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> Veterinary Schools
Veterinary Schools & Programs Providing Compassionate Care to Animals
Those who love working with animals and have a passion for improving the health and welfare of pets and animals will thrive in a career as a veterinarian or veterinarian technician. Veterinary schools offer comprehensive degree programs that teach students how to diagnose, treat, and immunize all types of animals. This guide provides an overview of veterinary careers and degree programs that set the stage for this exciting career path.
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Best Veterinary Schools & Programs
OUR METHODOLOGY +
To be considered for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria:
- Accredited at the institutional level
- Private nonprofit or public school
- Minimum of 1 bachelor’s or master’s degree in subject area for 4-year schools
- Minimum of 1 associate degree or certificate program in subject area for 2-year schools
Schools were then scored on factors such as:
- Cost & Financial Aid
- Number and variety of program offerings
- Student-teacher ratios
- Graduation rates
- Placement and support services offered
- Academic/Career counseling services
- Employment services
- Loan default rates
These factors were assembled for each school and rated using a peer-based-value (PBV) calculation. PBV compares the cost of a program to the cost of other programs with the same (or similar) qualitative score and cost. PBV denotes the overall value or "bang for your buck" of a college or degree program.
Veterinary professionals play a vital role in maintaining the well-being of sick or injured animals, whether they are veterinary technicians, attendants, doctors, or another role within this field. However, before one can enter a career in veterinary sciences, they must complete the required level of education for their desired profession. To help with this process, we have carefully analyzed every veterinary school and program in the country to find the best academic options for prospective students. Explore the top veterinary schools and programs.
| Rank | School Title | Net Price | Financial Aid | Total Programs | Student-Teacher ratio | Ranking Score | School Description | Additional Benefits: | Placement Services | Counseling Services | Credit for Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Barton County Community College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 71% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 2 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 99.82 |
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|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 2 | Western Nebraska Community College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 60% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 98.86 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 3 | Casper College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 42% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 98.57 |
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|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceNo |
| 4 | Western Wyoming Community College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 39% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 97.81 |
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|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 5 | Eastern Wyoming College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 63% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 97.49 |
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|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceNo |
| 6 | Itawamba Community College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 52% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 97.00 |
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|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 7 | Front Range Community College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 9% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 2 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 96.41 |
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|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 8 | Hinds Community College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 22% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 95.69 |
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|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 9 | Copiah-Lincoln Community College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 35% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 95.40 |
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|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceNo |
| 10 | Metropolitan Community College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 20% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 94.81 |
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|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 11 | Northwest Mississippi Community College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 26% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 94.29 |
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|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 12 | El Paso Community College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 3% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 93.71 |
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|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 13 | Murray State College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 30% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 93.68 |
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|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 14 | Harcum College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 94% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 93.24 |
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|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 15 | North Idaho College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 28% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 93.21 |
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|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceNo |
| 16 | Allen County Community College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 68% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 93.08 |
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|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesNo | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceNo |
| 17 | Northeast Community College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 38% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 92.95 |
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|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 18 | College of Southern Idaho |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 46% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 92.40 |
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|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceNo |
| 19 | Angelina College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 8% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 92.25 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 20 | Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 1% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 92.08 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 21 | Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 57% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 91.38 |
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|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesNo | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 22 | Alpena Community College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 24% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 91.27 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 23 | Treasure Valley Community College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 30% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 91.21 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesNo | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 24 | South Plains College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 20% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 89.37 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceNo |
| 25 | Palo Alto College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 20% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 88.47 |
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|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceNo |
| 26 | Grand Rapids Community College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 7% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 87.95 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 27 | Northwest Vista College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 9% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 87.34 |
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|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceNo |
| 28 | Austin Community College District |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 13% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 86.00 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesNo | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceNo |
| Rank | School Title | Net Price | Financial Aid | Total Programs | Student-Teacher ratio | Grad Rate | Ranking Score | School Description | Additional Benefits: | Placement Services | Counseling Services | Credit for Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Georgia |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 20% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 7 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 81% |
Ranking SCORE 99.76 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceNo |
| 2 | Washington State University |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 51% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 5 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 67% |
Ranking SCORE 99.46 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceNo |
| 3 | University of Maryland-College Park |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 52% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 4 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 82% |
Ranking SCORE 99.14 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceNo |
| 4 | Michigan State University |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 44% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 5 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 79% |
Ranking SCORE 99.02 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceNo |
| 5 | Kansas State University |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 65% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 4 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 58% |
Ranking SCORE 98.21 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceNo |
| 6 | University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 69% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 2 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 65% |
Ranking SCORE 97.67 |
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|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceNo |
| 7 | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 37% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 3 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 86% |
Ranking SCORE 97.14 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 8 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 54% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 5 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 73% |
Ranking SCORE 93.80 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 9 | Clemson University |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 59% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 82% |
Ranking SCORE 90.59 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceNo |
| 10 | Delaware State University |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 60% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 33% |
Ranking SCORE 90.44 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceNo |
| 11 | Northwest Missouri State University |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 93% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 52% |
Ranking SCORE 90.32 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceNo |
| 12 | Madonna University |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 82% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 36% |
Ranking SCORE 90.00 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 13 | University of Arizona |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 77% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 61% |
Ranking SCORE 89.83 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceNo |
| 14 | University of Massachusetts-Amherst |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 60% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 70% |
Ranking SCORE 89.68 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 15 | Newberry College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 99% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 40% |
Ranking SCORE 89.65 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 16 | Saint Xavier University |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 100% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 54% |
Ranking SCORE 89.60 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 17 | Lincoln Memorial University |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 97% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 45% |
Ranking SCORE 89.29 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 18 | Lubbock Christian University |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 91% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 43% |
Ranking SCORE 88.92 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceNo |
| 19 | University of Nevada-Reno |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 45% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 54% |
Ranking SCORE 88.87 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 20 | Oral Roberts University |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 100% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 51% |
Ranking SCORE 88.84 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 21 | Boise State University |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 33% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 29% |
Ranking SCORE 88.53 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 22 | SUNY College of Technology at Canton |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 16% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 32% |
Ranking SCORE 88.24 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 23 | Faulkner University |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 92% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 33% |
Ranking SCORE 86.88 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceNo |
| 24 | University of the Southwest |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 98% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 22% |
Ranking SCORE 86.39 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesNo | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceNo |
| 25 | Mercy College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 88% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 34% |
Ranking SCORE 86.00 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 26 | MCPHS University |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 85% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 66% |
Ranking SCORE 86.00 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceNo |
Veterinarian Schools & Careers: Snapshot
Accredited veterinarian schools require students to take a combination of science courses and complete laboratory-based coursework. At the undergraduate level before applying for veterinary school, students complete advanced courses in biochemistry, chemistry, and mathematics along with labs. Students who meet the undergraduate course requirements can apply to veterinary school to earn their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and state license.
Nearly half of veterinary
medical college graduates
finish their undergraduate
degree with no debt, according to research conducted by the American Veterinary
Medical Foundation.
Two-thirds of all the 2013
U.S. Veterinary Medical
College graduates who
accepted full-time positions earned more than $31,000 annually.
Employment of
veterinarians is expected to
grow 9 percent through 2024, which is faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The mean first-year
employment starting salaries
for veterinary medicine college graduates was $67,535 in
2013; the median annual
wage for veterinarians was $87,590 in May 2014.
For students who are interested in the veterinarian career, but find themselves better suited to follow a different track, there are several related degree paths to consider. The following degree programs may help students enter a career in the science and healthcare field:
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Veterinary Technician (Vet Tech)
Veterinary technician programs provide students with technical skills and knowledge to work alongside veterinarians to perform various procedures while providing care for different types of animals. Coursework typically encompasses anatomy and physiology of domestic animals, pharmacology, and an externship component.
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Biology
Completing a biology degree program provides the educational framework for careers in the healthcare and science field. Students study topics like anatomy, microbiology, chemistry, and ecology. These programs can serve as the undergraduate portion of a veterinary doctor’s education.
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Medical Billing & Coding
Medical billing and coding jobs are more technical in nature and require long hours at the computer processing paperwork and creating reports. Students can complete vocational training or a degree program at an accredited trade school, community college, or four-year university.
How to Become a Veterinarian
After completing a four-year accredited undergraduate program, graduates can apply to a veterinary school accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). An undergraduate degree in biology, physical sciences, or related field is recommended since these degree programs provide a strong foundation in health and science for an aspiring animal doctor. There are currently 30 AVMA-accredited veterinarian schools and admission is very competitive. Here is a closer look at veterinary schools and degree options at each level:
Veterinary Associate Degrees
Community Colleges, Technical Colleges
Two to three years
Veterinary Technologist, Veterinary Technician, Animal Trainer, Kennel Attendant, Humane Society Worker
Students learn technical skills, such as how to dispense drugs, basic veterinary clinic operations, and how to use various types of technology and specialized equipment. Many two-year programs also include an internship component where the student works at a local veterinary clinic or other partner facility to obtain hands-on experience. Courses completed at this level can also serve as foundational coursework for bachelor’s and advanced degrees in veterinary science, or can open the doors to entry-level positions as veterinary technicians or technologists.
Associate’s degree programs include courses in animal biology, nutrition, and veterinary medicine. These courses provide a strong knowledge base for those who want to work as a veterinary technician or continue their educations. Find detailed course descriptions below.
Fundamentals of anatomy of domestic animals so that students know how to identify different anatomical regions and use appropriate topographical terms when communicating with supervisors and clinical staff members.
Physiology of domestic animals and the link between certain aspects of physiology and the pathogenesis of certain diseases.
In-depth study of principles and practices related to veterinary pharmacology and pharmacokinetics. Includes applications of pharmacology principles in the small practice setting.
Focused on the technical clinical aspects of animal care in the laboratory setting, including how to handle and restrain different animals, diseases, and appropriate nutrition principles for laboratory species.
Veterinary Bachelor’s Degrees
Four-year universities and colleges
Four years
Veterinary Clinic Manager, Animal Care Technician, Research Technician
Veterinary Science (Pre-Vet), Biology, Chemistry, Animal Science, Zoology
Graduates of bachelor’s degree programs in veterinary science are trained to serve as health care providers for small animals and as biomedical scientists. However, they are not yet qualified to practice medicine. At this level of study, students learn how to solve medical problems related to small animals, gain core biology and chemistry knowledge, and study the link between nutrition, environment, and animal behavior and disease.
Completing a four-year degree is a pre-requisite for admission to a doctor of veterinary medicine program. While students may opt for a pre-vet degree or a closely related track, the main goal during undergraduate studies is to complete the pre-requisite courses for vet school. At the undergraduate level, students can major in whichever subject they like, so long as they make sure to complete the necessary science and math courses to move on to advanced veterinary medicine programs.
Undergraduate education for pre-veterinary students includes specialized science courses centered on topics such as animal diseases, toxicology, and pharmacology. Examples of coursework completed at this level include:
Covers the basic principles of drug development, pharmacology and applications.
In-depth study of the principles of disease control pertaining to animals and the analysis of causes and effects of certain conditions.
Study of and applications of disease management and prevention on laboratory animal colonies.
An introduction to diseases affecting wildlife and how these impact both domestic animals and humans.
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
AVMA-accredited veterinary schools
Four years
Veterinarian, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Researcher
Doctor of veterinary medicine programs teach scientific principles related to animal behavior, anatomy, pharmacology, and other subjects. Many schools offer several programs of study where a student specializes in a certain field of medicine, such as infectious diseases, physiology and pharmacology, population health, and small animal medicine and surgery. Courses are more theoretical in nature but some coursework is completed in a lab setting so students can apply their knowledge. They can prepare students to meet state licensing requirements to practice medicine.
Advanced degree programs in veterinary medicine are centered on clinical applications and theories of animal science. Students apply knowledge and theories to solve medical and health problems pertaining to domestic animals and wildlife. Examples of coursework completed at these levels include:
An integrated approach to the study of animal medicine, surgery, anesthesiology practices, radiology, and other topics. May include a combination of lectures, lab work, and demonstrations.
Provides clinical experience for the administration of anesthetics in animals safely and effectively using modern techniques.
Ethical issues related to the administration of veterinary medicine, including clinical operations and genetics counseling.
Prepares the student for clinical rotations at an area hospital or clinic. Procedures and protocol include fluid administration, IV and IM injections, and IV catheterization practices.
Choosing a Veterinary School: Pre-Enollment Checklist
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Accreditation
The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) accredits all 30 veterinary medical colleges in the United States. Veterinary schools can also join the American Association of Veterinary Medical Association’s Council on Education (AVMA/COE) which accredits DVM and similar higher level programs.
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Faculty Experience
Determine how many faculty members are practicing veterinarians or have worked in veterinary medicine. These staff members can share valuable real-world insights and serve as a source for a recommendation when applying for a job or other educational opportunities.
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Licensure Preparation
In order to take the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE), applicants have to graduate from an AVMA/COE-accredited college. Attending schools that offer NAVLE preparation courses can increase the chances of passing the licensing exam the first time.
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Professional Networking Opportunities
Schools that offer opportunities to meet doctors, veterinary professionals, and industry leaders at networking events or professional presentations throughout the year may offer more value to an ambitious student. These events give students a chance to interact with established professionals, learn more about the industry from an insider, and develop their professional network.
Specializations & Career Options for Veterinarians
In addition to the role of a veterinarian, there are several supporting and related careers that graduates of different levels can choose from.
Veterinarian
Responsible for the care and treatment of animals compliant with ethical rules and state regulations. Veterinarians are directly involved with diagnosing and treating the medical conditions and diseases of pets. They may also work with livestock and other animals to provide comprehensive veterinary care in a field or clinical setting.
Veterinary Assistant/Laboratory Animal Caretaker
Responsible for taking care of animals in a lab, clinic, or hospital setting before or after the animal is being treated by a veterinarian. They provide support services to other veterinary professionals to ensure the animal can stay calm and relaxed during visits. May also be involved with making sure that animals stay still while undergoing surgery.
Veterinary Technologist/Technician
Responsible for performing all medical tests and lab work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. The test results are used to diagnose medical conditions, injuries, and illnesses. Since this role is more technical in nature and requires strict compliance with clinical procedures and practices, the technologist or technical must be registered, licensed or certified, depending on state guidelines.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2014)
The best part of my job is that I wear many hats. I am a surgeon, radiologist,
pediatrician, hematologist, oncologist, and many more. You also have to manage people, both employees and clients. I find that this job requires that you be a people person. Explaining why a pet is failing or what we need to do to fix a patient who cannot speak for themselves, to a worried mom and dad takes dedicated time. Now I find that helping people is as rewarding as helping a pet.
The American Veterinary Medical Association recognizes 22 veterinary specialties that focus on specific areas of the discipline. Each of the following specialties maintains their own organization under the umbrella of the AVMA and may offer their own membership, certification and research opportunities.
- Veterinary Practitioners
- Veterinary Toxicology
- Animal Welfare (provisional recognition)
- Laboratory Animal Medicine
- Poultry Veterinarians
- Theriogenologists
- Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia
- Veterinary Behaviorists
- Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology
- Veterinary Dermatology
- Veterinary Internal Medicine
- Veterinary Microbiologists
- Veterinary Nutrition
- Veterinary Ophthalmologists
- Veterinary Pathologists
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine
- Veterinary Radiology
- Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (provisional recognition)
- Veterinary Surgeons
- Zoological Medicine
- Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care
- Veterinary Dental College
Key Requirements for Becoming a Veterinarian
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Licensure
In order to practice as veterinarian, you will need a license. Licensing requirement vary by state, but generally you will need to graduate from an AVMA-accredited veterinary school and pass an exam.
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Complex Problem-Solving Skills
Veterinarians need to be able to resolve complex health problems affecting the animals they treat with appropriate solutions. They may need to turn to personal experience or seek out resources to diagnose and treat animals suffering from a disease or injury.
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Communication Skills
Most veterinarians and veterinarian technicians work in a clinical setting or lab environment with a team of medical professionals. They need to be able to communicate clearly and maintain a professional demeanor at all times. They also need to convey information accurately and in a timely manner to ensure accuracy of medical records and to maintain clear communications with animal owners.
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Professionalism & Ethics
All health and medical professionals are required to abide by a set of ethics and maintain a high degree of professionalism. They must refrain from disclosing sensitive information and understand the dynamics of relationships with clients (the animal owners) and fellow staff members.
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Leadership
Those in managerial roles, such as animal clinic managers and doctors, need to have strong leadership skills to ensure all team members are contributing in the most effective way. They may be involved with making critical decisions pertaining to an animal’s health and well-being, as well as leading and training teams of other veterinary professionals.
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Scientific Applications
Veterinarians and health care professionals must use scientific rules and methods to solve problems. Inductive reasoning may be needed to form a conclusion or diagnosis but applying fundamental scientific rules and protocols when treating different animals is critical for the ethical care and surgical treatment of animals in a clinical setting.
Resources for Veterinarians
- American Association of Veterinary State Boards
- American Board of Veterinary Practitioners
- American Board of Veterinary Toxicology
- American College of Animal Welfare
- American College of Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology
- American College of Veterinary Surgeons
- American Society of Animal Sciences
- American Veterinary Medical Association
- Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges
- National Association of Federal Veterinarians