The Top 6 Vet Schools in Tennessee in 2023
If you choose to attend one of the best vet schools in Tennessee for your veterinary education, then that is probably the best decision you are making for your career as a veterinary doctor, technician, or surgeon.
Colleges and universities in Tennessee are known to offer one of the best education in line with the USA’s quality educational status.
Following our recent article on the Top 10 Vet Schools in Florida and Vet Colleges in California, we saw it fit for our Tennessee-based students to have the same access.
So, if you’re looking for the best vet schools in Tennessee, this article will give you all the details that you need to make a good decision.
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?
A veterinarian is a health professional who studies and practices veterinary medicine. Veterinarians are also known as veterinary physicians, veterinary surgeons, or simply vets.
If you follow the regular TV show known as Incredible Doctor Pol then you should know that he is a veterinarian.
The title “veterinarian” is an umbrella that houses the specialties in veterinary medicine.
Such specialties include;
- Veterinary surgeon
- Veterinary physician
- The veterinary assistant.
- The veterinary technician etc
You will soon find out more about the vet schools in Tennessee below.
Why become a veterinary doctor?
If you love animals and you’re looking for a rewarding and challenging career, becoming a veterinary doctor or technician is a step in the right direction.
In our world today, you can agree with me that animals have so well become a part of the human world that they too need a doctor.
My pretty German Shepherd Dog always had a need for one and I kept wondering what we would have done without a vet doctor.
Being one of the best veterinarians is one way to have your pests and animals stay healthy and hearty.
In addition to that, you get to take a large chunk of money home and have a happy experience with these great buddies.
What Exactly Does a Veterinarian Do?
Depending on your specialty in the veterinarian structure, your specific involvement and role will differ.
A veterinary surgeon does not handle technical duties as that is majorly for the veterinary technician.
In order not to have a clash of duties, every specialist has his or her role under the Veterinarian umbrella.
And this is largely determined by your course of study.
Back to what veterinarians do, majorly, a veterinary doctor prevents, diagnoses, treats 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.
- 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?
To get started on that path, you need to get at least training or experience from any of the Best Veterinary Schools in Tennessee.
That’s why we have put this piece together to give you a heads-up on the schools for Veterinary students in Tennessee to get a degree.
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 Tennessee for students who want to study veterinary medicine.
So, in this post, we have also listed the cost implication of becoming a vet in Tennessee.
Let me walk you through this piece and give you a firm footing to start this veterinary journey.
What is the Cost Of Attending Veterinary Schools in Tennessee?
Before we talk about the Vet Colleges and schools in Tennessee, 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.
However, keep in mind that the cost of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in Tennessee is not unique.
This is so because each college has its own specified college fee which costs differently for residents of Tennessee and out-of-state students.
On a general note, we found out the tuition cost of studying Veterinary medicine in Tennessee costs about $29,336 for in-state students and $56,602 for out-of-state students.
Books cost about $3,508 for the first and $3,508 for the latter.
Keep in mind that other costs may apply.
You may also like to check out these 10 Vet Schools In Texas.
Are Veterinarians in High Demand?
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.
Things To Consider Before Going to Vet Schools in Tennessee.
When considering veterinary colleges in Tennessee, you need to factor in many key factors to select only the best.
Tennessee Veterinary colleges 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 Colleges In Tennessee.
Here are the top veterinary science schools and universities in Tennessee for Veterinarians;
#1. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
- Location: Knoxville, TN
- Student: Teacher Ratio: 18: 1
- Number of Student Population: 29,460
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is one of the largest, public universities in Knoxville.
At the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, there are 2 Veterinary Science degree programs.
Veterinary courses at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville last for 4 years.
In 2019, 84 Veterinary Science students graduated with students earning 84 Doctoral degrees.
#2. Lincoln Memorial University
- Location: Harrogate, TN
- Student: Teacher Ratio: 41: 1
- Number of Student Population: 4,867
Lincoln Memorial University is one of Tennessee’s best vet schools.
At Lincoln Memorial University, vet students graduate after a four-year thorough pruning in the area of veterinary medicine.
However, the large student-to-teacher ratio may be of concern to most schools.
Besides that, it’s an excellent college for veterinary medicine courses in Tennessee.
#3. Chattanooga State Community College
- Location: Chattanooga, TN
- Student: Teacher Ratio: 33: 1
- Number of Student Population: 8,050
Chattanooga State Community College is one of the great schools in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Students intending to study veterinary medicine should consider Chattanooga State Community College as it has a track record of graduating top-notch scholars.
#4. Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Memphis.
- Location: Memphis, TN
- Student: Teacher Ratio: Not Specified
- Number of Student Population: 1,356
Next on our list of good vet schools in Tennessee USA is the Tennessee College of Applied Technology.
As a technology school, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology enrolls and teaches veterinary technicians.
In Tennessee’s colleges, veterinary technicians gain hands-on experience in their field.
Also, the small student population is a great advantage for serenity and focus in learning.
#5. Volunteer State Community College.
- Location: Gallatin, TN
- Student: Teacher Ratio: 48: 1
- Number of Student Population: 9,144
Another good veterinary college in Tennessee is the Volunteer State Community College.
Volunteer State Community College is a large college that offers the best training for becoming a veterinarian.
Studying at Volunteer State Community College gives students hands-on experience as well as insight into what the profession is all about.
#6. Columbia State Community College
- Location: Columbia, TN
- Student: Teacher Ratio: 55: 1
- Number of Student Population: 6,305
Columbia State Community College is one of the community colleges in Columbia that offers veterinary programs.
The number of veterinary students shown in the student-to-teacher ratio is quite wholesome.
You can be sure to have a full class.
However, the college prepares you for graduate life as a veterinarian on and before graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Colleges For Veterinarians in Tennessee.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Veterinarian in Tennessee Vet Schools?
Becoming a veterinarian like most university courses takes 4 years to complete in Tennessee fully.
However, an exception to this regard is the Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro school which offers a 2-year program in veterinary assistant.
Where Can I Work As A Veterinary Technician in Tennessee?
A veterinary technician slightly differs from a veterinary surgeon, specialist, or just the vet doctor in duty and specialization.
Veterinary technicians majorly work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian during clinical work.
In Tennessee, the major employers of veterinary technicians are;
- BluePearl Veterinary Partners, Nashville
- Hardin Valley Animal Hospital, Knoxville
- Shallowford Animal Hospital, Chattanooga
- Metro Public Health Department, Nashville
How Much Do Veterinary Technicians Earn In Tennessee?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for veterinary technicians in Tennessee was $27,760 per year in 2020.
Despite the fact that this salary is below the national average of $36,260.
Are Vet Schools in Tennessee Accredited?
In Tennessee, there are six campus-based programs accredited through the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA), the predominant accrediting body for vet tech programs in the country.
Summary
Vet schools in Tennessee groom you in theory as well as practical on how to become a sought-after vet doctor in Tennessee and the world at large.
Besides a good academic experience, Tennessee gives you the opportunity to work with vet hospitals as a student vet doctor.
What more can you want?
