Thinking of becoming a successful veterinarian? Then think of attending the best pre-vet schools. Pre-veterinary schools shortened as “pre-vet schools” are where you will study pre-veterinary medicine which is a basic requirement for entrance into veterinary school. So you must consider looking out for the best of these because it is what a school has that it will offer its students.
Veterinary schools are most times difficult to get into, but there are a few easier ways of getting into veterinary school and completion of a pre-veterinary program stands to be the best. It doesn’t give a 100% guarantee of admission into veterinary school, but it gives you a better chance of getting admitted.
Pre-veterinary programs provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to excel in animal care and also help them to have fewer difficulties with their studies when they finally enter veterinary school. Majors like biology, animal science, and chemistry are preferred for students who want to further in veterinary.
Graduates of the pre-veterinary school who do not want to further with veterinary can opt in for other related fields like zoology, microbiology, wildlife biology, and micro technician. When it comes to job employment, that of the veterinarian is projected to increase by 19% from 2021-2031 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and this is much faster than all occupations
What is A Pre-vet School?
A pre-vet school is where intending veterinarians study a pre-veterinary medicine program, which prepares them for the coursework and hands-on technical experience they will encounter during their professional training in a veterinary school.
As an animal lover who wishes to take his love and care for animals to the highest level by becoming a veterinarian, you should know that attending the best pre-vet schools is one of the important things to do because this is where you first build your knowledge in this field
Pre-veterinary programs provide a foundation in veterinary medicine, showing students different specializations to choose from. It is a prerequisite that must be completed before applying for veterinary school and it usually takes 2-3 years to complete.
Can I get Veterinary License after Pre-vet School?
Before you can get a veterinary license you must first obtain A Veterinary Medicine Bachelor’s Degree, from an accredited veterinary school, earn a doctor of veterinary degree, and lastly, earn a license. Obtaining a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Veterinary takes a period of 8 years; 4 years of undergraduate study and 4 years of postgraduate study.
After you must have obtained your master’s degree, you can then apply for a licensing exam for which you will be awarded a license. This license shows you are qualified and legally approved to work as a veterinarian.
What are the benefits of Pre-vet School?
Going to a pre-veterinary school before going to study for a professional veterinary program will benefit you in so many ways.
Pre-veterinary schools will help you choose the career part you would go into when you want to enroll for a veterinary degree. Through pre-veterinary programs, you will gain useful knowledge and skills including hands-on learning experience. This will help you to be able to overcome difficulties you may encounter during your professional study.
Pre-veterinary studies will help you to master science subjects like biology, chemistry, and maths, and this will be of great benefit to you if you already have a lag in these areas. Also, through the experiences gathered during pre-veterinary studies, you will have a glimpse of what the veterinary program will look like and therefore make better preparations for it.
Best Pre-vet Schools
Whether you are a high school graduate or a college student looking forward to switching to another major (veterinary), here are the top pre-vet schools you can enroll in. We selected these schools as the best on their academic rigor, past students’ reviews, popularity, and clinical experience.
1. Clemson University
The first on the list of the best pre-vet schools is a popularly known University. Clemson University offers a bachelor’s degree in animal and veterinary sciences that is designed to teach students how to apply the core science foundations to issues in animal health, nutrition, food production, and management. This program can be taken with a concentration in pre-veterinary sciences.
The curriculum for this program furnishes students with a basic and applied knowledge of the scientific principles that are required for successful careers in the technical, scientific, and business phases of livestock and poultry production, processing, and marketing.
Clemson University has six farms on which their students carry out extensive hands-on instructions and are as well actively involved in research, teaching, extension, international travels, and internships. The three concentrations in this program include Animal Agribusiness, Equine Business, Pre-veterinary, and Science Concentration.
Pre-veterinary Concentration prepares students to meet the requirements for veterinary schools, graduate schools, dental, and medical schools.
Admission into Clemson University is very competitive and is mostly based on SAT ACT scores and high school performance. Applicants for first-year admission into the school should complete 4 credits in English, and Maths, 3 credits in Lab Science, Foreign Language, and Social Sciences, 1 credit in Fine Arts and Physical Ed/ROTC, and 2 other Credits.
Location: South Carolina
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Duration: four years
Estimated tuition: $38,550
Acceptance rate: 51%.
2. Washington State University
Washington State University is one of the best pre-veterinary schools in America. They offer pre-veterinary as a track incorporated into any of their veterinary majors. The most common majors, and ones that align with Washington State University’s partnership veterinary schools, include animal science, neuroscience, wildlife ecology, and zoology.
Once admitted into WSU, it is advisable you visit the Health Professions Student Center in order for expert advisors to help you in choosing a major that best suits your goals, interests, and strengths.
Highly qualified pre-veterinary students may have the opportunity to enter Washington University College of Veterinary Medicine after their third year of pre-veterinary studies. This is to say that they will complete their DVM and bachelor of science degree in 7 years instead of 8.
Location: Pullman, Washington
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Duration: 3-4 years
Estimated tuition: $26,950 per year for nonresident students.
3. University of Massachusetts Amherst
The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers a pre-veterinary science major that provides pre-professional training for students who intend to become veterinarians as well as medical school graduates.
Incoming students are to enter the program as an Animal Science major and must qualify to enter the pre-veterinary science major. Eligible must maintain a grade of B or higher in selected animal science courses and may change to the pre-veterinary science major after requirements are met.
There are pre-veterinary advisors that will guide incoming students through their choice-making.
Location: Amherst, Massachusetts
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Duration: 4 years
Estimated tuition: $26,950 per year for nonresident students.
4. Arizona State University
Arizona State University (ASU) offers an online Bachelor of Science in applied biological sciences with a concentration in pre-veterinary. The program focuses on biology, stressing animal behavior, anatomy, and nutrition.
It will take you through an exploration of the anatomy and behavior of animals whilst you develop a robust understanding of chemistry and biology that prepares you for veterinary school and careers.
ASU’s pre-veterinary program’s coursework provides a strong foundation in biology, physics, maths, chemistry, and animal science. It also offers specialized courses in veterinary medicine and opportunities to gain clinical hours of animal experience through internships and international study programs. It has a total of 120 credit hours and 30 classes in total.
Location: Tempe, AZ
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Duration: 4 years
Estimated tuition:
5. University of Maryland
Pre-veterinary studies at the University of Maryland are incorporated into two majors; agricultural & Veterinary Medicine, and Animal Sciences/pre-professional majors. These majors offer students an accelerated academic path with all recommended courses for veterinary school as well as the chance to apply for a veterinary degree at the end of their junior year.
The Department of Animal and Avian Sciences faculty have most of their members as leaders in state, national, and international teaching and research. Students will be opportune to enjoy amazing internships at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and other leading agricultural and animal science organizations.
Pre-veterinary students will receive hands-on experience through the department’s outstanding campus farm where students work with domestic animals. The department boasts of 86% of its students are accepted into veterinary schools nationwide.
Location: College Park, MD
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Duration: 4 years
6. Cornell University
Cornell University’s Pre-Veterinary Medicine is embedded in the Animal Science Major and students are to select their concentrations by the start of junior year. While selecting concentrations, students should consider picking courses that are required by the school they intend to obtain their veterinary degree.
Some of the courses you will offer include Fish Physiology and Nutrition of Felids and Canids.
Location: Itacha, Newyork
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Duration: 4 years.
7. Ohio State University
Ohio State University offers a non-major pre-professional veterinary that prepares to intend veterinarians for professional veterinary medicine. They also offer other pre-professional programs for students interested in the health professions like dentistry, medicine, optometry, pharmacy, and so on.
During the first 3 years of this program, students will take preclinical coursework including classes on clinical skill courses, labs, and didactic courses. Senior students will have the chance of selecting a career area for their clinical rotations based on their personal interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Major is Best for Pre-vet?
Most students prefer to major in biology as it contains science courses that are ideal for building a career in the medical field of veterinary. Almost all careers in veterinary require biological sciences.
What is the difference between Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine?
Veterinary Medicine also called Veterinary Science deals with the health aspect (ie: prevention, control, of treatment injuries and diseases) of animals. On the other hand, Animal Science deals with the production and management of animals
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