Best Pre-Veterinary Studies colleges in the U.S. 2023

Becoming that professional who animals and their people rely on often starts with pursuing studies in pre-veterinary medicine. This concentration introduces students to fundamental biological and animal science topics. This background puts interested students in a good position to meet the requirements for admission to veterinary school. Other pre-vet majors use their knowledge to go on to graduate studies in a scientific field or to enter other animal-related careers besides veterinary medicine.

As prospective healthcare providers for animals, pre-veterinary medicine majors learn all about their future patients. Coursework – oftentimes taught by practicing veterinarians – focuses on things such as animal behavior, animal physiology, and immunology. Labs and clinical experiences enhance the learning experience.

Pre-veterinary majors also should expect to take plenty of math and science courses. This background prepares students for the rigors of veterinary school. It also lays the foundation for going into animal research and other areas involving data collection and interpretation.

Types of Pre-Veterinary Classes

Pre-veterinary colleges vary in their offerings. Much of what a student takes depends on the individual institution’s requirements as well as the person’s own interests. Some classes, though, tend to be rather standard for pre-vet students. These courses often include:

• Biology
• Microbiology
• Organic chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Physics
• Genetics
• Algebra, calculus, or statistics
• Animal physiology
• Animal nutrition
• Animal diseases
• Ethical issues in biology

Skills Learned in a Pre-Veterinary Degree Program

Pre-veterinary medicine students learn a variety of skills that serve them well in future animal-related occupations or in pursuing a higher-level degree. Some of these include:

• Evaluation of animal health (what is normal and what is not)
• Technical skills used with animals (such as how to draw blood or put in a catheter)
• Forming bonds with animals and exhibiting compassion
• Research skills (such as how to use lab equipment and employ the scientific method in experiments)
• Reading, writing, and appraising scientific literature
• Critical and ethical thinking

How Long Does it Take to Get a Pre-Veterinary Degree?

Like other bachelor’s degrees, pre-vet degrees typically take four years of full-time study to earn. During this time, students complete course requirements for their major as well as general studies. Someone entering with previous education, such as already holding an associate degree, will take less time to finish what’s needed for a bachelor’s degree. On the flipside, a person who only attends college part-time will need more than four years to complete their degree.

Note that pre-veterinary studies alone do not qualify someone to become a practicing veterinarian. To enter that occupation, one must then attend veterinary school, which happens after you earn your undergraduate degree. Completing that rigorous program typically involves an additional four years of study.

Next Steps to Get Started in a Pre-Veterinary Program

Think studying pre-veterinary medicine might be a good career move? The following steps can help you land a spot at an institution that suits your interests:

1. Pay attention to what you do in high school. A strong GPA increases your attractiveness to admissions counselors. Work especially hard in math and science classes to strengthen your STEM skills. Outside of class, look for opportunities to work with animals. Animal shelters love volunteers, or perhaps see if a local vet could use part-time office help.

2. Examine higher education options thoroughly. Places differ in factors such as format (online vs. on-campus), specializations, cost, location, size, acceptance rate, and atmosphere. The best school is the one best suited to your individual situation. If you plan on attending veterinary school down the line, explore their admissions requirements, too. This knowledge will help you evaluate whether the undergraduate schools you are interested in will provide the background you need to achieve your ultimate goal.

3. Fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Money is bound to be a chief concern when selecting a college. Completing this form enables students to see what type of grants, loans, work study programs, and other sources of help may be available based on need and circumstances. And don’t forget to apply for scholarships!

4. Take the application process seriously. Provide schools with all requested material. Make sure everything is in their hands by the set deadline, including letters of recommendation. Craft essays until they shine, and definitely proofread and spell-check before submitting!

Admissions Requirements for Pre-Veterinary Degree Programs

Each institution has its own admissions requirements, so carefully follow instructions when applying. The following are items frequently requested:

• The school’s application or The Common App (a standardized application used by thousands of schools – be sure the places you’re applying to accept it)
• High school transcript that includes courses taken, grade in each, and cumulative GPA
• Transcripts from any previous post-secondary institutions
• Recommendations from teachers, counselors, or other relevant professionals
• SAT and/or ACT scores
• Proof of English language proficiency (if an international student)
• Application fee

Like many undergraduate degrees, students can pursue pre-veterinary studies online at select institutions. Reasons people may choose remote studies include:

• Not needing to relocate or deal with a lengthy commute
• Greater flexibility in mixing education with other things such as holding a job or raising children
• Cost-saving opportunities through possible acceleration

The same instructors that teach on-campus classes often lead online classes, so you’ll be receiving the same quality education. Presentation methods vary by school. Remote students may need to attend online classes or discussion sessions at specific times. Others may view lectures at convenient times and contribute posts to chat spaces. Required labs may bring telecommuting students to campus for select periods, while others may complete online simulations. An internship at a location convenient to the student may enhance the educational experience.

Many students who seek a pre-veterinary degree do so with the intention of attending veterinary school to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). This degree and passing a certification exam are necessary in order to become a practicing veterinarian. 

The understanding of animal science obtained through pre-veterinary studies also can be applied to other occupations. Some graduates opt for professions that involve assisting licensed vets. Others go into research. Practicing veterinarians can find careers in a variety of places:

• Animal shelters
• Zoos
• Aquariums
• Farms
• Animal training facilities
• State game and fish departments
• Nature conservatories
• Wildlife rehabilitation facilities
• National parks
• Other places where a knowledge of animals is useful

Pre-Veterinary Salary and Career Information

Here is a sample of occupations a person who studies pre-veterinary medicine as an undergrad may ultimately pursue. Note that projections are estimates given current conditions and should not be interpreted as a guarantee for the future.

Source: BLS

Pre-Veterinary Certification and Training

As you ponder career choices, note the requirements for entry. As mentioned before, becoming a veterinarian requires a DVM from an accredited veterinary college as well as a state license. Fields such as veterinary technology require passing a credentialing exam. Knowing what you will need to enter a given occupation allows proper planning of an educational and career path.

• Can I complete pre-veterinary studies online?
  • Yes, some off-campus options exist. Programs differ by institution in terms of how they are conducted, so carefully examine each to evaluate what suits your needs and interests. Also, check into accreditation and that what you are learning will help you achieve your educational and career goals, such as getting into veterinary school.
• Can I become a vet after completing a degree in pre-veterinary studies?
  • Studying pre-veterinary medicine is a great starting point for aspiring veterinarians. However, an undergraduate degree alone is not sufficient for that occupation. To become a practicing veterinarian, one must go on to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited veterinary school as well as pass a state licensing exam.
• Why should I pursue pre-veterinary studies?
  • For people who love animals and think working with them would be a good career choice, studying pre-veterinary medicine can be a rewarding experience. Plus, projected job growth over the next decade for veterinarians and others employed in animal care is quite high.
• How long do pre-veterinary medicine programs take?
  • Earning a bachelor’s degree generally takes four-years of full-time study. Part-time students will require additional time.
• What career options do I have with a pre-veterinary studies degree?
  • Pre-veterinary students often go on to veterinary school after graduation in order to become a practicing vet. Others pursue occupations where they assist licensed veterinarians. Some go into animal research. Many find employment at animal shelters, zoos, aquariums, farms, animal training facilities, state game and fish departments, nature conservatories, wildlife rehabilitation facilities, national parks, and other places where a knowledge of animals is useful.