Top 20 Veterinary Medicine Schools in California

Do you want to know about the top Veterinary schools in Canada? then continue reading.

A veterinarian is a medical professional who specializes in providing healthcare services to animals. Veterinary doctors are highly sought-after allied healthcare professionals in the US, with 86,300 employed in 2021 and projected to increase by 19% by 2031.

In this article, we will highlight the top Veterinary Schools in California.

What does a Veterinarian do?

A veterinarian is a medical professional who specializes in providing healthcare services to animals. 

The health of animals is crucially dependent on veterinarians. Veterinarians can perform a variety of procedures and give drugs in addition to caring for animals.

Veterinarians must address worries about zoonosis, which the WHO defines as an infectious disease that has transferred from a non-human animal to people, in order to safeguard the general public’s health. Veterinarians are crucial to ensuring the welfare and safety of animals.

Overview of Vet Schools in California

International students frequently choose California, one of the states with the best veterinary schools in the nation.

In 2018, 3,000 students graduated from veterinary medicine programs in California, where four reputable universities provide comprehensive veterinary medicine programs.

The state is home to prestigious universities that place an emphasis on veterinary education excellence while encouraging research and innovation.

A variety of programs are available to students, including graduate studies in specialized fields and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degrees.

Institutions in California uphold strong academic standards, offering mentorship, and enabe practical training through clinical rotations and fieldwork.

They also emphasize research, fostering critical thinking skills, scientific inquiry, and a deeper understanding of veterinary medicine’s evolving landscape.

California’s veterinary education institutions create a supportive and inclusive learning environment, offering comprehensive student support services, networking opportunities, and industry exposure.

List of Top 20 Veterinary Schools in California

Below is a list of the top 20 veterinary schools in California:

• University of California, Davis
• Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona
• Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford
• University of California, San Diego
• San Joaquin Valley College, Visalia
• Pima Medical Institute, Chula Vista
• Foothill College, Los Angeles
• Santa Rosa Junior College, Santa Rosa
• Central Coast College, Salinas
• Mount San Antonio College, Walnut
• California State Poly University-Pomona
• Consumnes River College, Sacramento
• Yuba College, Marysville
• Carrington College California
• Platt College, Los Angeles
• University of Southern California, Los Angeles
• Los Angeles Pierce College, Woodland Hills
• Reedley College, Reedley
• Mount San Jacinto College, San Jacinto
• University of California, Berkeley.

Top 20 Veterinary Schools in California

1. University of California, Davis

• Founded: 1905
• Tuition fee: $11,700 for domestic and $12,245 for international students.

The University of California, Davis is a public research university near Davis, California.

The University of California, Davis offers Veterinary medicine which is a nationally top-ranked academic medical center. UC Davis Veterinary Medicine is accredited by American Veterinary Medical Association, AVMA.

The University of California, Davis provides need-based scholarship/financial aid to students studying Veterinary medicine.

2. Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona

• Founded: 1977
• Tuition: $55,575 per year; excluding other study-related costs.

Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) is a private medical school and health sciences university in Pomona, California.

The Western University College of Veterinary Medicine is a non-profit, veterinary medical school at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona.

In 1998, the Western University Vet School was open for admissions and now has approximately 400 Vet students. Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona offers financial aid to Veterinary students in other to help with costs.

3. Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford

• Founded: 1908
• Tuition: It is funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Stanford University is a private research university in Stanford, California.

Stanford University has a Veterinary Service Center which provides laboratory animal care and is administered by the Department of comparative medicine.

Veterinary Service Center (VSC) at Stanford University provides laboratory animal care and is administered by the Department of Comparative Medicine.

Stanford University offers merit-based scholarships to Vet students to help with costs.

4. University of California, San Diego

• Founded: 18 November 1960
• Tuition: Local tuition is 14,700 USD, and Domestic tuition is 44,454 USD.

The University of California, San Diego is a public land-grant research university in La Jolla, California. The University of California, San Diego in cooperation with the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, offers Veterinary medicine.

University of California, San Diego offers financial aid to Students in Veterinary programs to help with costs.

5. San Joaquin Valley College, Visalia

• Founded: 1977
• Tuition fee: 18,730USD

San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) is a private college, in Visalia, California.

San Joaquin Valley College offers a Veterinary Assistant program that teaches students how to provide support to Veterinarians and how to provide preventative care to pets.

San Joaquin Valley College is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The College also provides merit-based scholarships to international students.

6. Pima Medical Institute, Chula Vista

• Founded: 1972
• Tuition: 17,080USD for the academic year

The Pima Medical Institute (PMI) is a private medical career college in Chula Vista, California.

Pima Medical Institute offers Veterinary Technician Associate Degree Program which provides the knowledge and training to work as a capable entry-level veterinary technician.

PMI is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). The institution provides financial aid to 91% of its freshmen students.

7. Foothill College, Los Angeles

• Founded: January 15, 1957
• Tuition: 5,500USD (approximate cost of the program)

Foothill College is a public community college in Los Altos Hills, California. Football College offers a Veterinary program that provides career training for both veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants. 

Its Veterinary program is accredited by American Medical Veterinary Association-CVTEA. Football College also provides financial aid worth an Average of $3,794 Per Year.

8. Santa Rosa Junior College, Santa Rosa

• Founded: 1918
• Tuition: Not available.

Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) is a public community college in Santa Rosa, California. The college Veterinary Technician program offers thirteen Veterinary Technician courses.

Santa Rosa Junior College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Santa Rosa Junior College also provides financial aid to 86% of students who apply.

9. Central Coast College, Salinas

• Founded: 1983
• Tuition: 19,780USD per year

Central Coast College, Salinas is a school in Salinas, California. The College offers a Veterinary program that prepares students for professional certification and immediate entry-level employment as Veterinary Technicians.

Central Coast College’s Veterinary Technology program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (A.V.M.A-C.V.T.E.A). Central Coast College provides need-based scholarships to international students to help with costs.

10. Mount San Antonio College, Walnut

• Founded: 1945
• Tuition: $2,760 (in-state students) and $20,040 (out-of-state students) per year.

Mount San Antonio College is a public community college in Walnut, California.

The college offers a Veterinary associate program that teaches students the practical application of Veterinary medicine.

Mount San Antonio College’s Veterinary Technology Program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Mount San Antonio College offers scholarships available to qualified students, based on need, merit, major, and/or educational goals. 

11. California State Poly University-Pomona

• Founded: 15 September 1938
• Tuition fee: 7,438USD (residents), 11,880USD (non-residents)

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona is a public polytechnic university in Pomona, California. California State Polytechnic offers pre-veterinary science.

California State Polytechnic’s Animal Health Science program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Committee. The University provides financial to students to help with costs.

12. Consumnes River College, Sacramento

• Founded: September 14, 1970
• Tuition fee: 1,288USD (residents); 9,760USD (out-of-state)

Cosumnes River College is a public community college in Sacramento, California. Cosumnes River College offers a Veterinary Technology program that provides students with the skills necessary to pursue a career as a Registered Veterinary Technician.

Cosumnes River College’s Veterinary Technology program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The College offers need-based scholarships to freshmen students.

13. Yuba College, Marysville

• Founded: 1927
• Tuition fee: 2,898USD (CA residents); 13,860USD (non-resident)

Yuba College is a public community college in Marysville, Yuba County, California. Yuba College offers an associate degree in Veterinary Technology which prepares students to be future Veterinarians and for the Veterinary Technician National Exam.

Yuba College’s Veterinary program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, (AVMA). The College offers merit-based scholarships to qualified students.

14. Carrington College

• Founded: 1967
• Tuition fee: For Vet tech, 14,760 USD for Years 1 & 2 each; 7,380 USD for Year 3.

Carrington College is a for-profit private college in Sacramento, California. Carrington College offers a Veterinary Technician program that provides you with the skills you need to work in a modern veterinary practice.

Carrington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC/WASC). The college offers student loans, grants, and scholarships to qualified students.

15. Platt College, Los Angeles

• Founded: 1966
• Tuition fee: 14,354USD per year (Estimate)

Platt College, Los Angeles is a college in Los Angeles, California. Platt College offers a Veterinary program that provides in-depth study and training necessary to gain entry-level employment in animal health care.

Platt College’s Veterinary technician program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, AVMA Committee.

The College provides Over $50 Million in Financial Aid & Scholarships.

16. University of Southern California, Los Angeles

• Founded: October 6, 1880
• Tuition fee: $60,275

The University of Southern California is a private research university in Los Angeles, California.

The University of Southern California offers a Pre-Veterinary Medicine program that prepares students for the Medical College Admission test.

The College offers merit-based scholarships to international students to help with costs.

17. Los Angeles Pierce College, Woodland Hills

• Founded: 1947
• Tuition fee: $1,220 for California residents and $8,570 for out-of-state students.

Los Angeles Pierce College is a public community college in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California. Pierce College offers a Veterinary program that provides students with the skills to become valued members of veterinary healthcare teams.

Pierce College’s Veterinary Technology program at Pierce College is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

The College provides scholarships and financial aid to students.

18. Reedley College, Reedley

• Founded: 1926
• Tuition fee: $1,330 for California residents and $8,890 for out-of-state students.

Reedley College is a public community college in Reedley, California. Reedley College offers associate degrees in animal science, and livestock science, which prepares students for careers in veterinary medicine, and livestock breeding. The College provides 92% of freshmen students with an average of $5,810.00 worth of financial aid.

19. Mount San Jacinto College, San Jacinto

• Founded: 1962
• Tuition fee: $1,406 for California residents and $11,276 for out-of-state students

Mount San Jacinto College is a public community college in Riverside County, California. Mount San Jacinto College offers a Veterinary program that prepares students for animal care, lab tests, and surgical procedures.

Mount San Jacinto College’s Veterinary program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, AVMA. The college provides scholarships that cover all the costs.

20. University of California, Berkeley

• Founded: 1868
• Tuition fee: $15,000 for California residents and $22,000 for out-of-state students.

The University of California, Berkeley is a public land-grant research university in Berkeley, California. UC Berkeley offers a Veterinary program that prepares students to be future Veterinarians.

UC Berkeley’s Veterinary program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, AVMC. The University offers scholarships to nearly two-thirds of undergraduate students.

FAQs on the Top Veterinary Medicine Schools in California

Can international students apply to these veterinary schools?

Yes, Many California veterinary schools accept international students; review admission requirements, policies, and additional considerations for successful enrollment.

What are the prerequisites for applying to veterinary schools in California?

California veterinary schools require undergraduate biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, animal experience, and GRE standardized test scores.

Are there opportunities for hands-on experience during veterinary school?

Yes, hands-on experience is an essential component of veterinary education.

How competitive is the admission process for these veterinary schools?

Veterinary school acceptance rates are notoriously competitive, sitting around 10-15% in the US.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, California offers a diverse and prestigious veterinary school system, offering excellent educational opportunities for aspiring veterinarians.

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