Best Veterinary Programs in Kingman

Best Veterinary Programs in Kingman: 2026 Complete Guide

Choosing the right veterinary program in Kingman, Arizona can shape your entire career in animal healthcare. Whether you want to become a veterinary assistant, a licensed veterinary technician, or eventually apply to veterinary school, this guide compares your real options locally and regionally so you can make an informed decision.

Key Takeaways

• Kingman does not currently have a standalone AVMA-accredited veterinary technician degree, but strong pathway options exist through Mohave Community College and online partner programs.
• University of Arizona offers AVMA-accredited veterinary technician and DVM pathways for students willing to complete coursework online or in Tucson.
• Online veterinary assistant programs paired with externships at Kingman clinics provide fast entry into the field.
• Costs range from $1,500 for short certificates to $20,000+ for associate degrees or pre-vet pathways.
• Clinical experience at local clinics such as Stockton Hill Animal Hospital and Kingman Animal Hospital is critical for employment.

Veterinary Career Paths in Kingman

Before comparing programs, it’s important to clarify your goal. “Veterinary programs” can mean several different career tracks:

1. Veterinary Assistant

• No state license required in Arizona
• 6–12 month certificate programs
• Focus on animal handling, sanitation, and basic clinical support
• Typical salary in Mohave County: $28,000–$36,000 annually

2. Veterinary Technician (Vet Tech)

• Requires graduation from an AVMA-accredited program
• Must pass the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Exam)
• 2-year Associate of Applied Science degree
• Typical Arizona salary: $40,000–$50,000+

3. Veterinarian (DVM)

• Bachelor’s degree plus Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
• 4 years of veterinary school
• University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine is the state’s primary DVM program

Top Veterinary Programs Near Kingman

ProgramCredentialDurationFormatEstimated CostAccreditationMohave Community College (MCC)Pre-Vet / Animal Science Courses1–2 yearsIn-person (Kingman campus)$3,000–$6,000 per yearRegionally AccreditedUniversity of Arizona Vet Tech ProgramAAS Veterinary Technology2 yearsHybrid/Online$15,000–$22,000 totalAVMA Accrediteded2go Veterinary Assistant (via MCC)Certificate6–12 monthsOnline$1,500–$3,000Career Training ProviderUniversity of Arizona DVMDoctor of Veterinary Medicine4 yearsIn-person (Tucson)$120,000+ totalAVMA Accredited

1. Mohave Community College: Local Foundation Option

Mohave Community College (MCC) in Kingman is often the first stop for students beginning a veterinary career. While it does not currently offer a standalone vet tech degree, it provides:

• Biology and animal science coursework
• General education credits for transfer
• Pre-veterinary preparation
• Online career training partnerships (such as ed2go)

Best For

Students who want affordable, local coursework before transferring into a formal vet tech or DVM program.

Strengths

• Lower tuition compared to universities
• Small class sizes
• Easy access for Kingman residents
• Strong transfer pathways within Arizona

Limitations

Students seeking licensure as veterinary technicians must complete an AVMA-accredited program elsewhere.

2. University of Arizona Veterinary Technician Program

If your goal is to become a licensed vet tech while living in Kingman, the University of Arizona (UArizona) offers one of the best pathways in the state.

Program Highlights

• AVMA-accredited Associate of Applied Science
• Hybrid format with online coursework
• Local clinic partnerships for clinical hours
• Prepares students for the VTNE exam

Students complete laboratory requirements and hands-on training at approved veterinary facilities, meaning Kingman clinics can often serve as externship sites.

Admission Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Prerequisite science coursework
• Minimum GPA requirements

Career Outcomes

Graduates qualify to take the VTNE and apply for state credentialing as veterinary technicians in Arizona, significantly increasing earning potential and job stability.

3. Veterinary Assistant Programs (Online with Local Externships)

For faster entry into the workforce, veterinary assistant certificate programs are widely available online and often offered through partnerships with Mohave Community College.

What You Learn

• Animal anatomy and physiology basics
• Surgical preparation and sterilization
• Medical record management
• Client communication

Why This Option Works in Kingman

Because Kingman has multiple established veterinary clinics, students can often complete externships locally, gaining hands-on experience without relocating.

Pros

• Lower cost
• Flexible scheduling
• Shorter completion timeline

Cons

No state credential is required in Arizona, but advancement opportunities may be limited compared to licensed technicians.

Clinical Training Opportunities in Kingman

Practical experience is essential. Kingman offers several established veterinary clinics that may provide employment or externship opportunities:

• Kingman Animal Hospital
• Stockton Hill Animal Hospital
• Cerbat Cliffs Animal Hospital

When evaluating programs, ask if they help arrange clinical placements locally. Hands-on hours directly impact confidence, exam readiness, and job prospects.

How to Choose the Right Veterinary Program

1. Clarify Your End Goal

• Want fast employment? Choose a veterinary assistant certificate.
• Want licensing and higher salary? Choose an AVMA-accredited vet tech degree.
• Want to become a veterinarian? Start with pre-vet coursework, then apply to DVM programs.

2. Verify Accreditation

If pursuing vet tech licensure, confirm the program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

3. Compare Total Cost

Include tuition, books, lab fees, travel for clinicals, and exam fees. Lower tuition does not always mean lower total cost if relocation is required.

4. Evaluate Flexibility

Working adults in Kingman often prefer hybrid or online programs with local clinical placements.

5. Research Job Placement Support

Ask programs about:

• Graduate placement rates
• VTNE pass rates
• Employer partnerships

Estimated Timeline to Become a Vet Tech in Kingman

1. Complete prerequisites (6–12 months)
2. Enroll in AVMA-accredited AAS program (2 years)
3. Complete clinical hours locally
4. Pass VTNE
5. Apply for Arizona credentialing

Total timeline: Approximately 2–3 years.

Frequently Asked Questions About Veterinary Programs in Kingman

Does Kingman have a vet tech school?

Not a standalone AVMA-accredited program on campus. However, residents can complete hybrid programs through Arizona institutions while remaining in Kingman for clinical training.

How much does veterinary training cost in Kingman?

Certificate programs start around $1,500. Associate degrees range from $15,000 to $22,000. DVM programs exceed $100,000 in tuition.

Is online veterinary training legitimate?

Yes, if the program is properly accredited and includes required clinical experience at approved veterinary facilities.

Final Thoughts on the Best Veterinary Programs in Kingman

The best veterinary program in Kingman depends entirely on your career ambitions, budget, and timeline. For many residents, the most strategic path combines local coursework at Mohave Community College with an accredited hybrid veterinary technology program through the University of Arizona, alongside clinical training at established Kingman animal hospitals.

By choosing an accredited program, securing strong hands-on experience, and planning your credentialing path early, you position yourself for long-term success in Arizona’s growing animal healthcare field.

Frequently Asked Questions About Veterinary Programs in Kingman

Does Kingman have an accredited vet tech program?

Kingman does not have its own AVMA-accredited vet tech degree on campus. You can start at Mohave Community College for science and general education courses, then move into a hybrid AVMA-accredited vet tech program, such as the University of Arizona’s AAS in Veterinary Technology, while doing clinical hours at local clinics.

How much does it cost to train for a veterinary career in Kingman?

Online veterinary assistant certificates typically cost $1,500–$3,000. Mohave Community College coursework is about $3,000–$6,000 per year. An AVMA-accredited vet tech associate degree, such as the University of Arizona’s program, usually totals $15,000–$22,000. A full DVM program in Arizona can exceed $120,000 in tuition.

Can you complete vet tech clinical training in Kingman?

Yes. Many hybrid and online programs let you arrange clinical hours at approved local clinics. In Kingman, facilities such as Kingman Animal Hospital, Stockton Hill Animal Hospital, and Cerbat Cliffs Animal Hospital are common sites for externships and entry-level jobs, depending on program approval.

How long does it take to become a veterinary technician in Kingman?

You can usually become a vet tech in about 2–3 years. Most students spend 6–12 months on prerequisites, 2 years in an AVMA-accredited AAS program, finish required clinical hours at approved clinics, then take the VTNE and apply for Arizona credentialing.

Is an online veterinary assistant or vet tech program a good option in Kingman?

Online and hybrid programs can work well if they are properly accredited and include supervised hands-on training. For vet techs, the program must be AVMA-accredited to qualify you for the VTNE. For veterinary assistants, online certificates with a local externship in Kingman can help you gain experience quickly and start working in clinics.