretation and evaluation of statistical results, and all computations are carried out using appropriate technology, such as graphing calculators with a statistical package, spreadsheet programs (e.g. Excel), or statistical computing software.Topics include: data collection processes (sampling methods, observational studies, experimental design); descriptive methods using quantitative and qualitative data; basic probability theory and probability distributions (binomial, uniform, exponential and normal distributions); estimation using confidence intervals; hypothesis tests of means and proportions (both one- sample and two-sample); linear regression and correlation; chi square tests; and one-factor analysis of variance. Notes: Students may not receive credit towards a degree for both MTH 222 and MTH 142. A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS Division office for details.Prerequisites: MTH 122 (D or better) or MTH 108 (C or better)?OR?appropriate score on CLC Math Placement Test, Math ACT, or Math SATIAI: M1 902, BUS 901
         		4
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    PSY 121

    PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

    Class Description

    This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code CLC 120
      Course Title

      CLC 120 College Success Seminar

      Class Description

      This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ENG 121
      Course Title

      ENG 121 English Composition I

      Class Description

      This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code CHM 121
      Course Title

      CHM 121 General Chemistry I

      Class Description

      This course develops an analytical approach to solving chemical problems. The student is provided with principles that relate chemical structure, energy and reactivity and is introduced to the following topics: composition and properties of matter, nomenclature, stoichiometry, solutions, gas laws, thermochemistry, atomic structure and periodic trends, bonding, molecular geometries, and properties of liquids, solids and gases. This course is the first semester of a two semester sequence intended for chemistry majors, science majors, engineering majors, and students seeking careers in pre-professional health related fields.
      Credits 5
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code MTH 222
      Course Title

      MTH 222 Business Statistics

      Class Description

      This course focuses on the application of statistical methods to the solution of real-life business problems. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to apply appropriate statistical techniques needed to collect, summarize, and interpret data in order to answer business-related questions and communicate informed business decisions. In addition, students will be able to identify and implement appropriate statistical tests using past business data in order to test claims about current conditions and estimate unknown parameters. Emphasis is on interpretation and evaluation of statistical results, and all computations are carried out using appropriate technology, such as graphing calculators with a statistical package, spreadsheet programs (e.g. Excel), or statistical computing software.Topics include: data collection processes (sampling methods, observational studies, experimental design); descriptive methods using quantitative and qualitative data; basic probability theory and probability distributions (binomial, uniform, exponential and normal distributions); estimation using confidence intervals; hypothesis tests of means and proportions (both one- sample and two-sample); linear regression and correlation; chi square tests; and one-factor analysis of variance. Notes: Students may not receive credit towards a degree for both MTH 222 and MTH 142. A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS Division office for details.Prerequisites: MTH 122 (D or better) or MTH 108 (C or better)?OR?appropriate score on CLC Math Placement Test, Math ACT, or Math SATIAI: M1 902, BUS 901
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code PSY 121
      Course Title

      PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

      Class Description

      This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose other Social and Behavioral Science courses instead of PSY 121.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ENG 122

    ENG 122 English Composition II

    Class Description

    This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    CHM 123

    CHM 123 General Chemistry II

    Class Description

    This course is the second semester of a two semester sequence intended for chemistry majors, and students seeking careers in pre-professional health-related fields. It continues some of the topics presented in CHM 121, General Chemistry I, in more detail. The student is also introduced to the following topics: dynamics of solution formation, various ways to express solution concentrations, colligative properties, chemical kinetics, reaction mechanisms, chemical equilibrium, acids, bases, hydrolysis, buffers, titration, solubility, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. The course also includes introductory work in qualitative analysis.
         		5
    • Credit for prior learning available
    BIO 161

    BIO 161 General Biology I

    Class Description

    This course introduces general biological principles of life processes common to all organisms. Topics covered include the nature of life, unifying themes underlying biology, chemical basis of life, cell structure and function, energetics, cell reproduction, concepts of genetics and inheritance patterns, molecular genetics, and biotechnology. This course is the first semester of a two semester sequence intended for biology majors and students seeking careers in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or veterinary medicine. NOTE: Knowledge of chemistry is helpful.
         		4
    • Credit for prior learning available
    HUM 121

    HUM 121 Humanities: Ancient Times to the Middle Ages

    Class Description

    This interdisciplinary course introduces students to art, architecture, literature, philosophy, religion, myth, music, and dance of western (Europe; North, Latin, and South America) and non-western (Asia, Africa, India) civilizations from ancient period to the end of the 14th century. NOTE: HUM 121 is not a prerequisite for HUM 122. Thus, students can take HUM 122 without taking HUM 121.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Global citizenship
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ENG 122
      Course Title

      ENG 122 English Composition II

      Class Description

      This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code CHM 123
      Course Title

      CHM 123 General Chemistry II

      Class Description

      This course is the second semester of a two semester sequence intended for chemistry majors, and students seeking careers in pre-professional health-related fields. It continues some of the topics presented in CHM 121, General Chemistry I, in more detail. The student is also introduced to the following topics: dynamics of solution formation, various ways to express solution concentrations, colligative properties, chemical kinetics, reaction mechanisms, chemical equilibrium, acids, bases, hydrolysis, buffers, titration, solubility, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. The course also includes introductory work in qualitative analysis.
      Credits 5
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
    • Course Code BIO 161
      Course Title

      BIO 161 General Biology I

      Class Description

      This course introduces general biological principles of life processes common to all organisms. Topics covered include the nature of life, unifying themes underlying biology, chemical basis of life, cell structure and function, energetics, cell reproduction, concepts of genetics and inheritance patterns, molecular genetics, and biotechnology. This course is the first semester of a two semester sequence intended for biology majors and students seeking careers in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or veterinary medicine. NOTE: Knowledge of chemistry is helpful.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
    • Course Code HUM 121
      Course Title

      HUM 121 Humanities: Ancient Times to the Middle Ages

      Class Description

      This interdisciplinary course introduces students to art, architecture, literature, philosophy, religion, myth, music, and dance of western (Europe; North, Latin, and South America) and non-western (Asia, Africa, India) civilizations from ancient period to the end of the 14th century. NOTE: HUM 121 is not a prerequisite for HUM 122. Thus, students can take HUM 122 without taking HUM 121.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Global citizenship
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose ENG 126 instead of ENG 122. Students can also choose other Humanities courses instead of HUM 121.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ART 121

    ART 121 Introduction to Art

    Class Description

    This course will introduce students to an appreciation of the visual arts through an intercultural, social/historical approach. The course will also emphasize the nature of the creative process, integrating a study of the conceptual principles, with methods and materials which influence artistic critical thinking, problem solving, exploration, and discovery. Note: A museum visit will be required during the semester at student expense. See course syllabus for approximate cost.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    BIO 162

    BIO 162 General Biology II

    Class Description

    This course examines the following areas of biology: ecology, evolution, systematics, biological diversity, and various systems. Laboratory work includes field and laboratory experiments and computer simulations. This course is the second semester of a two semester sequence intended for biology majors and students seeking careers in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or veterinary medicine.
         		4
    • Credit for prior learning available
    CMM 121

    CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

    Class Description

    For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
         		3
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    PHI 125

    PHI 125 Introduction to Ethics

    Class Description

    In this course, students are exposed to moral theories such as virtue ethics, utilitarianism, deontology, and the ethics of care. Students also critically evaluate general moral theories, and fundamental moral concepts. Additionally, they apply these moral theories to contemporary moral issues such as animal rights, environmental issues, reproductive technologies, abortion, euthanasia and assisted suicide, poverty and famine relief, war and peace, racism, sexism, emerging technologies, and other issues. Students develop and defend their own views on these matters, and evaluate the views of others. By studying and applying moral theories to their own lives, students are encouraged to explore different ways of effecting change in their lives and communities. Throughout the course, students learn about moral concepts such as autonomy, impartiality, utility, rights, responsibility, and justice. Specific attention is given to moral issues relevant to and philosophical contributions made by members of traditionally underrepresented groups.
         		3
    • Global citizenship
    • Online/Virtual options available
    SOC 121

    SOC 121 Introduction to Sociology

    Class Description

    This course introduces the basic concepts and perspectives for understanding sociology. The course examines how society influences and shapes human behavior. Topics of analysis include, but are not limited to, the development of sociology, theoretical perspectives and research methodologies, culture, social institutions, social change, and social inequality on the basis of class, gender, race and ethnicity, and sexuality.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ART 121
      Course Title

      ART 121 Introduction to Art

      Class Description

      This course will introduce students to an appreciation of the visual arts through an intercultural, social/historical approach. The course will also emphasize the nature of the creative process, integrating a study of the conceptual principles, with methods and materials which influence artistic critical thinking, problem solving, exploration, and discovery. Note: A museum visit will be required during the semester at student expense. See course syllabus for approximate cost.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code BIO 162
      Course Title

      BIO 162 General Biology II

      Class Description

      This course examines the following areas of biology: ecology, evolution, systematics, biological diversity, and various systems. Laboratory work includes field and laboratory experiments and computer simulations. This course is the second semester of a two semester sequence intended for biology majors and students seeking careers in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or veterinary medicine.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
    • Course Code CMM 121
      Course Title

      CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

      Class Description

      For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code PHI 125
      Course Title

      PHI 125 Introduction to Ethics

      Class Description

      In this course, students are exposed to moral theories such as virtue ethics, utilitarianism, deontology, and the ethics of care. Students also critically evaluate general moral theories, and fundamental moral concepts. Additionally, they apply these moral theories to contemporary moral issues such as animal rights, environmental issues, reproductive technologies, abortion, euthanasia and assisted suicide, poverty and famine relief, war and peace, racism, sexism, emerging technologies, and other issues. Students develop and defend their own views on these matters, and evaluate the views of others. By studying and applying moral theories to their own lives, students are encouraged to explore different ways of effecting change in their lives and communities. Throughout the course, students learn about moral concepts such as autonomy, impartiality, utility, rights, responsibility, and justice. Specific attention is given to moral issues relevant to and philosophical contributions made by members of traditionally underrepresented groups.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Global citizenship
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code SOC 121
      Course Title

      SOC 121 Introduction to Sociology

      Class Description

      This course introduces the basic concepts and perspectives for understanding sociology. The course examines how society influences and shapes human behavior. Topics of analysis include, but are not limited to, the development of sociology, theoretical perspectives and research methodologies, culture, social institutions, social change, and social inequality on the basis of class, gender, race and ethnicity, and sexuality.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose other Fine Arts courses instead of ART 121 and other Humanities or Fine Arts courses instead of PHI 125. Students can also choose other Social and Behavioral Science courses instead of SOC 121.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ANT 221

    ANT 221 Cultural Anthropology

    Class Description

    This course is a study of the nature and development of culture. The economic, political, religious and social organizations of selected human groups (with an emphasis on non-Western and underrepresented groups) are examined, compared and evaluated. It explores the cultural determinations of individual human behavior and means of adaptation.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Global citizenship
    • Online/Virtual options available
    BIO 127

    BIO 127 Introduction to Evolution

    Class Description

    This course examines the concept of evolution and mechanisms by which evolution proceeds. An analysis of the evidence for evolution, a section on basic genetics, and a brief treatment of challenges to evolution are included.
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    BIO 221

    BIO 221 General Zoology

    Class Description

    This course examines the structure, function, natural history, and phylogeny of animals. Basic principles of evolution, origins and content of major phyla, and vertebrate phylogeny are included. The evolution of the vertebrates is emphasized.
         		4
    CHM 125

    CHM 125 Elementary Organic Chemistry

    Class Description

    This course is a survey of organic chemistry. The course is designed for students who need a background in organic chemistry, but do not plan to make chemistry their career. This course is usually taken by students in agriculture, nursing, and allied health fields. Elementary Organic Chemistry studies the concepts of nomenclature, structure, physical properties of functional groups, reactivity, stereochemistry and biochemistry. The course includes both lecture and laboratory.
         		5
    • Course Code ANT 221
      Course Title

      ANT 221 Cultural Anthropology

      Class Description

      This course is a study of the nature and development of culture. The economic, political, religious and social organizations of selected human groups (with an emphasis on non-Western and underrepresented groups) are examined, compared and evaluated. It explores the cultural determinations of individual human behavior and means of adaptation.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Global citizenship
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code BIO 127
      Course Title

      BIO 127 Introduction to Evolution

      Class Description

      This course examines the concept of evolution and mechanisms by which evolution proceeds. An analysis of the evidence for evolution, a section on basic genetics, and a brief treatment of challenges to evolution are included.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code BIO 221
      Course Title

      BIO 221 General Zoology

      Class Description

      This course examines the structure, function, natural history, and phylogeny of animals. Basic principles of evolution, origins and content of major phyla, and vertebrate phylogeny are included. The evolution of the vertebrates is emphasized.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code CHM 125
      Course Title

      CHM 125 Elementary Organic Chemistry

      Class Description

      This course is a survey of organic chemistry. The course is designed for students who need a background in organic chemistry, but do not plan to make chemistry their career. This course is usually taken by students in agriculture, nursing, and allied health fields. Elementary Organic Chemistry studies the concepts of nomenclature, structure, physical properties of functional groups, reactivity, stereochemistry and biochemistry. The course includes both lecture and laboratory.
      Credits 5
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose other Social and Behavioral Science courses instead of ANT 121.

Total Credit Hours

63



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Pre-Veterinary Medicine at CLC

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