A new study has revealed that the University of California, Davis is the best school in the US for veterinary science.

Determining which college to attend after high school or a career path change can be challenging, especially if you want the best education to achieve a successful veterinary career. New research by online healthcare training school U.S. Career Institute delved into different factors that helped determine the best schools in America that provide a veterinary science course.

These factors included academic reputation, employer reputation, citations per paper, H-index citations (index based on the date of the academic's most cited papers), and international research network (the ability of institutions to diversify the geography of their international research network by establishing sustainable research partnerships with other higher education institutions). These factors were used to create an index that scored institutions out of 100 to determine which university provides the best veterinary science education.

In first place is the University of California, Davis, with an overall index score of 94.5. Located in Davis, California, the university is well known for its outstanding programs in multiple fields, including its veterinary science course. Since its establishment in 1905, it has gone on to open UC Davis Veterinary School in 1948 which has become one of the best veterinary schools in the world, well known for its excellence in education, research and clinical care.

The second-best university to attend for veterinary science is Cornell University, with an index score of 92.4. Cornell University, founded in 1865, is one of the top-ranked Ivy League schools in the US. Students studying veterinary science get the luxury of a hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating animals at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals.

The third-best university for veterinary school is Colorado State University, with an index score of 88.8. The Fort Collins based university founded in 1870, opened the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in 1907 and has remained one of the best in country since its beginning. They offer comprehensive programs in veterinary science, including clinical training, research opportunities, and specialized areas of study.

The fourth most prestigious university for veterinary science is the University of Pennsylvania, with an overall index score of 87.6. Penn Vet is a renowned institution based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded in 1884. It offers a wide range of veterinary programs including a Doctor of Veterinary Science (DVM).

The Ohio State University ranks fifth with an index score of 87.4. The College of Veterinary Medicine was established in 1885, making it one of the oldest veterinary schools in the United States. The college is committed to advancing veterinary research and offers opportunities for students to get a hands-on approach in experiencing animal care.

The sixth-best university to attend for veterinary science is Texas A&M University, with an index score of 87.2. Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Science was founded in 1916. The vet school emphasizes community outreach and provides veterinary services to the local areas.

University of Minnesota Twin Cities is in seventh place, with an index score of 86.6. The College of Veterinary Medicine, established in 1947, is recognized for its strong emphasis on One Health, the concept of the interconnectedness of animal, human and environmental health.

University of Wisconsin-Madison is in eighth place, with an index score of 85.8. The School of Veterinary Medicine at UW-Madison was established in 1983 and is committed to advancing animal health through cutting-edge research, clinical services.

Iowa State University is the ninth most prestigious university for a veterinary science degree, with an index score of 85.6. Iowa State’s College of veterinary medicine also offers specialized programs in areas like public health, biomedical sciences, and intense veterinary courses for aspiring veterinarians to pursue their career.

The tenth most prestigious university for a veterinary science education is the North Carolina State University with an index score of 83.8. It offers a comprehensive Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program, providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field of veterinary medicine.

Holly Cook, VP of Marketing at U.S. Career Institute, commented on the findings: “The 21 universities in the US that provide a veterinary course all have different attributes that contribute to where they rank in this table. There are so many directions in which a student can choose to go when it comes to a veterinary science degree, and it can be a life-changing career for people with some of the best job prospects.

“Veterinary science is undoubtedly one of the most difficult degrees to achieve and is much longer than other typical degrees. Still, it can lead to so many different branches of specialization within the sector, from small animal medicine to veterinary surgery, there are always new challenges and jobs on the rise.

“Although the acceptance rate for top schools is very strict and can be extremely difficult to get into, the education these institutions provide has produced some of the most highly equipped and trusted vets in the US.”