Promoting the health and wellbeing of animals can be an enriching career. For many people, a pet is like another member of the family, and the general welfare of animals is of concern to many as well. Whether caring for the smallest critters or looking out for horses at a stable, animal lovers can channel their care and passion into a career that improves the quality of life for animals and humans alike.

There are many reasons to become a veterinarian. Besides potentially high earning potential (veterinarians earn a median salary of $89k a year), the occupational outlook seems very promising. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs in this field is projected to grow by 16% within the next ten years, rapidly outpacing growth in many other areas.

Being a great veterinarian requires compassion, excellent interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, and a comprehensive science education. These qualities take years to develop and hone, and it takes a great veterinary school to acquire the scientific knowledge and clinical skills necessary for a successful career in veterinary medicine. 

There are a handful of schools across the nation that adequately prepare an aspiring vet for this career. California is already known for world-class educational institutions. It is also home to two of the best veterinary schools in the country. We present a snapshot of these schools and a brief guide on how to stand out from the rest of the applicant pool; these schools are competitive.

Best Colleges In California For Veterinary

Veterinary medicine is a branch of medicine whose specialists deal with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment of disease, and injuries in animals.

This is a broad practise that involves all kinds of animals, their species and the diseases they suffer.

As a broad range of expertise, the doctor in charge often works with other paraprofessionals with specific specialisms such as animal physiotherapy or dentistry.

Who is a Veterinarian?

A veterinarian is a health professional who studied and practices veterinary medicine.

Veterinarians are also known as veterinary physicians, veterinary surgeons or simply vet.

If you follow the regular TV show known as Incredible Doctor Pol then you should know that he is a veterinarian.

Find out more about the vet schools in California below.

What Does a Veterinarian Do?

Majorly, a veterinary doctor prevents, diagnoses, treat and ensures the health and well-being of animals are protected. 

To expound a little bit more on their role, here are some of the duties of a Veterinary doctor;

• Vets advise animal owners about the precise maintenance of their pets and their livestock.
• Veterinarians assist in the prevention and control of animal and human diseases to promote public health.
• As an epidemiologist, vets examine disease outbreaks of animals and humans like foodborne diseases, influenza, plague, rabies, AIDS and encephalitis. 
• Furthermore, they assess the safety of food processing plants, restaurants, and water supplies.
• Vets add to scientific publications to help graduate veterinarians acquire new knowledge and skills.

If Studying in California is not for you, you can also study veterinary medicine in Florida.

What is the Cost Of Attending Veterinary Schools in California?

Before we talk about the vet schools in California, you need to know that the tuition cost of Californian Veterinary Schools will differ based on the following reasons;

• School Status: private or public?. 
• Program of study: undergraduate or master’s?
• Even as a private or public schools, the tuition fee depends on school.

From our research, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in California costs $28,000-$54,000 a year for residents and $41,000-$66,000 for non-resident rates.

For specific institutions in California, DVM in the University of Pennsylvania costs $32,450 for residents and $41,460 annually for non-residents.

Whereas University of California, Davis costs $53,000-$62,000 per year for Californians and $65,000-$74,000 annually for non-residents.

Things To Consider Before Going to Vet Schools in California

When considering veterinary schools in California, you need to factor in many key factors to select only the best.

Californian Veterinary Schools are highly recommended, however, you need to consider the following points before making a choice;

• Accreditation
• Acceptance Rate
• Number of Programs
• Graduation & Employment Rate

10 Best Veterinary Colleges In California

Here are the top veterinary schools in California:

1. The University of California-Davis (UC Davis)

• Number of Programs: 2
• Acceptance Rate: 37.95%
• Graduation/Employability Rate: 81%
• Accreditation: This institution is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission

The University of California-Davis is a large, public university with a student enrollment of 35,186 offering 270 degrees. 

The school’s veterinary medicine programs is highly recognised since its inception.

Such programs include DVM, P.h.D, Master’s, combined degree programs and continuing education in Veterinary Medicine.

Studying Veterinary medicine in this Californian school takes four years.

2. University of California-San Diego

• Number of Programs: 2
• Acceptance Rate: 13%
• Graduation/Employability Rate: 86.2%
• Accreditation: This institution is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission

UC San Diego is also another large, public institution enrolling about 32,906 students offering 180 degrees.

At UC San Diego, there are 2 Veterinary Science Degree programs that award you a veterinary degree.

The school offers both DVM, P.h.D, Master’s, combined degree programs, and continuing education in Veterinary Medicine.

If you want to become one of the best vet doctors in California and beyond, you need to enroll in UC San Diego.

3. Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA.

• Number of Programs: 3
• Acceptance Rate: 12%
• Graduation/Employability Rate: No records because it’s a new veterinary school.
• Accreditation: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education (COE) granted the College Full Accreditation.

The College of Veterinary Medicine at Western University of Health Sciences started its first class in 2003.

This is one of the vet schools in California that gives Instruction and clinical opportunities in a wide range of domestic species, including food animals, equine, and companion animals.

Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA offers both DVM, P.h.D, Master’s, combined degree programs and continuing education in Veterinary Medicine.

4. San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia

• Number of Programs: 2
• Acceptance Rate: 100%
• Graduation/Employability Rate: 50%
• Accreditation: The Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.

In the list of Californian Veterinary Schools, San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia offers just one Veterinary Science program. 

San Joaquin Valley College is a private school and has graduated 56 students from Veterinary Science.

Also, this college offers both DVM, P.h.D, Master’s, combined degree programs and continuing education in Veterinary Medicine.

5. Pima Medical Institute – Chula Vista

• Number of Programs: 2
• Acceptance Rate: 100%
• Graduation/Employability Rate: 76%
• Accreditation: Nationally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)

The Pima Medical Institute is a small private institution with a student enrollment of 883 undergraduates.

The school offers veterinary programs such as veterinary technician and assistant, medical assistant, and pharmacy technician.

Pima Medical Institute offers both DVM, P.h.D, Master’s, combined degree programs, and continuing education in Veterinary Medicine.

6. Foothill College

• Number of Programs: 1
• Acceptance Rate: 100%
• Graduation/Employability Rate: 90%
• Accreditation: The Accrediting Commission for Community & Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Just like San Joaquin Valley College, Foothill College offers one Veterinary Science Degree program.

Foothill College is a large public college that offers 79 Associate degree programs, 1 Bachelor’s degree program, and 107 certificate programs in the school.

In the Veterinary department, foothill College offers DVM, P.h.D, Master’s, combined degree programs and continuing education in Veterinary Medicine.

7. Platt College-Los Angeles.

• Number of Programs: 2
• Acceptance Rate: 100%
• Graduation/Employability Rate: 80%
• Accreditation: Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges(ACCSC).

Platt College is a small private university that offers 2 Veterinary Science Degree programs.

The veterinary program at Platt college was launched in 2011 and since then, it graduates 64 students earning 32 Associate’s degrees, and 32 Certificates degrees.

Also, with AVMA approval, Platt College graduates are eligible to sit for the California Veterinary Medical Board Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) Examination.

8. Santa Rosa Junior College

• Number of Programs: 1
• Acceptance Rate: 100%
• Graduation/Employability Rate: 48.4
• Accreditation: Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Next on the list of best vet schools in California is the Santa Rosa Junior College. 

This Californian Veterinary School is a public community college in Santa Rosa with campuses in Petaluma and centres surrounding Sonoma County.

At SRJC, there is only one Veterinary Science Degree program.

Graduates of SRJC earn a certificate that provides students with the academic knowledge and semester units necessary to pursue Category 5 (Alternate Route Category) to becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT).

9. Central Coast College

• Number of Programs: 1
• Acceptance Rate: 56.7%
• Graduation/Employability Rate: 71.8%
• Accreditation: Accredited through ACCET (the Accrediting Council on Continuing Education and Training).

Central Coast College is one of the private Californian Veterinary Schools that offer 1 Veterinary Science Degree program. 

At Central Coast College, students can undertake a DVM, P.h.D, Master’s, combined degree programs, and continuing education in Veterinary Medicine.

You can be sure that vet doctors from Central Coast College are one bet in California and beyond.

10. Mt San Antonio College

• Number of Programs: 1
• Acceptance Rate: 100%
• Graduation/Employability Rate: 34%
• Accreditation: Accredited through ACCET (the Accrediting Council on Continuing Education and Training).

Mt San Antonio College is a very large public college graduating 41 students from Veterinary Science.

At Mt San Antonio College, students can undertake a DVM, P.h.D, Master’s, combined degree programs, and continuing education in Veterinary Medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Californian Veterinary Schools

How Long Does It Take To Be A Veterinarian?

4 years.

Can I Get Financial Aid For Vet School?

Yes, intending veterinarians are eligible for any form of financial aid. 

Even as a student enrolled in vet schools, you can receive up to $40,500 each year from FAFSA.

How Much Do Veterinarians Earn In A Month?

Veterinarians earn about $90,420 per month in 2017

However, it’s ideal you know that how much you earn as a veterinarian a month depends on the speciality you fit, the place you work and the country you work in.

Summary

Without bias, Californian Veterinary Schools have produces lots of vet doctors who practice in California and beyond.

The reviews say they are trained well.

Although many say that veterinary schools are more difficult than medical schools, we believe that their reasons for saying such are purely personal.

A career in veterinary medicine is possible but first, you have to attend a vet school and you are in California, the list above will definitely help you.

Top Veterinary Schools In The US

The list was conducted by the QS World University Rankings by Subject. This Top 5  Veterinary Colleges in the US, list highlights the best Veterinary Colleges ranked by the research impact of the institutions, employer reputation, and academic reputation.

Which are the top vet schools in the US?

This list serves as a guide for future students of veterinary medicine, showing them the top-notch facilities and options where they can mold their future careers.

1. UC Davis – College of Veterinary Medicine

The College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California – Davis is rated the best Veterinary School, not only in the United States but on the globe as well. The college is of public type and it was founded in 1948.

UC Davis – CVM offers a couple of degrees, such as DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine), M.S. (Master of Science), Ph.D. (Doctoral degree, Doctor of Philosophy), M.P.V.M. (Master of Preventive Veterinary Medicine), along with a joint DVM/Ph.D. degree.

Students from the State of California are required to pay annual tuition of approximately 35.000 $, and for students originating out-of-state, the costs are around 47.000 $. For both domestic and non-domestic students the fees for books, supplies, room, and board come up to 20.000 $ per year.

Each year around 750 new students apply, of which only 19 % get enrolled and become students at the veterinary college.

The admission requirements for the college are personal statements, transcripts, interviews with the applicants, three letters of evaluation, Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) with a minimum 324 average score, Grade Point Average (GPA) with a minimum 3.70 average score, and experience in the fields of veterinary medicine, animals and biomedicine.

Prerequisite course for enrollment is General and Organic Chemistry, General Biology, Biochemistry, Physics, Social Sciences, and Humanities.

The performance rate of the post-graduates at the UC Davis – College of Veterinary Medicine is astonishing 96 %, which is a clear fact of the quality of schooling here.

2. Cornell University – College of Veterinary Medicine

Cornell University is an institution of a private type, founded in 1871 in Ithaca (NY). By the criteria, it’s ranked as the second-best veterinary college in the United States.

Future graduates and postgraduates can acquire one of the three offered singular DVM, M.S. and Ph.D. degrees, and two joint DVM/Ph.D. and DVM/MPH degrees.

In-state students pay annual tuition of around 32.000 $ and students out of the state pay 16.000 $ more. The cost for room and board are equal and come up to 8.600 $, and an added 1.000 $ are required for books and supplies.

Besides 3 letters of evaluation, and experience in animal, biomedical and veterinary field, personal statements, and transcripts, the applicants need to have a minimum average GRE of 276 and a GPA of 3.80. Both international and transfer students can apply for enrollment.

Pre-requisite courses and subjects include Organic and General Chemistry, English Composition, Biochemistry, General Biology, and Physics.

Even though the College is ranked third-best in the world, the average pass rate for the license exam is 100% successful, more than UC Davis.

3. Michigan State University – College of Veterinary Medicine

Michigan State University aims at pushing the letter and becoming a pioneer in the field of discovery. Another primary focus of this institution is to address the many global challenges and seeking appropriate, sustainable solutions in response.

MSU was established in 1855 and is ranked amongst the top institutions in the world for its array of veterinary science programs. They offer self-learning, undergrad research, and is an educational trailblazer.

This university enrolls 50 000 students annually, for all 50 states, 130 foreign countries, and offers more than 200 study courses in 17 degree-granting colleges.

MSU boasts state-of-the-art facilities such as the Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health (DCPAH), the Veterinary Medical Center, and the Training Center for Dairy Professionals.

The North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) has a Minimum Acceptable Pass Rate to remain in COE Good Standing of 80%. The NAVLE Pass Rate for the Class of 2019 was an impressive 95%, making it one of the sought-after vet schools in the US.

4. Ohio State University – College of Veterinary Medicine

Ohio State University is one of the top Public Universities located in Columbus, United States. It is ranked #108 in QS Global World Rankings for 2021.

This institution was founded in 1870 and is one of the largest universities in the US, Ohio State has campuses throughout Ohio in Columbus, Newark, Lima, Marion, Mansfield, and Wooster.     

Its current student capacity is over 55 000. Prerequisite Courses include biochemistry, Microbiology, Physiology, and Communication coursework must be completed with: (1) a grade of C or better in each course, (2) a minimum of 3.0 (B) average among the courses, and (3) no more than one C among your Biochemistry, Microbiology, Physiology, and Communication coursework.

The November-December 2018 and April 2019 pass rate for students this vet College on the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) was 92% (142/155) as compared to an 80% pass rate required by the AVMA Council on Education’s Outcomes Assessment standard.

5. University of Minnesota Twin Cities– College of Veterinary Medicine

The College of Veterinary Medicine at The University of Minnesota TC represents a public institution founded in 1947. On the world rankings of best Vet Med Schools, it takes 14th place.

There are four degrees offered at the college: DVM, M.S., Ph.D., and DVM/Ph.D.

It is one of the most expensive colleges with an annual tuition of 33.800 $ for in-state and 58.300 $ for out-of-state students. Additional fees include 11.000 $ for room and board and 2.000 $ for books and supplies.

The number of enrolled students per year is 102 at a rate of 11.2%.

Along with transcripts and 3 letters of recommendation, the applicants need to have a minimum average GPA of 3.70 and a minimum average GRE of 310.

Required prerequisite courses include English Composition, General and Organic Chemistry with Lab, Physics, Biochemistry, General Biology, Math, Humanities and Social Sciences.

The performance rate on the veterinary licensing exam is 95% for students coming from the institution.

Conclusion

We hope that every young student who decided to dedicate their time and money to the Vet Med science field will find this list quite helpful. Even though the institutions listed above do not have many open places for new students,  it’s definitely worth trying to apply.