7 Best Vet Schools in Missouri in 2023

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Did you know that the average salary for a Veterinarian in Missouri is $110,694 per year? That said, there is nothing stopping you from becoming a veterinarian and studying in one of the best vet schools in Missouri.

In this article, we have put together a list of the top vet schools in Missouri for you to get the prerequisite degree to become a veterinarian.

However, if you will like to explore other schools outside Missouri, then read this article about the Top 3 Vet Schools in the Caribbean and the Top 7 Vet Schools In Virginia.

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What is Veterinary Medicine?

Veterinary medicine is the branch of science that deals with the application of medical, surgical, dental, diagnostic, and therapeutic principles to pets and other 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?

A veterinarian (vet) is a medical professional who practices veterinary medicine. Or we can say that a veterinarian is a health professional who diagnoses, treat, and prescribes treatment for animals.

A veterinarian may be a veterinary surgeon, veterinary physician, veterinary assistant, veterinary technician, etc.

What Exactly Does a Veterinarian Do?

Veterinarians provide health and wellness evaluations and assessments, preventive medicine (including vaccinations), medication prescription, surgical services, rehabilitation, and palliative care for animals.

They may also provide animal population control services (e.g., spay/neuter surgery for dogs and cats) and may serve as advisers to public health officials about animal health threats, especially as they relate to human health threats.

Veterinarians’ expertise can help inform public health policy when, for example, an outbreak of disease is detected in a local animal population. Vets can provide a crucial perspective on how easily a disease is transmitted among animals or between animals and humans.

What Does it Take to Become a Veterinary Doctor?

Becoming a veterinary doctor in Missouri 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 Missouri if you choose to study in Missouri. 

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 Utah 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 Missouri?

Generally, it will cost you about $28,000-$54,000 per year for in-state tuition and fees to do your veterinary education in Missouri.

However, you need to know the tuition cost for individual veterinary schools in Missouri may vary.

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 Missouri accounting for 1,780 of these employees.

Major Factors To Consider Before Going to Vet Schools in Missouri.

Before making an advance to apply to study in Missouri vet schools and colleges ensure you put these key factors into consideration.

Veterinary colleges in Missouri are highly recommended, however, you need to consider the following points before making a choice;

  • Accreditation
  • Acceptance Rate 
  • Number of Programs.
  • Graduation & Employment Rate.
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Best Veterinary Schools For Veterinary Students In Missouri.

Before we proceed, it’s ideal that you know that there are just a few schools that offer Veterinary programs in Missouri.

And these colleges have a track record of offering the best veterinary training in Missouri 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 Missouri.

#1. The University of Missouri-Columbia.

  • Location: Columbia, MO
  • Student to Teacher Ratio: 24 : 1
  • Number of Veterinary Programs: 6
  • Number of Student Population: 30,014

The University of Missouri-Columbia is one of the largest public universities in Missouri, Columbia.

At the University of Missouri-Columbia, veterinary students can study veterinary via its 6 Veterinary Science degree programs. 

All courses offered at the University of Missouri-Columbia take four years to complete. 

As of 2019, the University of Missouri-Columbia graduated 126 Veterinary Science students, with students earning 113 Doctoral degrees and 13 Master’s degrees.

 #2. Jefferson College

  • Location: Hillsboro, MO
  • Student to Teacher Ratio: 46 : 1
  • Number of Veterinary Programs: 1
  • Number of Student Population: 4,196

Jefferson College is one of the best vet schools students who want to study veterinary medicine or its related programs can attend.

Although a prominent College in Missouri, Jefferson College is quite a small public college.

All courses offered at Jefferson College take two years to complete including its 1 Veterinary Science degree.

Actually, Jefferson College offers just one Veterinary Science degree.

Also, the college has a high graduation rate accounting for 23 Veterinary Science students graduating and earning 23 Associate’s degrees in 2019.

 #3. Northwest Missouri State University

  • Location: Maryville, MO
  • Student to Teacher Ratio: 31:1
  • Number of Veterinary Programs: 1
  • Number of Student Population: 7,104

At Northwest Missouri State University, students can study veterinary science and earn a degree in it.

Northwest Missouri State University is a medium-sized, public, four-year university that is one of the best vet schools in Missouri.

Due to the low student population, Northwest Missouri State University graduated with 5 Veterinary Science students earning 5 Bachelor’s degrees in 2019.

#4. Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City 

  • Location: Kansas City, MO
  • Student to Teacher Ratio: 65 : 1
  • Number of Veterinary Programs: 1
  • Number of Student Population: 15,770

Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City is one of the most reckoned vet schools in Missouri.

It’s one of the vet colleges that equips students excellently in the field of veterinary medicine and its related courses.

#5. Midwest Institute

  • Location: Fenton, MO
  • Student to Teacher Ratio: 45 : 1
  • Number of Veterinary Programs: 1
  • Number of Student Population: 269

Midwest Institute is a recognized institute in Missouri. 

If you want to study Veterinary medicine and its related programs, Midwest institute in Missouri should be one of the first considerations.

#6. Crowder College.

  • Location: Neosho, MO
  • Student to Teacher Ratio: 31 : 1
  • Number of Veterinary Programs: 1
  • Number of Student Population: 4,401

Next on our list of good schools for veterinarians in Missouri is Crowder College.

Crowder College has an average student population and follows through with its commitment to fashioning its students to become excellent professionals.

#7. Fontbonne University 

  • Location: Saint Louis, MO
  • Student to Teacher Ratio: 19 : 1
  • Number of Veterinary Programs: 1
  • Number of Student Population: 1,199

Fontbonne University is the last school to consider for Veterinary studies in Missouri.

Its small student population serves as an advantage in seeing to it that students are trained and everybody is carried along.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Vet Schools For Veterinarians in Missouri.

Does Missouri Have Online Distance Programs For Veterinary Programs?

Yes, there are online veterinary programs in Missouri.

However, the options are very limited.

To study a veterinary program online, these schools offer distance learning vet programs ;

  • Colby Community College of Kansas 
  • St. Petersburg College of Florida. 

How Many Vets Are in Missouri?

The number of vet techs employed in the USA is about 110,650 and in Missouri, vet Techs are about 1,780.

What’s the Duration of Veterinary Studies in Missouri?

To become a veterinary technician in Missouri 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 Missouri have a vet school?

Yes, Missouri has vet schools the most prominent being the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine — Teach, Heal, Discover, Serve.

How Much Do Veterinary Technicians Earn In Missouri?

The national average salary for a veterinary technician is 110,650. 

However, in Missouri, veterinary technicians earn lower than that. 

Vet Techs in Missouri earn about $32,670 monthly. 

Veterinary assistants and animal caregivers, who require less training and don’t need to be certified, earn an average of $25,090 per year. 

Are Vet Schools and Colleges in Missouri Accredited?

Yes, Missouri 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 Missouri?

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 Missouri?

Vet techs in Missouri 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

One relatively quick way for animal lovers in Missouri (MO) to put their passion for animal advocacy into action is to become Veterinarians.

By following through with our recommendations on the best vet schools in Missouri, you will surely become a vet doctor or technician well trained.   

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