Getting enrolled into any of the best veterinary schools in Iowa is one good way to kickstart your career as a veterinarian of any specialty in Iowa.
Welcome to this guide featuring a comprehensive list of vet programs offered by accredited schools and colleges in Iowa. We have provided detailed information about each institution, highlighting their unique features to help you decide which school is the best fit for you.
If you decide to change your mind about the choice of location at the end of this article, click on the link Veterinary Schools to explore other places with great vet schools.
What Are The Entry Requirements To Go To Vet Schools In Iowa?
When enrolling in a college program, it is important to fulfill specific requirements and submit the necessary documents to increase your chances of acceptance. In Iowa, schools offer varying levels of veterinary study programs, so entry requirements may differ between institutions.
Here is a list of general requirements that applies to all schools in Iowa
- Animal experience
- Applicant interviews.
- High school transcripts
- Written personal statement
- Letters of recommendation.
- Admission fee (Specific to each school)
- Proof of health insurance and vaccinations
- Test scores such as TOEFL for non-native English speakers)
- Certain high school coursework (e.g., biology, chemistry, algebra).
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What You Should Consider Before Going to Vet Schools in Iowa.
When deciding on which college to attend, it’s important to carefully weigh all of your options to make an informed decision.
If you’re considering enrolling in a veterinary program in Iowa, there are several crucial factors to keep in mind;
- Accreditation
- Acceptance Rate
- Curriculum strength.
- Number of Programs.
- Location of school and safety
- Graduation & Employment Rate.
- Presence of professional teachers.
- Availability of hands-on practical training.
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What Are The Best Veterinary Schools In Iowa?
Helping you find the perfect school for you is our plan here at Zikky. As such we have done our research and come up with the best veterinary colleges in Iowa for students seeking to become a veterinarian.
We selected our schools based on several factors, including the school’s overall quality, the veterinary program’s quality according to universal rankings, and the structure of the school to ensure that students receive practical training for their future practice after graduation.
1. Iowa State University
- School Tuition Cost: $26,000 a year.
- Veterinary Degree Program: Masters and Doctorate
- School Area Safety: Dangerous and destructive campus safety rating.
- Location of School: 1750 Beardshear Hall, Ames, IA 50011-2103
Your first consideration for the best veterinary school in Iowa is Iowa State University. The good thing about this large public school is that they have a vast range of vet programs from master’s, and certificates, to doctoral degrees.
Currently, Iowa State University is offering 12 veterinary programs; 6 Master’s degrees: Animal Physiology and General Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Microbiology and Immunobiology, Veterinary Pathology and Pathobiology, Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Epidemiology, and Public Health, Post-master’s certificate, and Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Epidemiology, and Public Health.
The other 6 doctoral degree programs are Animal Physiology, Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Microbiology and Immunobiology, Veterinary Pathology and Pathobiology, Veterinary Preventive Medicine, and Epidemiology, and Public Health.
In the ranking of best vet schools, Iowa State University ranks 1st in Iowa, 6th in the Midwest, and 15th in the USA. In the ranking of the best surgery & medicine schools, the college ranks 1st in Iowa, 6th in the Midwest, and 15th in the US. For the best physiology & anatomy school, the college is 1st in Iowa, 2nd in the Midwest, and 3rd in the United States.
2. Iowa Lakes Community College
- School Tuition Cost: $9,000 a year.
- Veterinary Degree Program: Associate
- School Area Safety: Dangerous and bad campus safety rating.
- Location of School: 19 S 7th St, Estherville, IA 51334-2295
Iowa Lakes Community College is a small public community college offering just one veterinary major. The college vet program offers an associate’s degree in Veterinary and Animal Health Technology and Assistance.
Based on various evaluation criteria, Iowa Lakes Community College ranks 2nd in Iowa, 45th in the Midwest, and 176th in the United in the ranking of best vet schools. In the ranking of the best technology & assistance school, Iowa Lakes Community College ranks 1st, 28th in the Midwest, and 111th in the United States.
While Iowa Lakes Community College is high up in ranks and the tuition very affirmative, the campus environment is unsafe for students.
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3. Northeast Iowa Community College
- School Tuition Cost: $8,000 a year.
- Veterinary Degree Program: Associate
- School Area Safety: Safe and good campus safety rating.
- Location of School: 1625 Hwy 150, Calmar, IA 52132-0400
Northeast Iowa Community College is one of the best veterinary schools in Iowa you can find. Tuition is cheap and the school environment is safe for students.
Currently, Northeast Iowa Community College which is a very small public community college runs an associate’s degree program in Veterinary and Animal Health Technology and Assistance.
Recent data analysis showed that the Northeast Iowa Community College in the list of best vet schools ranks 3rd in Iowa, 46th in the Midwest, and 184th in the United States. In the ranking for best technology & assistance school, Northeast Iowa Community College ranks 2nd in Iowa, 29th in the Midwest, and 118th in the United States.
4. Kirkwood Community College
- School Tuition Cost: $9,000 a year.
- Veterinary Degree Program: Certificate and Associate
- School Area Safety: Safe and good campus safety rating.
- Location of School: 6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-2068
One of the best veterinary colleges in Iowa is Kirkwood Community College. Kirkwood Community College is a not-so-large school offering 2 veterinary programs; one certificate and one associate’s degree program.
The certificate program is a degree in Animal Health and the Associate’s degree is in Veterinary and Animal Health Technology and Assistance. Kirkwood is not just good, its school environment is safe, and the tuition is affordable.
Currently, Kirkwood Community College in the list of best vet colleges ranks 4th in Iowa, 48th in the Midwest, and 193rd in the USA. In the ranking of best technology & assistance schools, Kirkwood Community College ranks 3rd in Iowa and 31st in the Midwest.
On the other hand, ranking for best veterinary science school Kirkwood Community College ranks 1st in Iowa, 3rd in the Midwest, and 5th in Iowa.
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5. Eastern Iowa Community College District
- School Tuition Cost: $10,000 a year.
- Veterinary Degree Program: Associate
- School Area Safety: Safe and good campus safety rating.
- Location of School: 101 W Third Street, Davenport, IA 52801-1221
Eastern Iowa Community College District is one of the best vet schools in Iowa state. The college offers a two-year program in Veterinary and Animal Health Technology and Assistance with an associate degree.
College at Eastern Iowa Community College District is affordable as tuition is very cheap. The school environment is also very safe and as such has an excellent rating for on-campus crime.
Based on various evaluation factors, the Eastern Iowa Community College District veterinary program ranks 5th in Iowa, 50th in the Midwest, and 206th in the United States. In the ranking of the best technology & assistance school, the college vet program ranks 4th in Iowa, 33rd in the Midwest, and 139th in the United States.
6. Western Iowa Tech Community College
- School Tuition Cost: $6,000 a year.
- Veterinary Degree Program: Associate
- School Area Safety: Safe and good campus safety rating.
- Location of School: 4647 Stone Ave, Sioux City, IA 51102-5199
Western Iowa Tech Community College is a small public community college offering a certificate program in Veterinary and Animal Health Technology and Assistance. WITCC is very affordable as such is one of the most affordable vet colleges in Iowa.
Western Iowa Tech Community College’s veterinary program ranks 6th in Iowa, 56th in the Midwest, and 255th in the United States in the list of best vet colleges. On the flip side in the ranking for the best technology & assistance school, Western Iowa Tech Community College ranks 5th in Iowa, 38th in the Midwest, and 184th in the United States.
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7. Iowa Western Community College
- School Tuition Cost: $8,000 a year.
- Veterinary Degree Program: Associate
- School Area Safety: Safe and good campus safety rating.
- Location of School: 2700 College Rd, Council Bluffs, IA 51503-1057
Iowa Western Community College is next on our list of best vet colleges in Iowa. The college is offering a 2-year program in Veterinary and Animal Health Technology and Assistance in which the students earn an Associate degree upon completion.
Recent data analysis showed that Iowa Western Community College is high in various rankings. In the ranking for the best veterinary schools, Iowa Western Community College ranks 7th in Iowa. 65th in the Midwest, and 280th in the United States. On the ranking for best technology & assistance school, Iowa Western Community College ranks 6th in Iowa, 43rd in the Midwest, and 201st in the United States.
8. Des Moines Area Community College
- School Tuition Cost: $12,000 a year.
- Veterinary Degree Program: Associate
- School Area Safety: Safe and good campus safety rating.
- Location of School: 2006 Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50023-3993
Des Moines Area Community College is a large public community college offering numerous disciplines along with an associate degree program in Veterinary and Animal Health Technology and Assistance.
According to a recent analysis, the Des Moines Area Community College veterinary program ranks 8th in Iowa, 66th in the Midwest, and 282nd in the United States. On the ranking for the best technology & assistance school. Des Moines Area Community College ranks 7th in Iowa, 48th in the Midwest, and 203rd in the United States.
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How Do I Become a Veterinarian in Iowa?
To become a veterinarian in Iowa, the only route is to attend a veterinary school and receive specialized training. Pursuing a degree in any veterinary field at an Iowa-based veterinary college is the first step towards achieving this goal.
Once you graduate with good grades and get your degree, the next step is to write and pass the clinical or the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) with a high score.
Once you have completed the exam, you need to follow the appropriate steps to qualify for a license. This involves submitting an application for a license, passing a criminal background check, and obtaining a letter of recommendation from a veterinarian who works in the state.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Best Veterinary Schools In Iowa
Do I need to get a college degree to become a veterinary technician in Iowa?
No, a college degree is absolutely not required to become a veterinary technician in Iowa; however, getting an associate or certificate degree from an accredited American Veterinary Medical Association school will be a great advantage.
Where do veterinarians work in Iowa?
Individuals who work as veterinary technologists may find employment in research facilities and can obtain one of three levels of certification from the American Laboratory Animal Association. These certifications include Assistant Laboratory Technician, Laboratory Technician, and Laboratory Animal Technologist. On the other hand, veterinary surgeons typically work in hospitals, clinics, and animal care centers.
How many veterinary schools are in Iowa?
As of 2023, the number of vet colleges in Iowa is eight. These eight vet programs offer a variety and different veterinary programs that are accredited by American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Conclusion
Finding a perfect vet school in Iowa can be work however with our guide, we believe you can make a choice of the best school that suits your academic goals.
We suggest you visit the school vet program website via the links provided and verify the admission requirements specific to your situation. Additionally, it’s essential to check the tuition fees applicable at the time of your application. This will help you ensure that you have all the necessary information before applying for admission.
We hope this guide leads you to your dream school and helps you start your journey to becoming a veterinarian in Illinois.
References
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