Best Universities For Veterinarians : Few professions are both gratifying and highly competitive, and veterinary medicine is one of them. A veterinarian saves precious lives every day, helping both our four-legged friends and the people that love them.
Studying veterinary science is exceptionally demanding. Like most health-related specializations, an aspiring vet needs to have a solid background in the sciences.
Moreover, unlike human doctors , a veterinarian is likely to encounter different species with a wide range of problems, so he or she needs a solid knowledge of animal science, especially the physiology of different species.
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Veterinarians – An Overview Educational Qualifications for becoming a Veterinarian Best Universities For Veterinarian 1. Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 2. University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 3. Iowa State University, Ames, IO. 4. Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 5. Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. 6. The University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 7. University of Minnesota – twin cities, Minneapolis, MN. 8. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. 9. Tufts University, Medford, MA 10. University of Georgia, Athens, GA
Veterinarians – An Overview Veterinarians can work in very diverse settings:
City setting : Small pets care, mostly cats and dogs.Rural setting : Farm animals care and Equine health.Specialized veterinary care : birds (pet birds, wild birds), reptiles, and rodents (including pet rodents).Work with wildlife : Zoos , Research expeditions, Animal rescue centers around the world, and WWF.Veterinary technicians/technologists. Research career in the veterinary science. Translational research.
Explore the best wildlife biology degree programs offered in these top 15 best universities or colleges in the US. Almost all degree programs offered on the subjects teach ecology & conservation principles.
Nowadays, when the One Health concept is widely recognized, and we understand that the well-being of humans is intricately connected to the well – being of animals and plants around us, highly-trained veterinarians are even more critical than ever.
Educational Qualifications for becoming a Veterinarian
In order to embark on a career in veterinary medicine, one needs to:
Maintain a GPA not lower than 3.5 . Get a solid background in sciences and math before college. Obtain a Bachelor degree in:Animal Science. Veterinary Technology. Pre-Vet program. Any other major +prerequisite courses. Pass the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Medical College Admission Test (MCAT ). Complete the pre-requisite courses in:College Physics College Biology College General Chemistry College Organic Chemistry Statistics Biochemistry Systemic Physiology Genetics Other courses that may be helpful: Gain experience in a related field:Volunteer at the animal shelter. Assist a professional veterinarian. Participate in group activities, for instance from the Future Farmers of America (FFA) or 4H.
Best Universities For Veterinarian Here is the list of the universities that are known for their excellent veterinary science programs – not only in the USA but some of them are known in the whole world!
1. Cornell University, Ithaca, NY The College of Veterinary medicine at Cornell University offers both professional and research degrees in Veterinary Science and related fields, including Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine is accredited by the Council of Education of the American Veterinary Medicine Association.
The school offers the following degrees:
Doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM). Biomedical and Biological Sciences Ph.D. program. Cornell Accelerated BS/DVM program(offered in collaboration with The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences). Combined DVM/Ph.D. program for individuals wanting to focus on research. Possible Pre-Vet preparation: Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciencesfrom the Cornell College of Agriculture and Animal Science. Why is the Cornell University best for Veterinary Science? Cornell University has a high rankamong schools of veterinary medicine in the USA. It is possible to enter the accelerated program or to be accepted for the DVM degree program early. Focus on practical experience. Interdisciplinary courses. Frequent interactions with faculty members. Multiple specialization pathways. Various additional training programs available:Training abroad. Aquatic animals care training program. Farm animals training program. Veterinary investigator program. Research opportunities. Preceptorships in wildlife medicineand small/large animal care.
2. University of California-Davis, Davis, CA The school of veterinary medicine at the University of California (UC) – Davis is well-known and acclaimed both in the States and worldwide. The program is accredited by the Council of Education of the American Veterinary Medicine Association.
The school offers the following degrees:
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM). Doctor of Veterinary Medicine/Master of Veterinary preventative Medicine (DVM/MVPM) degree. Dual DVM/Ph.D. degree. Pre-Vet preparation:
Bachelor of Animal Science from the UC Davis Department of Animal Science. Specializations:
Core stream. Small animals stream. Large animals stream (Equine/Livestock/Zoological medicine). Anesthesia/Surgery. Why is the UC Davis best for Veterinary Science? A school with a long, successful history in veterinary medicine. The high passing rate at the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE) of the UC Davis graduates. The curriculum includes both professional courses and courses in communication and business. The school offers international externships. There are summer clinics for first and second years. Mini-rotations at veterinary clinics starting from the first year. The school supports the One Health concept.
3. Iowa State University, Ames, IO. College of Veterinary Medicine of the Iowa State University was the first public veterinary school in the US. Currently, the school’s ranking remains high, and Iowa University also has several joint programs with other schools, most notably with Nebraska University.
The American Veterinary Medical Association fully accredits the Iowa University College of veterinary medicine. The school offers the following degrees:
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). Master of Science. Ph.D Specializations available:
Small animal option (includes surgical training). Large animal option (includes Equine care). Food animal option. Mixed animal option (includes studying courses for three options above, as well as training at the Blank Park Zoo. Why is the Iowa University best for Veterinary Science? The school is acknowledged throughout the country. The University has a unique Swine Medicine Education Center that is the central hub of knowledge and care for swine in the United States. College of the Veterinary Medicine of Iowa University receives regular and significant research funding. It is possible to get admitted to the college if one completes the prerequisite courses in two years of college study, which saves both time and money. Iowa University collaborates with several programs which allow the students to study in different universities.
4. Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO The veterinary medicine program is offered by the College of veterinary medicine and biomedical sciences of the Colorado University. The Higher Learning Commission accredits colorado State University. The Veterinary Science program at the Colorado State is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education.
The college offers the following degrees and programs:
Doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM). Food Animal Career Incentive Program (FAVCIP) – specialization in the food animal care. DVM and MBA combined program. DVM and Master of Public Health combined program. DVM and M. S.Of Animal Science combined program. DVM and M. S.of Toxicology combined program. DVM and Ph.D. in veterinary science combined program. A collaborative program with the University of Alaska. Specializations:
Small Animals track. Large animals track. General Practice track. Pre-vet preparation:
Why is the Colorado State University best for Veterinary science? High ranking of the CSU nationwide. Multiple flexible options for studying. The university offers practice in several areas:Alaska. Arizona. Navajo Nation. New Mexico. Students can participate in the research projects during summer school. Students are offered opportunities for studying abroad.
5. Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree is offered at the Texas A&M University at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. The program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA) Council of Education (COE).
The college offers the following degrees:
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). Ph.D./Master of Science in Veterinary Epidemiology and public health. Pre-vet preparation opportunities
Biomedical sciences B.S. Animal Science B.S. Several specialization tracks available:
Small animals track. Mixed animal track/rural practice track. Equine track. Food animals track. Alternative track. Why is the Texas A&M University for Veterinary Medicine? The University offers one of the oldest and most respected veterinary science programs in the US. The curriculum includes multiple practice rotations. The practice includes rotations at shelters and works with animals at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). Career search support. One Health seminars and courses, as well as practice abroad.
6. The University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI The Doctor of Veterinary medicine program (DVM) is offered by the School of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The North Central Association provides institutional accreditation of the University of Wisconsin-Madison for Higher Learning Commission.
The school received accreditation from the Council of Education (COE) of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
The school offers the following degrees:
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). MS/Ph.D. Graduate degree in Veterinary Medicine Comparative Biosciences. Dual degrees:DVM/MS in Comparative Biosciences. DVM/Ph.D. training program. DVM/Master of Public Health. DVM/Certificate in Global Health. Pre-Vet opportunities:
Food Animal Veterinary Medicine Scholarsprogram for the first-year undergraduate students. Animals Sciences major from the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Five emphasis tracks available:
Small animals. Equine care. Mixed animal. Food animal. Other. Why is the University of Wisconsin – Madison best for Veterinary Medicine? Flexible degrees that reflect the current job market. Multiple research programs. Special programs:Food Animal production medicine. Shelter medicine. Comparative Biomedical Sciences program. The curriculum has a particular emphasis on developing communication skills.
7. University of Minnesota – twin cities, Minneapolis, MN. The college of veterinary medicine offers the DVM degree from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. The American Veterinary Medicine Association fully accredits the DVM program.
The college offers the following degrees:
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). Master of Science Degree in Veterinary Medicine. Ph.D. in veterinary medicine. DVM/Ph.D. dual degree. DVM/MS dual degree. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine/Master of Science in Public Health (in collaboration with the school of public health). The DVM coursework covers:
The coursework covers:Small animals. Food animals. Large animals. Equine care. Zoo and wildlife care. Avian/exotic animals care. Pre – Vet opportunities at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities:
B.S. in Animal Science from the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences. Why is the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities best for Veterinary Science? Quality education and preparation – the pass rate of the University of Minnesota graduates in North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE) is 95%. Two early admission programs for undergraduate students:Veterinary food animals scholars program Veterinary Leadership through early admissions program Summer Scholars program designed for current students in order to help them choose a research project for the MS/Ph.D. degree. One Health-based graduate programs. Different research projects, for example:Zika Virus Ecology Immunology at the Maternal-Fetal interface.Comparative oncology of the Human and Canine Sarcomas.
8. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) is offered by the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida. The UF College of Veterinary Medicine (UF CVM) is fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education (COE).
The college offers the following degrees:
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). Veterinary Public Health joint degree (DVM/MPH). Master of Science in:Shelter Medicine (online program). Veterinary Forensic Sciences (online). Forensic Toxicology (online). Research-based Master of Science degree (on-campus). Toxicology (self-funded). Master of Science+Residency. Doctor of Philosophy in Veterinary Science (Ph.D.). Ph.D. in One Health. Certificates in online programs:Shelter medicine. Veterinary forensic science. Forensic Toxicology. Wildlife forensics. Possible Pre-Vet preparation:
Undergraduate degree in Animal Sciences from the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Why is the University of Florida best for Veterinary Science? Availability of both conventional and online programs. Excellent preparation of students – in the years 2011-2017, the NAVLE pass rate was between 100% and 97% . Multiple practical experience opportunities: rotations, clerkships, and externships. A unique Certificate in Aquatic Animal Health is available. The certificate program includes a course on manatees health and conservation among other offerings.
9. Tufts University, Medford, MA The Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine offers the Doctor of veterinary medicine degree (DVM). The School was accredited by the Council of Education of the American Veterinary Medicine Association in 2019.
The school offers the following degrees:
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. DVM/Master of public health. DVM/MS in Lab Animal Medicine. DVM/MA from the Fletcher School of law and diplomacy. DVM/Ph.D. with Tufts Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. DVM/Ph.D. with Massachusetts Medical Center, Worchester. The school also offers the following graduate programs:
MS in Animals and Public Policy. MS in Conservation Medicine. Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences. Why is the Tufts University best for Veterinary Science? The DVM degree program is customizable for students, and it is possible to choose selective programs:Shelter medicine. Wildlife clinic. Lab Animal Medicine. Community Medicine. Large Animal Medicine. A large campus with the school farm. The school has a veterinary clinic run by students. The Cummings School of Veterinary medicine offers so-called signature opportunities:International Veterinary Medicine. Wildlife and conservation medicine. Accelerated clinical excellence program. Animal Welfare, Ethics, and Policy program. The students can choose a research path and work in the labs both on campus and outside. Multiple medical centers where the students can get valuable practical experience.
10. University of Georgia, Athens, GA The DVM degree is offered by the College of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Florida. The college is accredited by the Council of Education of the American Association of Veterinary Medicine (AVMA).
The college offers the following degrees:
Doctor of Veterinary medicine (DVM). DVM-MPH dual degree. DVM-PhD. Master of Avian Medicine. Master of Avian Health and Medicine (online). Master of Food Animal Medicine. Certificate in the International Veterinary Medicine. The students can specialize in:
Small animals care. Equine/Food and Fiber animal care. Mixed animal care. Why is the University of Georgia best for Veterinary Science? The school offers several dual degrees and certificates. The school offers quality courses in Avian medicine and research opportunities in poultry medicine. Interdisciplinary research opportunities that include working in the fields of:Immunology and Infectious diseases. Wildlife diseases. Clinical translational research. Regenerative medicine. Availability of international externships.
It is hard to choose the best college on this list. All colleges offer excellent opportunities in research and clinical practice for their students.
All have different facilities on campus and do their best to support their students’ mental and physical health. Most of the schools also provide some form of advising and mentorship.
Whatever college one would choose – it would be a road to becoming the best veterinary professional one can be.
Cite This Page Key References
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