Becoming a veterinarian is a dream shared by many animal lovers. However, this career path is challenging. It requires years of extensive education and practical training. Choosing to go to one of the best pre-vet schools is crucial for success. These programs should prepare students with the knowledge and skills needed for veterinary school and a career in animal care.
There are top pre-veterinary colleges in the United States, each with unique strengths. Navigating these options can be overwhelming for prospective students.
To help, we’ve compiled a list of the top pre veterinary colleges in the country, considering factors such as academic rigor, research opportunities, and clinical experience. Whether you’re a high school student planning your future or a college student contemplating a major change, this guide will assist you in finding the pre-veterinary program that suits you best.
What is Pre-Veterinary Medicine?
Pre-veterinary medicine, often referred to as “pre-vet,” is an educational track designed to prepare undergraduate students for admission to veterinary school. This pathway typically includes a series of courses and experiences that equip students with the foundational knowledge and skills required for veterinary studies and a career in animal care.
Pre-veterinary medicine is not a separate major or degree program but a collection of prerequisite courses that students must complete before applying to colleges that have veterinary programs. These courses typically include biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and animal science.
In addition to coursework, pre-veterinary students are often required to gain experience working with animals in clinical or research settings. This experience can include volunteering at animal shelters, interning with veterinarians, or conducting research on animal health issues. These experiences offer valuable hands-on learning opportunities and demonstrate a student’s commitment to veterinary medicine.
The Best Pre Vet Colleges
1. University of California–Davis
- Davis, California
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is one of the best pre-vet schools in the U.S., offering an intensive program that prepares students for veterinary school. The comprehensive curriculum includes courses in biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, mathematics, and animal science. Many pre-vet students major in Animal Science, taking specialized courses like Animal Growth and Development, Animal Health and Disease, and Principles of Livestock Feeding and Nutrition.
As one of the best pre vet colleges in its region, UC Davis stands out for its research opportunities, including the Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center and various faculty-led projects. Programs like the Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) and Students Training in Advanced Research (STAR) provide hands-on research experience in veterinary and biomedical sciences.
The university emphasizes real-world experience through clinical and fieldwork opportunities. Pre-vet students can volunteer at the UC Davis Veterinary Teaching Hospital, which handles over 50,000 cases annually, providing exceptional clinical exposure.
2. Colorado State University
- Fort Collins, Colorado
- Acceptance Rate: 23%
Colorado State University (CSU) is one of the highly regarded colleges that have veterinary programs. The program provides a strong foundation in sciences and practical experience essential for veterinary school. As one of the best pre-vet schools in the country, its curriculum includes courses in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and animal science, with specific classes like General Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Introduction to Animal Science.
CSU stands out for its research and clinical opportunities, notably through the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital, which offers hands-on experience with over 45,000 patient visits annually. Students can also participate in cutting-edge research via the Veterinary Summer Scholars Program.
CSU’s pre-vet program offers strong advising and mentorship through the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences which aid students in the veterinary school application process. This support contributes to CSU pre-vet students’ high acceptance rates into veterinary schools, consistently above the national average.
- Ithaca, New York
- Acceptance Rate: 11.7%
Cornell University is renowned for its top-ranked pre-veterinary program, known for its rigorous curriculum, extensive research opportunities, and high student success rates. Housed within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), the program offers courses such as General Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, and Animal Science, all tailored to meet veterinary school prerequisites.
Cornell provides exceptional research opportunities through facilities like the Cornell University Hospital for Animals and various research labs. This makes it one of the best pre-vet schools in the country. Students engage in cutting-edge projects related to animal health, disease prevention, and biomedical sciences.
The university also offers strong advising and mentorship through the CALS Office of Undergraduate Biology and the Pre-Vet Society, helping students with the veterinary school application process. This support contributes to Cornell’s high acceptance rates into top veterinary schools nationwide.
4. Ohio State University
- Columbus, Ohio
- Acceptance Rate: 14.6%
Ohio State University (OSU) is highly regarded as one of the best pre-vet schools that offers a strong educational foundation and hands-on learning experience. The program prepares students with the knowledge and skills needed for veterinary school.
The Veterinary Medical Center at OSU, with over 35,000 patient visits annually, provides extensive clinical experience. Students gain practical experience through internships, externships, and volunteer opportunities, working with various animals and learning from experienced veterinarians.
As one of the best pre vet colleges, OSU also offers strong advising and mentorship through the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences and the College of Veterinary Medicine. Pre-vet advisors assist students with course selection, gaining relevant experience, and preparing for veterinary school applications.
5. North Carolina State University
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Acceptance Rate: 16.7%
North Carolina State University (NC State) is one of the best pre-vet schools, offering a comprehensive and rigorous education that prepares students for veterinary school. The pre-vet curriculum includes essential courses like General Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, and Animal Science, meeting veterinary school prerequisites and providing a strong science foundation.
A standout feature of NC State’s program is its close affiliation with the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, one of the top-ranked veterinary schools in the nation. This provides students with numerous hands-on and research opportunities, such as the Summer Veterinary Research Program, where students engage in cutting-edge projects alongside faculty.
As one of the top pre veterinary colleges, NC State also offers strong advising and mentorship through the Department of Animal Science and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Advisors assist with course selection, gaining relevant experience, and navigating the veterinary school application process. The success of NC State’s pre-vet program is reflected in its high acceptance rates into veterinary schools, consistently above the national average.
6. University of Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Acceptance Rate: 7.2%
The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) offers an exceptional pre-veterinary program known for its academics, extensive research opportunities, and close ties to the renowned Penn Vet School. Integrated within the College of Arts and Sciences, students can major in Biology, Animal Science, or related fields while completing veterinary school prerequisites such as General Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, and animal biology and physiology.
One of the highlights of Penn’s program is its proximity to Penn Vet, one of the nation’s top veterinary schools. This allows pre-vet students to gain early exposure to veterinary medicine through shadowing, internships, and research [email protected]
Penn also offers abundant research opportunities. Programs like the Penn Undergraduate Research Mentoring Program (PURM) let students work with faculty on significant projects in animal health, disease prevention, and biomedical sciences, enhancing their academic and practical understanding of veterinary science.
7. University of Florida
- Gainesville, Florida
- Acceptance Rate: 13.7%
The University of Florida (UF) is one of the best pre-vet schools that offers top-tier pre-veterinary program known for its comprehensive curriculum, extensive research opportunities, and strong support systems. Housed within the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, students can major in Animal Sciences with a pre-vet focus. Courses include General Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, and animal science and nutrition.
Research is a cornerstone of UF’s program, with access to cutting-edge projects in animal health, disease prevention, and biomedical sciences. Programs like the University Scholars Program pair undergraduates with faculty mentors for research projects, enhancing their understanding of veterinary science.
UF also offers extracurricular opportunities, including the Pre-Vet Club, which provides networking, professional development, and volunteer opportunities. These experiences strengthen applications and prepare students for the challenges of veterinary school.
8. University of Georgia
- Athens, Georgia
- Acceptance Rate: 9.22%
The University of Georgia (UGA) is one of the best pre-vet schools in the country that offers a comprehensive curriculum, extensive research opportunities, and strong support systems. Housed within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, students can major in Animal Science with a pre-veterinary focus. UGA’s close affiliation with the College of Veterinary Medicine provides numerous hands-on learning opportunities. Students gain practical experience through internships, externships, and volunteer programs at the UGA Veterinary Teaching Hospital, which handles thousands of animal cases annually.
UGA also excels in offering research opportunities through facilities and programs like the Undergraduate Research Initiative. Students work on cutting-edge projects in animal health, disease prevention, and biomedical sciences, deepening their understanding of veterinary science and enhancing their academic credentials.
9. University of Wisconsin–Madison
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Acceptance Rate: 10.5%
Known as one of the best pre-vet schools, the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) is highly esteemed for its pre-veterinary programs. Due to its intensive curriculum and research opportunities, the program consistently ranks among the top in the nation. The program is housed within the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, where students can major in Animal Sciences or Biology with a pre-vet focus.
UW-Madison’s pre-vet program benefits from its close affiliation with the UW School of Veterinary Medicine. This provides students with hands-on learning opportunities and access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the UW Veterinary Care Hospital, which treats over 30,000 animal patients annually. Students gain clinical experience through internships, externships, and volunteer opportunities, working with various animal species and learning from experienced veterinarians.
Additionally, UW-Madison offers robust advising and support through the Pre-Veterinary Club and the Office of Academic Affairs. Pre-vet advisors help students select courses, gain relevant experience, and prepare for veterinary school applications. The success of UW-Madison’s pre-vet program is reflected in its high acceptance rates into veterinary schools, consistently exceeding the national average.
10. Texas A&M University–College Station
- College Station, Texas
- Acceptance Rate: 18.8%
Texas A&M University–College Station is considered one of the best pre-vet schools in the US. The program, housed within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, offers majors in Animal Science, Biomedical Sciences, and related fields. The curriculum includes essential courses like General Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, and specialized courses in animal science, physiology, and nutrition.
Texas A&M’s program is closely affiliated with the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, providing numerous hands-on learning opportunities and state-of-the-art facilities. The Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, treating over 23,000 animal patients annually, offers invaluable clinical experience through internships, externships, and volunteer opportunities, allowing students to work with various animal species and learn from experienced veterinarians.
Texas A&M also excels in providing research opportunities. The university’s extensive research programs and facilities enable students to engage in groundbreaking projects in animal health, disease prevention, and biomedical sciences. The Undergraduate Research Scholars Program allows students to work alongside faculty on significant research projects, enhancing their academic and practical understanding of veterinary science.
What are the Pre-Veterinary Course Requirements?
The pre-veterinary course requirements vary slightly between colleges and universities, but they generally include core courses in the basic sciences and animal health. It’s essential for students to research the specific requirements of the best pre-vet schools they plan to apply to, as some may have additional or unique prerequisites. Here is a typical list of pre-veterinary course requirements:
- General Biology (with lab)
- General Chemistry (with lab)
- Organic Chemistry (with lab)
- Physics (with lab)
- Calculus or Statistics
- Biochemistry (recommended)
- Microbiology (with lab)
- Genetics (recommended)
- Animal Nutrition
- Animal Behavior
- Anatomy and Physiology (with lab)
In addition to these courses, students may also be required to gain practical experience working with animals in clinical or research settings. This experience can include volunteering at animal shelters, interning with veterinarians, or participating in animal-related research projects. Engaging in extracurricular activities related to animal care is also highly beneficial.
It’s worth noting that pre-veterinary course requirements are quite intense, demanding a solid foundation in the basic sciences. Successfully completing these courses will prepare students for the more challenging coursework they will encounter in veterinary school.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for in colleges that have veterinary programs?
When looking for colleges with veterinary programs, consider several key factors. Ensure the college offers a strong pre-veterinary curriculum covering core courses like biology, chemistry, physics, and animal sciences for a solid foundation. Look for schools with high acceptance rates into veterinary programs, indicating a successful pre-vet track record. Access to hands-on experience through affiliated veterinary teaching hospitals, clinics, and research facilities is important, as practical experience is critical for veterinary school applications.
The research opportunities and animal health and biomedical sciences internships from the best pre-vet schools can greatly enhance your education and resume. Proper advising and support systems can help you navigate the demanding pre-vet requirements and application process. Lastly, consider extracurricular opportunities such as pre-vet clubs and organizations for networking, professional development, and volunteer experiences.
How long are pre-vet courses?
Pre-vet courses typically span the duration of an undergraduate degree, which is generally four years. The timeline can vary based on course load, academic plan, and additional requirements like internships, research projects, or practical experience. Most students finish their pre-vet requirements within four years, though some may take extra time to gain more experience or meet specific veterinary school prerequisites.
What can I do with a pre-vet course if I don’t attend veterinary school?
If you complete a pre-vet course but decide not to attend veterinary school, numerous career paths are available where you can use your foundation in animal sciences and biology. You can pursue roles in animal science, such as livestock management, animal nutrition, or breeding. Opportunities in biological and biomedical research as a lab technician or research assistant are also possible.
Additionally, your background can lead to careers in public health, focusing on zoonotic diseases or health education, and environmental and wildlife conservation as a wildlife biologist or conservationist. Roles in agricultural and food safety, such as agricultural inspection or food safety specialist positions, are also possible.
Furthermore, you can work in education and outreach, becoming a science teacher, educational program developer, or outreach coordinator for animal welfare organizations. Direct animal care roles, such as veterinary technician or animal trainer, are also options.
Is veterinary a lucrative career?
Yes, a career in veterinary medicine can be lucrative, though earnings vary by practice type, location, and experience. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for veterinarians was about $100,370 as of May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $60,760, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $165,600.
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