Veterinary education is veterinarians’ tertiary education. To be a veterinarian, you need to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (D.V.M., V.M.D., B.V.S., BVSc, BVMS, B.V.M., cand.med.vet).
Getting into vet school is quite easier as compared to medical school, but it doesn’t mean that competition is not cutthroat. If you aim to pursue your veterinary education and looking for colleges in Texas for veterinarians, this write-up is for you.
Here, we are listing some of the best vet schools in Texas, along with all the significant information you should know.
So, let’s begin.
What does A Vet Do?
It is your responsibility as a veterinarian to evaluate and administer medical care to animals of all sizes. Veterinarians typically specialize in a specific species, though many works with both household pets and large livestock.
If exotic species such as snakes or amphibians are of interest, prospective students should ensure that the programs they apply for include this specialization.
Veterinarians collaborate closely with their patients and owners to determine the extent of injuries or medical emergencies and to develop a treatment plan to treat and improve their patients’ daily lives.
Many cattle ranches, workhorses, and exotic pets require medical care from a licensed veterinarian in the state of Texas.
Prospective students should be aware that due to the hands-on nature of the role, they must earn their veterinary science degree in person. And they may need to pursue graduate school and participate in professional observation with a licensed veterinary practice before entering the workforce full-time.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 5,000 veterinary positions are available throughout the state, with many openings in the Houston and Dallas metropolitan areas.
How much does it cost to attend veterinary school in Texas?
Before we get into the best Veterinary Colleges in Texas, you should be aware that tuition costs will vary depending on the following factors:
- Is the school private or public?
- Undergraduate or graduate studies?
According to our data, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in Texas costs $53,000-$62,000 per year for residents and $65,000-$74,000 per year for non-residents.
Things to Consider Before Enrolling in a Texas Veterinary School
Although Texas Veterinary Colleges are highly recommended, before making a decision, consider the following factors:
- Accreditation Acceptance Rate
- The number of programs available
Career Requirement
To become a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) in Texas, the applicant must complete an accredited veterinary technician program and pass both state and national examinations.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has accredited all of the two-year associate’s degree veterinary technology programs described, and graduates are eligible to take the RVT examinations.
Veterinarians in Texas must also be licensed. Applicants who have graduated from a board-approved school or college of veterinary medicine and pass the licensing examination are eligible to practice as veterinarians in Texas.
What Colleges in Texas have a Veterinary program?
Veterinary schools provide students with the tools and knowledge to provide compassionate care to animals. Through our list, you can learn about the best veterinary schools in Texas and programs, which can lead to a variety of careers in the field. Take a look at these 10 good Veterinary Colleges in Texas listed below.
Best wishes!
Let’s have a brief overview of all the institutions mentioned above.
1. Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
Texas A&M University-College Station has two Veterinary Science programs. It is a significant public four-year university in a medium-sized city. In 2020, 134 Veterinary Science students graduated, with 133 Doctoral degrees and one Master’s degree awarded.
The Office of Veterinary Continuing Education’s mission is to provide high-quality continuing education to veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and other animal-producer groups in our cutting-edge facilities.
Its continuing education programs offer high-quality education to veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and other animal-producing groups. Annual programs include equine, food animal, companion animal, exotic game, and exotic pet medicine and surgery conferences.
- Minimum GPA Required: 2.9 or above
- Tuition and Fees Round About: In-state 10,176 USD, Out-of-state 28,768 USD
- Finance and Admission Office Contact: (979) 845-5051
- Address Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
4461 TAMU | College Station, TX 77843-4461
2. Tarleton State University
Tarleton State University has one program in Veterinary Science. It’s a big, public four-year university in a small town.
The Department of Animal Science and Veterinary Technology offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science with six concentrations: Science (traditional Animal Science); Animal Production; Animal Industries; Pre-Veterinary Medicine Concentration; meat applications, Food, range management, and Nutrition.
The Bachelor of Science in Animal Science program provides a solid foundation in animal science courses and focuses on courses relevant to the student’s concentration choice.
The program offers numerous hands-on learning opportunities to help students advance their knowledge. A BAS degree broadens a technician’s skill set while providing knowledge above and beyond that of an associate degree in animal nursing, health care, and veterinary practice management.
- Minimum GPA Required: 3.26
- Tuition and Fees Round About: In-state 6,630 USD, Out-of-state 15,990 USD
- Finance and Admission Office Contact: 254-968-9222
- Address Box T-0070 Stephenville, TX 76402
3. Pima Medical Institute-Houston
The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools has granted accreditation to Pima Medical Institute (ABHES). Pima Medical Institute’s Veterinary Technician program includes courses that provide in-depth study in nursing skills, laboratory procedures, equine medicine and nursing, livestock animals, lab animal, and exotic animal medicine.
As a veterinary technician, you will typically perform clinical work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. This includes running various medical tests on animals and treating them for medical conditions and diseases.
- Minimum GPA Required: 3.15
- Tuition and Fees Round About: 29,160 USD
- Finance and Admission Office Contact: 800-477-7462
- Address 11125 Equity Dr #100, Houston, TX 77041, United States
4. The University of Texas
The university has the eighth-largest single-campus enrollment in the country, with over 50,000 undergraduate and graduate students and over 24,000 faculty and staff. The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio has two Veterinary Science programs. In 2015, 1 student graduated with a Doctorate in Veterinary Science.
So, the University of Texas is among the best vet schools in Texas.
- Minimum GPA Required: 3.15
- Tuition and Fees Round About: In-state 9,806 USD, Out-of-state 34,676 USD
- Finance and Admission Office Contact: 512-471-3172
- Address Health Professions Office, 103 W. 24th St., Mail Stop A2900, Painter Hall (PAI) 5.03
Austin, TX 78712-1741
5. Weatherford College
Weatherford College’s Veterinary Assisting Program is a 10-month program that begins in the fall of each year and consists of classroom, laboratory, and clinical learning experiences.
The program consists of 31 semester credit hours and is designed to prepare students for careers as entry-level veterinary assistants. The program in Veterinary Assisting prepares students to work alongside veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
The program consists of three semesters plus a summer practicum. Graduates will not be eligible to take the RVT examination, but they will be able to transfer into Cedar Valley College’s veterinary technology program due to an articulation agreement between the two schools.
- Minimum GPA Required: 3.15
- Tuition and Fees Round About: In-state 3,720 USD, Out-of-state 5,280 USD
- Admission Office Contact: 817-594-5471, 800-287-5471
- Address 225 College Park Drive, Weatherford, TX 76086
6. Mclennan Community College
McLennan, along with Baylor University and Texas State Technical College, is one of three colleges in Waco. MCC now has over 700 employees and serves approximately 9,000 students. McLennan Community College has three Veterinary Science programs. In 2015, 29 students graduated from the Veterinary Science program, with 19 receiving Associate’s degrees and 10 obtaining Certificates.
The associate’s degree program is highly competitive, with only 30 students accepted each year. The school’s 10,000-square-foot animal hospital, which includes specialized veterinarian training facilities, provides hands-on training.
- Minimum GPA Required: 2.5
- Tuition and Fees Round About: In-state 3,720 USD, Out-of-state 5,280 USD
- Admission Office Contact: 817-594-5471, 800-287-5471
- Address 1400 College Dr, Waco, TX 76708, United States
7. Lone Star College System
The Tomball campus offers a one-year veterinary technician certificate program as well as an associate’s degree veterinary technician program. Medical terminology, exotic animal clinical management, veterinary anatomy and physiology, nutrition, pharmacology, parasitology, and food animal clinical management are all covered in the one-year certificate program.
The associate’s degree program added coursework in equine, canine, and feline clinical management, anesthesia, surgical assistance, radiology, and pathology. Many colleges and universities accept associate’s degree core credits toward a bachelor’s degree.
Some colleges will accept all 72 credit hours as part of a bachelor’s degree program in animal science or agricultural business.
- Minimum GPA Required: 2.5
- Tuition and Fees Round About: $16,958
- Admission Office Contact: 832-813-6500
- Address Lone Star College-System Office, 5000 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77381
8. Navarro College
Navarro College, which offers a pre-veterinarian associate’s degree program, is located in Corsica. This program aims to transfer associate’s degree credits to a bachelor’s degree program in preparation for a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree.
The school advises students to consult with the intended four-year program and coordinate transfer courses. Students take 8 to 10 pre-veterinarian courses and electives in addition to general education courses.
- Minimum GPA Required: 2.5
- Tuition & Fees Approximately: In-state 3,568 USD, Out-of-state 5,068 USD
- Admission Office Contact: +1 800-628-2776
- Address 4141 Victory Dr, Houston, TX 77088, United States
9. Houston Community College
HCC is yet another best option among the veterinary colleges in Texas to get enrolled in veterinary program. You’ll learn how to treat and prevent parasites like roundworms and heartworms. You’ll even learn about life as it relates to dogs and cats.
You will learn about current spaying and neutering practices, how to deal with the emotional issues of euthanasia and pet loss, and how to best assist clients in need.
- Minimum GPA Required: 3
- Tuition and Fees Round About: In-state $4,344 USD, Out-of-state $5,460USD
- Admission Office Contact: 713.718.2000
- Address 3601 Fannin, Suite 109, Houston, TX 77004 US
10. Blinn College
Blinn College, in collaboration with Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, provides the first year of a two-year veterinary technology associate’s degree program at its Bryan campus.
The clinical training for the second year takes place on the Texas A&M University campus in College Station. The program is competitive. Applicants must have general animal experience and 40 hours of supervised veterinary expertise.
- Minimum GPA Required: 2.0 minimum
- Tuition and Fees Round about: In-state $3,510 USD, Out-of-state $8,280 USD
- Admission Office Contact: 979-830-4000
- Address 902 College Ave, Brenham, TX 77833, United States
11. Cedar Valley College
Cedar Valley College’s Lancaster campus offers two veterinary technology programs. The 20-credit-hour veterinary assisting certificate program covers veterinary medical terminology and technology, canine and feline clinical management, and parasitology.
The courses in the veterinary assisting programs are included in the 2-year associate’s degree veterinary technology program, as well as diagnostic technology, pharmacology, physiology, surgery and helping, and large animal clinical management.
This is a technical program with a lot of hands-on experience. Because it is intended to prepare students for entry-level positions as veterinary technicians, all credits earned are not generally transferable to a bachelor’s degree program.
- Minimum GPA Required: 2.0 minimum
- Tuition and Fees Around about: $20,099 per year
- Admission Office Contact: 214-378-1500
- Address 1601 Botham Jean Blvd, Dallas, TX 75215
- How do I Become a Veterinarian in Texas?
Every state, including Texas, requires veterinary school graduates to pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam. You must also pass the State Board Examination in Texas.
The truth is that many people find the answer to how to become a vet to be overwhelming, and it is not for everyone.
Wrapping Up
If you are an animal freak and want to pursue your career as a vet, this guide will surely help you shortlist the best veterinary colleges in Texas. Good luck.