If you’re looking to become a vet, then veterinary school is your next step. Otherwise, continue reading this article, and you will get the information about the best equine vet schools! The first thing you should do before choosing your school and applying is to choose an area of practice. This will serve as the foundation for every aspect of your veterinary career. Here we will cover equine veterinary medicine, so if that’s your speciality then keep reading.
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Best Equine Vet Schools
The following veterinary schools can prepare students to become equine veterinarians:
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Tuition (In-state, 2016-17)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of California – Davis | Davis, CA | 4-year, Public | $31,324 |
| Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | 4-year, Private | $33,732 |
| Colorado State University | Fort Collins, CO | 4-year, Public | $57,766 (non-sponsored) |
| North Carolina State University | Raleigh, NC | 4-year, Public | $18,516 |
| Ohio State University | Columbus, OH | 4-year, Public | $31,148 |
| University of Wisconsin – Madison | Madison, WI | 4-year, Public | $22,762 |
| Texas A&M University – College Station | College Station, TX | 4-year, Public | $22,224 |
| University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA | 4-year, Private | $51,384 |
| University of Minnesota – Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN | 4-year, Public | $31,420 |
| Tufts University | Medford, MA | 4-year, Private | $47,010 |
equine vet school requirements
What Is an Equine Veterinarian?
Horses can be seen everywhere from rodeos to dressage meets to Olympic competitions. Equine vets are specialty veterinarians for horses. They can have their own clinics or work for barns or organizations that take care of or board a large number of horses. They need a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, and they may complete a postgraduate internship in equine care. Their duties could include examining horses to diagnose health problems, treating injuries, performing surgery, prescribing medication, euthanizing sick or injured horses, providing vaccinations and advising owners regarding the care of their horses. The following chart gives an overview of what you need to know to enter this profession.
| Degree Required | Bachelor’s degree & Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited school |
| Education Field of Study | Veterinary medicine with specialization in horses |
| Training Required | Optional 1-yr. internship available post-grad |
| Key Skills | Provide medical treatment & healthcare for horses; provide information on horse nutrition, breeding & housing |
| Licensure/Certification Required | North American Veterinary Licensing Exam required; state license required; board certification optional |
| Job Growth (2018-2028 ) | 18% increase for all veterinarians* |
| Average Salary (2018) | $105,240 for all veterinarians* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
What Education Do I Need to Become an Equine Veterinarian?
Some professional veterinary programs will admit students that do not have bachelor’s degrees, but if you have not earned a bachelor’s degree, you may struggle to be admitted. All programs require students to complete at least two to three years of pre-veterinary coursework from an undergraduate program. Undergrad classes should include animal and general biology, organic chemistry, biochemistry, genetics and physics.
To become an equine veterinarian, you must obtain a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from a college or university accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). A DVM program takes four years to complete. Generally, the first three years of the program involve coursework useful for all types of veterinary practice, such as anatomy, histology, veterinary neurobiology and reproductive physiology. The fourth year is dedicated to clinical rotations through several areas of veterinary care like large animal medicine, surgery, critical care and ambulatory care.
Many graduates of a DVM program opt to pursue a 1-year internship to gain further hands-on experience before entering practice. Organizations like the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians can connect you with an internship under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
After completion of your internship, you can specialize further by applying to a residency program for a subspecialty like sports medicine, radiology, theriogenology, large animal surgery or equine internal medicine. A residency program lasts 3-5 years and will prepare you to take a certification exam in your subspecialty.
What Licensing or Certification Do I Need?
Following graduation from a DVM program, you must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam, which is provided by the National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. You’re also required to obtain a license from the state in which you intend to practice. After you become a practicing veterinarian, you can become board certified in equine practice through the AMVA without a residency.
What Would My Job Duties Include?
As an equine veterinarian, you might provide assistance with reproduction and birthing, as well as medical care, including vaccinations, wound dressing, surgeries and procedures to repair mild bone breaks. You could care for all types of equines, like farm, ranch, race, performance or reproductive horses.
Equine veterinarians often travel to farms or ranches to perform their duties. You might also consult with ranchers and farmers regarding the feeding, housing and breeding of horses. You could also opt to work in a veterinary teaching hospital, where you would research new methods used to prevent and treat equine illnesses.
Top 10 Veterinary Schools Cost
The following veterinary schools can prepare students to become equine veterinarians:
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Tuition (In-state, 2016-17)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of California – Davis | Davis, CA | 4-year, Public | $31,324 |
| Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | 4-year, Private | $33,732 |
| Colorado State University | Fort Collins, CO | 4-year, Public | $57,766 (non-sponsored) |
| North Carolina State University | Raleigh, NC | 4-year, Public | $18,516 |
| Ohio State University | Columbus, OH | 4-year, Public | $31,148 |
| University of Wisconsin – Madison | Madison, WI | 4-year, Public | $22,762 |
| Texas A&M University – College Station | College Station, TX | 4-year, Public | $22,224 |
| University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA | 4-year, Private | $51,384 |
| University of Minnesota – Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN | 4-year, Public | $31,420 |
| Tufts University | Medford, MA | 4-year, Private | $47,010 |
Source: *School websites
School Selection Criteria
Here are some considerations for students who are choosing between veterinary schools:
- Students who wish to specialize in horses should look for a school with residency options in equine medicine, equine surgery and equine theriogenology.
- Schools in areas with large horse populations may be more attractive to those pursuing an equine specialization in veterinary medicine.
- Ask about the student-to-faculty ratio as well as student pass rates and job placement rates.
Pre-Veterinary Programs
As there is no ‘pre-vet’ bachelor’s degree, many undergraduate schools offer a two- to three-year track that fulfills the prerequisites for admission to a veterinary medicine school. Tracks like these don’t award a degree in ‘pre-veterinary science’, but can be incorporated into another major such as biology, chemistry, zoology, animal science or biochemistry.
Master’s Degree Programs
Students can expect course work, research and possibly a thesis paper in an equine science master’s degree program. This 2-year program focuses on the particular specialization chosen, such as equine physiology, industry management or equine education.
D.V.M. and D.V.M.-Ph.D. Programs
Veterinarians will need to complete their D.V.M. in order to practice medicine on animals. D.V.M. programs typically include two to three years of lectures, labs and research, and then residencies diagnosing and treating animals alongside instructors. Total time required is approximately four years.
A combined degree of D.V.M.-Ph.D. includes the requirements for passing the veterinary board exams in addition to biomedical research skills, which students use to conduct research for a doctoral dissertation. Degrees chosen relate to the desired career paths of veterinary doctors and scientists.
Aspiring equine veterinarians can get relevant training at schools that have strong programs in clinical horse care.Next: View Schools
best equine vet schools uk
Top Eight UK Universities for Veterinary Medicine
1. University of Edinburgh
The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh was the highest ranked veterinary school in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework 2014 and is currently ranked the best in the UK by the Guardian University Guide.
Extra-Mural Studies placements allow students to further practice their animal handling and clinical skills, as well as increasing their confidence, increasing their work experience and providing a valuable insight into the real world of work and the School is fully accredited by the UK’s Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and the American Veterinary Medical Association.
- Course to consider: BVMS (hons) Veterinary Medicine
2. University of Nottingham
The School of Veterinary Science at the University of Nottingham ranked top of the National Student Survey (NSS) since its first graduating cohort in 2011, as well as being ranked 2nd in the UK for research power. In a recent Association of Veterinary Students survey, Nottingham was ranked first for career progression preparation, extra mural studies structure and student welfare.
- Course to consider: Veterinary Medicine and Surgery including a Gateway Year
3. University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow Veterinary School is one of only four Vet Schools in Europe to have achieved accredited status for its undergraduate programmes from the American Veterinary Medical Association. In the 2016 National Student Survey, the School of Veterinary Medicine was voted number 1 in the UK for Veterinary Science.
- Course to consider: BVMS veterinary Medicine & Surgery
4. University of Liverpool
The University of Liverpool Institute of Veterinary Science has two on-site working farms as well as two referral hospitals, and three first opinion practices, enabling undergraduates to gain valuable hands-on experience of all aspects of veterinary practice. The Institute was voted second for veterinary science in a recent national student survey of universities.
- Course to consider: BVSc (hons) Veterinary Science 1+5 year (Foundation route)
5. University of Cambridge
Modern facilities in the Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital at the University of Cambridge include a five-theatre small animal surgical suite, a fully-equipped intensive care unit and an equine surgical suite and diagnostic unit, with an MRI machine capable of imaging standing horses. Small animals, farm animals and horses are housed on-site to provide continual opportunities to consolidate your animal handling skills. The nearby University Farm also allows all students to become involved in lambing and dairy management.
- Course to consider: Vet.M.B (hons) Veterinary Medicine
6. University of Bristol
The Veterinary School at the University of Bristol currently offers three undergraduate degrees, one taught Masters programme and have been training veterinary professionals for over 50 years. In the School of Veterinary Sciences, academics are leaders in their field, whose research helps inform national policies that can lead to developments within veterinary practice.
- Course to consider: BVSc Veterinary Science: Accelerated graduate entry
7. University of Surrey
The School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Surrey is the UK’s newest veterinary school, opening in 2015. State-of-the-art facilities worth £45m include a Veterinary Clinical Skills Centre, Veterinary Pathology Centre and modern lecture theatres and laboratories. In the National Student Survey 2019 the School achieved 100% student satisfaction and continues to go from strength-to-strength.
- Course to consider: BVMSci (Hons) Veterinary Medicine and Science
8. Royal Veterinary College
The Royal Veterinary College is the first veterinary school in the UK, and the only one worldwide, to achieve full accreditation by the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). 86% of recent Veterinary Medicine students found work (or went on to further study) within six months of graduation.
- Course to consider: BVetMed (hons) Veterinary Medicine
Best Vet Schools in the World
| Top 10 Universities for Veterinary Science in the World Based on the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021 | ||
| Rank | Name of Institution | Location |
| 1 | Royal Veterinary College, University of London | United Kingdom |
| 2 | University of California, Davis (UCD) | United States |
| 3 | University of Edinburgh | United Kingdom |
| 4 | Cornell University | United States |
| 5 | University of Guelph | Canada |
| 6 | Ohio State University | United States |
| 7= | University of Cambridge | United Kingdom |
| 7= | University of Copenhagen | Denmark |
| 7= | Vetsuisse Faculty Bern and Zurich | Switzerland |
| 10 | University of Glasgow | United Kingdom |
Top Universities For Veterinary Science
For those wishing to pursue a career in veterinary science, the 2019 edition of the QS World University Rankings by Subject has now been released, allowing veterinary science enthusiasts to draw side-by-side comparisons of the world’s current 50 best universities for the subject.
Read on for a region-by-region comparison of this year’s top veterinary schools, including a brief overview of the global top 10; alternatively, click here for the full veterinary science ranking table.
| Top 10 Veterinary Schools in the WorldBased on the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019 | ||
| Rank | Name of Institution | Location |
| 1 | Royal Veterinary College, University of London | United Kingdom |
| 2 | University of California, Davis (UCD) | United States |
| 3 | Utrecht University | Netherlands |
| 4 | University of Cambridge | UK |
| 5 | Cornell University | US |
| 6 | University of Edinburgh | UK |
| 7 | University of Guelph | Canada |
| 8 | Ohio State University, Columbus | US |
| =9 | University of Sydney | Australia |
| =9 | University of Liverpool | UK |
Top universities for veterinary science in the US & Canada
The North American region is currently home to almost half (21) of the world’s top veterinary schools this year. 18 of these are based in the US, while Canada claims just three, led by the University of Guelph, in the top 10 above.
In addition to its three institutions ranked within the top 10, the US is also home to four more veterinary schools in the global top 20 – with Michigan University maintaining 11th place, followed by the University of Minnesota which moved up an impressive nine places to rank joint 13th. Although the University of Pennsylvania and Texas A&M University are no longer in the top 10, they continue to do rather well, at 18th and 20th place, respectively.
Top universities for veterinary science in Europe
In Europe, the UK is home to seven veterinary schools, three of which are in the top 10. A further two UK universities are in the global top 20 for the subject, including the University of Glasgow (ranked 12th) and the University of Bristol (19th).
The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Spain claim two entrants each; one institution in the Netherlands sits in the top 10, while Wageningen University makes the top 20, in joint 15th place. Belgium’s top vet school, the University of Ghent, climbed four places to now rank joint 13th, while Germany and Spain both claim their best performers in the mid-range of the veterinary science ranking – Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (25th) and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (30th).
With just one ranked veterinary school each, are Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden, Ireland, Austria, Italy, and new entrant Finland, with the University of Helsinki, which places 110th in the QS World University Rankings 2019. Of all these locations, Denmark claims top spot, with the University of Copenhagen moving up four places to now rank joint 15th. Switzerland’s Vetsuisse Faculty Bern and Zurich also made an impressive improvement in the veterinary science ranking this year, climbing seven places to rank 21st. The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences follows in 22nd place, as well as Ireland’s University College Dublin (UCD) at joint 26th, Austria’s University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (31st) and Italy’s Università degli Studi di Milano (48th).
Top universities for veterinary science in Australia & New Zealand
Australia is home to four top universities for veterinary science, with its best performer, the University of Sydney, ranking in the top 10 this year after rising two spots in the veterinary science ranking. It’s followed by the University of Melbourne in 17th place, and the University of Queensland (UQ) which climbed five places in the ranking this year, now claiming 33rd place. Australia’s new entrant this year, the University of Adelaide, is a notable institution overall, ranking 114th in the current QS World University Rankings.
New Zealand is home to just one top veterinary science school – Massey University, which dropped six spots to now rank at 29th.
Top veterinary schools in the rest of the world
Elsewhere in the world, Japan and South Africa are the only other locations with entrants in the veterinary science ranking this year, with Japan’s University of Tokyo and South Africa’s new entrant, the University of Pretoria, both sharing 43rd place.
10 NOTABLE LARGE ANIMAL VET TECH SCHOOLS
Large animal veterinarians, also referred to as equine or farm animal veterinarians, can take care of and treat some of the most exotic animals known to man. All those large zoo animals that mesmerize audiences like tigers and bears, to farm animals like cows and pigs, are all options for those interested in becoming a large animal veterinarian expert.
By helping maintain food safety for these large animals and ensuring a healthy food supply for humans, there are several renowned large animal vet tech schools and farm animal programs that are available to those interested in pursuing this field as a professional career.
Read more to discover what the top 10 large animal vet tech schools in the nation have to offer.
Northeast Iowa Community College
GOADDRESS : CALMAR, IA
The large animal vet tech program at Northeast Iowa Community College gives students the opportunity to work with the school’s dairy animal herd and its commercial companion animal hospital. Students can find the dairy animal herd at the Dairy Center, which serves as a public education facility and is sponsored by the Northeast Iowa Dairy Foundation. Located just outside of Calmar, it features classrooms, labs, a free-stall barn and calf barn.
An internship is part of the large animal vet tech program and specialized courses offered in the field include large animal diagnostics, and large animal imaging and surgery. Although the school’s program focuses on large animals, students also learn the different aspects of vet tech medicine and take more general courses in animal health, veterinary medical terminology, and animal reproduction. Students also have the opportunity to join the school’s Rodeo Club.
Colorado Mountain College
GOADDRESS : GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO
Students in the vet tech program at Colorado Mountain College can find the opportunity to work with large animals on a 220-acre farm overlooking the Rocky Mountains. Because the farm is home to about 175 animals, students can gain experience working with large animals such as horses, cattle, llama, and sheep. The farm also includes a science lab, work areas, and outdoor pens.
A 2,600-square-foot on-site hospital has been designed to operate like a vet hospital so that students can gain true-to-life vet tech experiences. This hospital features a large animal treatment area, a surgical suite, and dental, laboratory, and X-ray areas.
Students work toward completing an associate of applied science (AAS) degree and also have the option to take one-credit courses in animal management, including equine management.
Alfred State
GOADDRESS : ALFRED, NY
As part of the vet tech program available through Alfred State, students can find opportunities to learn more about large animals through its Alfred State Farm. There, students gain hands-on experience working with a variety of large farm animals such as dairy cattle, alpacas, horses, goats, pigs, and sheep.
Students work toward completing an associate of applied science (AAS) degree in the program and can find the opportunity to take coursework focused on large animal anatomy and physiology. Students also have the option to take a farm management course. Other classes in the program focus on animal health care, animal parasitology, and anesthesia and surgical nursing.
Overall, the program puts a strong emphasis on hands-on experiences by having animal examination and imaging rooms, the farm, and a pathology lab available to students.
Vet Tech Institute
GOADDRESS : CHICAGO, IL
Through the school’s associate of applied science (AAS) degree, students can gain hands-on knowledge working with animals such as cows, horses, and sheep at a farm, stable, or other such facilities. This AVMA-accredited program can be completed in 18 months and is offered at four campuses across the nation in Chicago, Houston, Indianapolis, and Pittsburgh.
The vet tech programs are designed to provide extensive hands-on experience through onsite kennels, surgical suites and prep areas, clinical labs, radiography rooms. The Chicago campus features public transportation and free parking and recreation opportunities.
With three convenient start dates available throughout the year, students can begin their degree program at their convenience and learn from talented faculty members who specialize in teaching courses such as large animal theory, large animal medicine, and large animals.
Columbus State Community College
GOADDRESS : COLUMBUS, OH
Students in the Columbus State Community College vet tech program have the opportunity to learn about large animals through coursework and internships in this two-year associate of applied science (AAS) degree program.
Students can choose from more than 160 clinics to fulfill their clinical experience requirements, as well as learn vet techniques in clinical laboratories, examination rooms, surgical, and radiology facilities.
While the first year of this program is most often spent in laboratory settings, the second year of the program requires physical strength and hand dexterity to maneuver large animals and practice ambulatory medicine on farm animals, as well as restraints of large animals such as horses and cows.
Columbus State’s program has been fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association since 1974. Graduates from this program are eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE)—a credential that is recognized in more than 40 states to certify vet techs, including Ohio.
University Of New Hampshire
GOADDRESS : DURHAM, NH
In the University of New Hampshire vet tech program, students learn how to work with all the major domestic animals, including horses and cattle. The program leads to an associate of applied science (AAS) degree and provides specific coursework that is geared toward large animals. One of those is a two-credit large animal behavior and handling course offered in the first semester of the program. The other is the two-credit large animal practicum offered in the final semester of the second year.
The program trains students in all areas of veterinary care and offers more generalized courses in clinical animal nursing techniques, the fundamentals of animal health, and animal nutrition. Facilities that students may access as part of their program include the UNH equine facilities, the UNH Organic Dairy Farm, and the Applied Animal Science Biologic and Clinical Teaching Laboratory, among others.
The University Of Nebraska
GOADDRESS : CURTIS, NE
Students in the vet tech program at the University of Nebraska can find a number of opportunities to increase their large animal experience and understanding, including by working with animals located in a horse barn and a cattle facility at the school.
The vet tech program provides additional ways for students to increase hands-on learning including through a surgical operating theater, laboratories, and several X-ray facilities. The school’s program offers students training related to all aspects of a vet tech career. In the second year, students take a two-credit large animal techniques class. And during a summer session following the second year, students need to complete their large animal clinicals (among other clinical rotations).
Elective options that may be of interest to large animal vet tech students include livestock nutrition (offered online) and calving rotations. This school’s vet tech program may be unique in that it is one of the oldest in the U.S. to continually receive accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association. Since 1973, it has been approved by AVMA..
Michigan State University
GOADDRESS : EAST LANSING, MI
Unlike other large animal vet tech schools, the vet tech program offered through Michigan State University provides students an opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree. It is particularly geared toward students who have an associate degree in another field or who have been taking courses without selecting a specific degree focus.
Students gain general knowledge in their first year of the vet tech program. In the second year, the take classes such as large animal and laboratory animal nursing care techniques, and large animal diseases and management. An elective track the third year allows students to take a diverse number of classes, including one focused on large animal anesthesiology. In their third year, students can also complete a clerkship in equine medicine and surgery, which is often considered part of large animal care.
Notably, the school also offers a five-semester vet tech certificate of completion for those who have already obtained an associate degree in another field.
La Guardia Community College
GOADDRESS : NEW YORK, NY
Students working on the associate of applied science vet tech degree available through LaGuardia Community College take general vet tech classes and a three-credit farm animal nursing class as part of the requirement of completing the program. This particular class provides them with a week-long experience at Suffolk County Farm, where they assist with births, neutering, and additional facets of animal husbandry. While there, students are able to expand their large animal vet tech experience by learning about horses, sheep lamb, llamas, and pigs.
Additionally, two ten-week internships provide students with experiences to work with a variety of animals. Of note, the school is the only one within New York City to offer a fully-accredited AVMA vet tech program.
Pierpont Community And Technical College
GOADDRESS : FAIRMONT, WV
Students in the two-year associate degree program at Pierpont Community and Technical College take classes focused on large animal vet tech care as part of their curriculum. In the health management of farm animals course, students learn about restraining, handling, and medicating large animals such as cows, goats, horses, pigs, and sheep. They also learn about interstate regulations and take several field trips as part of that course.
Pleasure horse management, another large animal course, specifically introduces students to working with and handling horses. Students received instruction in topics such as common horse breeds, health, and care, nutrition, and transportation as part of that class. Finally, students may be able to find hands-on experience working with large animals by assisting a veterinarian as part of two fieldwork experiences (or preceptorships) required by the school.
METHODOLOGY: TOP LARGE ANIMAL VET TECH PROGRAMS
The following criteria were used in compiling this list of 10 large animal vet tech schools. Be aware that the schools chosen were often regular vet tech programs that had particular provisions offered for large animal vet tech care and training.
- Specific coursework in large animal care: All of these schools offer at least one to two courses (or more) in large animal care. Often, these classes are very tightly focused, include some sort of hands-on experience, and/or may be related to instruction in the care of farm animals.
- Opportunities to gain hands-on experience: The large animal vet tech schools that made the list provide students with access to farms or ranches to gain hands-on experience. Others may offer students short farm experiences or even give them the opportunity to gain large animal vet tech experiences through field trips.
- Externships and preceptorships: These programs require students to gain hands-on experience working with a veterinarian or working in a vet tech clinical setting as part of a hands-on experience requirement for degree obtainment.
- Pre-vet club: Many of these schools host a pre-vet club, through which students could meet others interested in the field, study for courses, gain experience, or even prepare for application to veterinary school.
- Diverse clinical experiences at a site: These schools offer students the opportunity to gain hands-on experiences in various aspects of animal care. As such, the schools may provide X-ray rooms, clinical laboratories, or even surgical facilities.
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