For all students looking to enroll in the best veterinary schools in Tennessee, here is a detailed and informative guide on how to get into one. 

First things first, Tennessee is a good location for a college education. The institutions in the state have a fine blend of academics, practicals, and even sports; you can see their prowess in our guide to the best football schools in Tennessee

While Tennessee promises balanced education on all ends, if you’re considering going to vet school in turn state, you have just a few options. Choosing a school can be difficult on its own and if you have just a few options, it could be more daunting. That’s where we come on.

In this article, we have made a list of accredited schools and colleges in Tennessee with accredited vet programs. We have also written down insights about these schools and their unique details and why you should choose any of them as your possible school. 

However, if the vet colleges in Tennessee do not suit your educational goal, click on the link Veterinary Schools to explore other locations with great vet schools.

How Many Veterinary Schools Are In Tennessee?

Tennessee does not have a large number of vet schools. Currently, there are five AVMA-accredited veterinary schools in Tennessee. 

While the number of schools is limited, the veterinary colleges in Tennessee have an established track record of delivering quality education across many disciplines including veterinary studies. 

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How Much Does It Cost To Attend Any Of The Veterinary Schools in Tennessee?

Because curriculums differ, the cost of tuition in Tennessee vet schools is also different. Also, depending on the educational program you’re applying to, how much you get to pay for tuition will also differ.

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Based on general research, the average cost of Tennessee veterinary schools is approximately $34,838 per year for instate students and approximately $53,256 per year and out-of-state students. 

Keep in mind that there are a whole lot of waivers and scholarships to apply for. Start by checking the Top 80 Easiest Scholarships To Get in the USA.

Eight Things You Should Consider Before Going to Vet Schools in Tennessee.

While you may have incredible reasons to go to a vet school in Tennessee, do not make decisions based on emotions. There are key factors that should guide your choice of school.

Here are the things you need to consider the following points before making a choice of school to go to in Tennessee;

  • 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 Tennessee?

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 Tennessee for students seeking to become a veterinarian.

Our choice of schools was made based on the overall quality of the school, the quality of the veterinary program they offer based on universal rankings, and the structure of the school to ensure the students gain hands-on training for practice upon graduation.

1. Columbia State Community College

  • Location: Columbia, Tennessee
  • Veterinary Program Offered: Associate Degree 

As a community college,  Columbia State Community College offers an Associate degree in veterinary technology. The school, which is a large public school, has a total of 5,117 students enrolled in 2-year programs. 

Columbia State Community College’s veterinary program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools which is one of Tennessee’s official school accreditation bodies.

Tuition at Columbia State Community College averages $3,919 for in-state students and $15,319 for out-of-state students annually. An additional fee of $1,600 applies for study materials.

Learn more 

2. Chattanooga State Community College

  • Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee
  • Veterinary Program Offered: Associate and Certificate Degree

In the list of best veterinary colleges in Tennessee, one of the schools you need to consider is Chattanooga State Community College. Chattanooga State Community College is a public school with a student population of 9,332 students enrolled in 2-year programs

Currently, the school is offering both an associate and a certification for vet students. Chattanooga State Community College’s vet program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. 

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On average tuition costs about $3,973 for in-state students and about $15,373 for out-of-state students. Study materials cost about $1,500. 

Learn more

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3. Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Memphis

  • Location: Memphis, Tennessee
  • Veterinary Program Offered: Associate Degree

Tennessee College of Applied Technology offers a variety of certification programs in veterinary technology. The school, which is a small school, has a student population of 1,051 studying 2-year programs. It’s worthy of note that the Council accredits the College for Vocational Education. 

Tennessee College of Applied Technology is considered affordable as tuition averages at $5,148 per year and study materials benching at $4,075.

Learn more 

4. Volunteer State Community College

  • Location: Gallatin, Sumner County, Tennessee
  • Veterinary Program Offered: Associate Degree

At Volunteer State Community College, students get to study the Veterinary Assistant program at an Associate degree level. Volunteer State Community College is a large school. The average number of students is approximately 7,664 students.

Most of the programs at Volunteer State Community College last for two years including the veterinary assistant program. Also, this program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. 

On average, in-state students pay about $3,925 per year for tuition and out-of-state students pay about $15,325. Study materials on the other hand come at an additional cost of about $1,200.

Learn more 

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5. Lincoln Memorial University

  • Location: Harrogate, Tennessee
  • Veterinary Program Offered: Associate and Bachelor’s Degree

Lincoln Memorial University is one of the few vet schools in Tennessee offering both an Associate’s and a Bachelor’s degree in veterinary studies. With a student population of 3,735 students, you can be sure that Lincoln Memorial University is not a small school.

Currently, the vet program at Lincoln Memorial University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Tuition is about $ 20,546 per year and training materials cost about $1,400.

Learn more 

What kind of jobs do veterinarians do in Tennessee?

After studying to become a veterinarian in Tennessee, you need to get a job. There are a variety of work options for vets in Tennessee, thus includes working as an 

  • Animal trainer
  • Veterinary Assistant
  • Animal control worker
  • Animal Care and Service Workers
  • Veterinary technician or technologist

ALSO READ: 11 Best Veterinary Schools In Pennsylvania | Detailed Guide 

Veterinary Schools in Tennessee FAQs

What is the job outlook for veterinarians in Tennessee?

While Tennessee has a few vet colleges, the job outlook does not look the same. Tennessee has a great job outlook for veterinarians as there is a high demand for vets in the state.

Over the last ten years, the demand for veterinarians in Tennessee has grown steadily and is projected to grow by 14.7% between 2016 to 2024 creating about 14,330 additional jobs.

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So you do not have to worry about getting a job after graduation to work as a vet in Tennessee. 

Must I go to college to become a veterinary assistant in Tennessee?

All you need to work as a veterinary assistant and caregiver of laboratory animals is a high school diploma or equivalent in Tennessee. 

However, certain facilities will require that you have previous experience with animals as this will help you blend in well. Once you are employed most veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caregivers are trained in the workplace to perform their specific duties.

How do I become a vet in Tennessee?

First things first, you need to get a degree from any of the best veterinary schools in Tennessee. After graduation, write and pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) with a high score.

Follow the series of steps outlined for candidates to qualify for a license. Go on to apply for a license with the Tennessee Board of Veterinary Medical Experts.   Finally, applicants must pass a crime screening and provide a letter of recommendation from a Tennessee veterinarian.

Do I need to go to college to become a veterinary technician in Tennessee?

Yes, a career as a veterinary technician begins with a degree in veterinary technology. So you need to attend and go to one to become a veterinary technician in Tennessee. 

To become a veterinary technologist, you will need a bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology to kickstart your career.  Ensure the school you enroll in is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Where do veterinary technologists work?

Veterinary technologists work in a research facility and receive one of the three levels of certification offered by the American Laboratory Animal Association: Assistant Laboratory Technician, Laboratory Technician, or Laboratory Animal Technologist.

Conclusion

Having read through this detailed guide above, we believe you have all you need to know about veterinary colleges, schools, and the best institutions for vet programs in Tennessee. 

Ensure that the school you choose is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Once you have made a choice of institution we encourage you to visit the school website once to find out what the requirements are for your application to the school. Also, confirm with specificity the tuition costs for the program you’re enrolling into. 

References

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Grace Iroh
Grace Iroh
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