Top 7 Vet Schools In Virginia | All You Need to Know
Are you an international student seeking to study veterinary medicine in the US? If yes, then you may like to check out these top 7 vet schools in Virginia, USA to get started.
We all know that the US is home to some of the best schools in the world and of course, veterinary schools are not exempted.
You only need to get enough information that will help you to make the right decision about the college for your veterinary education. Hence, this guide.
In this article, you will learn about the cost of veterinary schools in Virginia, how long it takes, and factors to consider when getting in.
You can also read our article about the 10 Best Vet Schools In Pennsylvania or The Top 6 Vet Schools in Tennessee for more choices of vet schools in the US.
What is Veterinary Medicine?
Veterinary medicine is a branch of medicine whose specialists deal with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment of diseases, and injuries in animals.
This is a broad practice 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.
This course of study teaches you all the things you need to know about animals and how to take care of them when they are sick.
Who is a Veterinarian?
According to Collins dictionary, A veterinarian is a person who is qualified to treat sick or injured animals.
He or she could be a veterinary physician, surgeon, technician, or even a veterinary assistant. The key thing is that a veterinarian must go through rigorous training just like every other medical field to become a professional in this field.
What Exactly Does a Veterinarian Do?
The Veterinarian educates owners about their pet’s basic needs and treatments. Then, if necessary, they prescribe medication for animals; they also offer advice on how best to take care of them throughout every stage of life from birth until old age.
Depending on your specialty in the veterinarian career structure, your specific involvement and role will differ and this is largely determined by your course of study.
Generally, a veterinarian will be found doing the following;
- 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.
- Administers immunizations and conducts physical examinations on animals.
- Provides emergency care, surgery, and dental procedures on animals.
- Prescribes medications and euthanizes animals.
- 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.
What Does it Take to Become a Veterinary Doctor?
Becoming a veterinary doctor in Virginia is a great feat.
However, to get started on that path, you need to get at least training or experience from any of the Best Veterinary Schools in the world.
That’s why we have put this piece together to give you a heads-up on the schools for Veterinary students in Virginia if you choose to study in Virginia.
A degree from a veterinary school or college is necessary to make a career in this field.
We have gathered the list of Veterinarian colleges in Virginia for students who want to study veterinary medicine.
However, before I walk you through that, there are some of the processes that will give you a firm footing to start this veterinary journey.
To become a veterinarian, you have to;
- Graduate High School, 4 years in veterinary medicine or science and 2 years as a veterinary technician.
- Then complete an accredited vet tech program which may take 2 to 4 years.
- Lastly, take the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Exam).
What is the Cost Of Attending Veterinary Schools in Virginia?
Before we talk about the Vet Colleges and schools in Virginia, you need to know the tuition cost of Veterinary Schools in the area.
Keep in mind that the cost will differ based on the following reasons;
- School Status: private or public?
- Program of study: undergraduate or master’s degree?
- Even in private or public schools, the tuition fee depends on the school.
Are Veterinarians in High Demand in the US States?
Yes, veterinarians are in high demand in the USA.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for veterinary Doctors, surgeons, Technicians, and animal caregivers will increase by 18% between 2018-2028.
What this means is that people are expected to spend more money on their pets and this will increase the demand for veterinary services.
Available veterinary jobs for technicians, assistants, and animal caregivers are growing at a rate of 400 new positions every year.
Therefore, it’s not out of place to say that if you become a veterinarian today, you will not be out of jobs.
In the USA as a whole, there are about 110,650 veterinarian employees with Virginia accounting for 2,100 of these employees.
Major Factors To Consider Before Going to Vet Schools in Virginia.
Before making advancement to apply to study in Virginia vet schools and colleges ensure you put these key factors into consideration.
Veterinary colleges in Virginia are highly recommended, however, you need to consider the following points before making a choice;
- Accreditation
- Acceptance Rate
- Number of Programs.
- Graduation & Employment Rate.
Best Veterinary Schools For Veterinary Students In Virginia.
Before we proceed, it’s ideal to know that there are just a few schools that offer Veterinary programs in Virginia.
And these colleges have a track record of offering the best veterinary training in Virginia and compete with most colleges in the whole of the USA.
Without further ado, here is a list of colleges for Veterinary medicine, tech, and other related courses in Virginia.
#1. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University:
- Location: Blacksburg, VA
- Student to Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Number of Veterinary Programs: 3
- Number of Student Population: 36,383
If you are looking for one of the best veterinary science colleges in Virginia, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University should top your search list.
Besides that, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is a very large, public university that offers four-year courses.
At Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, there are 3 Veterinary Science degree programs.
The school graduated 142 Veterinary Science students earning 137 Doctoral degrees, and 5 Master’s degrees in 2019.
#2. Tidewater Community College:
- Location: Norfolk, VA
- Student to Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Number of Veterinary Programs: 1
- Number of Student Population: 36,383
Next on our list of vet schools and colleges best for veterinary students in Virginia is the Tidewater Community College.
Tidewater Community College is another large public college in Virginia.
Unlike most other veterinary schools, Tidewater Community College offers a two years program.
Although Tidewater Community College offers just one Veterinary Science program, it graduated 11 Veterinary Science students earning 11 Certificates.
#3. Blue Ridge Community College:
- Location: Weyers Cave, VA
- Student to Teacher Ratio: 58:1
- Number of Veterinary Programs: N/A
- Number of Student Population: 3,834
Blue Ridge Community College offers an associate of applied science (AAS) degree in veterinary technology.
An intriguing advantage of studying at Blue Ridge Community College is the fact that you can do both on-campus learning as well as distance education.
#4. Northern Virginia Community College:
- Location: Annandale, VA
- Student to Teacher Ratio: 81:1
- Number of Veterinary Programs: 1
- Number of Student Population: 51,822
Northern Virginia Community College-Loudoun (NOVA) offers an associate of applied science (AAS) degree in veterinary technology.
Just like Blue Ridge Community College, Northern Virginia Community College offers both online and on-campus learning.
Courses at Northern Virginia Community College stretch across animal breeds and behavior; anesthesia of domestic animals; animal dentistry; clinical pathology; and more.
#5. Patrick Henry Community College:
- Location: Martinsville, VA
- Student to Teacher Ratio: 50:1
- Number of Veterinary Programs: 3
- Number of Student Population: 2,238
Patrick Henry Community College is one of the vet schools for Veterinary students in Virginia.
At Patrick Henry Community College, students can be sure of practical and professional training in the area of veterinary technology.
#6. Averett University:
- Location: Danville, VA
- Student to Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Number of Veterinary Programs: 1
- Number of Student Population: 894
Averett University is next on the list of veterinary schools in Virginia.
Averett University offers veterinary science programs that equip students to become the most sought-after veterinarians in Virginia as well as the world at large.
Also, its small population makes it comfortable for most students to learn.
#7. Eastern Virginia Medical School:
- Location: Norfolk, VA
- Student to Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Number of Veterinary Programs: 3
- Number of Student Population: 11,275
Eastern Virginia Medical School is one of Virginia’s best vet schools and colleges.
Its small population size is a great attraction to students who prefer to school in a less dense population environment.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Vet Schools For Veterinarians in Virginia.
Does Virginia Have Online Distance Programs For Veterinary Programs?
Yes, there are online veterinary programs in Virginia.
However, the options are very limited.
To study a veterinary program online in Virginia, these schools offer distance learning vet programs;
- Northern Virginia Community College
- Blue Ridge Community College
How Many Vets Are in Virginia?
The number of vet techs employed in the USA is about 110,650 and in Virginia, vet Techs are about 2,100.
What’s the Duration of Veterinary Studies in Virginia?
To become a veterinary technician in Virginia vet schools takes 2 years to complete.
That earns you an Associate degree in Veterinary Technology.
However, becoming a veterinary doctor or surgeon requires you to earn a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD in Animal Sciences, veterinary medicine, or public health.
That takes 4 years.
Does Virginia have a vet school?
Yes, Missouri has vet schools, the most prominent being the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
How Much Do Veterinary Technicians Earn In Virginia?
The national average salary for a veterinary technician is 110,650.
However, in Missouri, veterinary technicians earn lower than that.
Also, depending on your location in Virginia, the amount you earn can differ.
Here is a list of what vet Techs earn in some areas of Virginia in 2019;
- Roanoke $36,990
- Lynchburg $31,090
- Richmond $40,580
- Charlottesville $42720
- Staunton-Waynesboro $38,800
- Virginia Beach-Norfolk VA-NC $33,830
Are Vet Schools and Colleges in Virginia Accredited?
Yes, Virginia vet schools and colleges are accredited by the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA), the accrediting body of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
What Are The Professional Veterinary Technology Organizations in Virginia?
Professional Organizations in Utah include;
- The Society of Veterinary Technicians and Assistants.
- National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).
Where Are Veterinary Technicians Employed in Virginia?
Vet techs in Virginia work in places such as
- Clinics.
- Farms
- Zoos.
- Shelters
- Kennels.
- Universities
- Wildlife centers.
- Veterinary hospitals
- Aquariums
- Animal control facilities
- Animal rescue centers
- Government regulatory agencies
- Biomedical research labs
- Specialty clinics (e.g., avian, equine),
Summary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are over 2,000 veterinarians in Virginia with many jobs located in the Richmond and Arlington metro areas.
By following through with our recommendations on the best vet schools in Virginia, you will surely become a vet doctor or technician well trained.
