Dedicating time and effort to caring for animals takes skill, patience, and much compassion. Therefore, if an individual has already taken a step in this direction and is interested in pursuing a career in animal care, they can explore various avenues. One option is to enroll in veterinary school and study animal science. Although there aren’t many schools in the country, they provide exceptional programs. Some even offer scholarship programs to aspiring veterinarians.

What to know about veterinary schools

While the eligibility for most programs remains similar, individuals should check directly with the school for what they need to qualify. Some programs may require students to have pre-veterinary experience even before they apply. Most programs might require students to have taken prerequisite courses during their undergraduate years. The courses typically fall under a vast avenue of specific science and math courses. With that in mind, there are some of the top choices in the country. However, individuals can always look for veterinary schools nearby and still find the best education possible.

University of Wisconsin – Madison Madison, Wisconsin

The school veterinary program follows a comprehensive curriculum that covers the foundations of veterinary care and offers hands-on experience. During the fourth year, students must complete a set of required rotations, including large animal care, radiology, ambulatory, and anesthesiology. After this, students must select one of four emphasis areas: equine, food animal, mixed animal, and small animal. The type of practical rotation students complete will depend on their choice.

Ohio State University Columbus, Ohio

Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, divides its four-year program into two phases. The first spans three years and focuses on coursework and the creation of foundational knowledge. The second follows a practical approach during the fourth and fifth years of the program. During the program, students specialize in a particular area, including equine practice, food animals, laboratory animals, and small and exotic animals. Faculty advisors are available to assist students in choosing and declaring their focus area, which must be done by the spring of their second year.

University of California – Davis Davis, California

The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at the University of California is a four-year curriculum that combines academic study with hands-on training. Throughout the program, students develop a variety of skills and have the option to specialize in specific species or work with small or large animals. Students will be able to work with animals in diverse environments, including livestock, zoological species, equine (horses), and poultry.

Cornell University Ithaca, New York

The four-year program follows a standard curriculum, including classroom instruction and a hands-on approach. Before the second year, specifically during the summer break, students have the opportunity to participate in guided hands-on training and other programs. In their fourth year, students can further concentrate on hands-on experiences and complete externships. Additionally, they can gain valuable experience at The Tetlow and Roy Park Veterinary Innovation Lab, which provides a simulation environment for students to practice in a real-life setting.

University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Participants in this program can participate in a dual degree program within a veterinary program, such as PHD/VMD, VMD/MBA, or MPH/VMD. In addition to the Veterinary Medicine Doctorate, students can earn a Master’s in other avenues, including Environmental Studies, Business, Translational Research, Public Health, and Social Work. However, students interested in only the Penn Vet program should know that it is a four-year curriculum concentrated on practical rotations in the final year. Moreover, during year three, students will pick an academic major from one of four specific concentrations: food animals, large animals, small animals, and equine.

University of Georgia Athens, Georgia

Participants in this program can participate in a dual degree program within a veterinary program, such as PHD/VMD, VMD/MBA, or MPH/VMD. In addition to the Veterinary Medicine Doctorate, students can earn a Master’s in other avenues, including Environmental Studies, Business, Translational Research, Public Health, and Social Work. However, students interested in only the Penn Vet program should know that it is a four-year curriculum concentrated on practical rotations in the final year. Moreover, during year three, students will pick an academic major from one of four specific concentrations: food animals, large animals, small animals, and equine.

Cost of veterinary school

The cost of attending veterinary school can vary significantly based on whether a student chooses a private or public institution and whether they are a resident of the state where the school is located. Despite a strong passion for learning about and helping animals, the financial burden of veterinary school can be quite substantial. For pre-veterinary students entering veterinary programs, the total estimated cost of attendance—which includes tuition, average living expenses, and fees—over four years ranges from $155,000 to $436,000. This cost will largely depend on the specific school a student decides to attend.

Scholarships

To tackle the cost of veterinary schools, individuals can look for scholarship programs to ease expenses. To find veterinary scholarships, they can look for relevant terms through an online search engine, ask a local veterinarian for suggestions, or speak to family or friends who have attended or know of someone who has received scholarships in the past. Many places offer scholarships.

• The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) offers scholarships for veterinary students at AVMA-accredited schools in the country and some veterinary colleges worldwide.
• The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMF) offers veterinary students $1500 toward integrative veterinary care research education, and the Lorraine Tiekert Scholarship offers $25,000.
• Students who wish to pursue their academic or career goals while caring for animal companions are eligible for the Pinki Promise Scholarship.