Because choosing the right college can be one of the most important decisions in your life, we’ve put together a ranking of the best veterinary schools in Tennessee, along with many other professional rankings to help you make that decision.
Tennessee residents interested in earning a veterinary degree should note that while many veterinary schools in TN offer a bachelor’s degree in veterinary science, employers recommend getting a master’s degree with a specialization to increase the likelihood of employment after graduation.
With all the vet schools in TN available today, it can be difficult to choose which one is best to apply to. You can choose a traditional standard school, or with the growth of online education, you can attend school halfway across the country without even leaving home.
And this article aims to direct you on choosing the best vet schools in Tennessee.
Table of Contents
What Does it Take to Be a Vet in Tennessee?
Tennessee veterinary practitioners must apply for a license with the Tennessee Board of Veterinary Medical Experts. Before obtaining a license, candidates must go through a series of qualification steps.
Second, candidates must pass the National Veterinary Technician Exam (VTNE). Finally, applicants must pass a crime screening and provide a letter of recommendation from a Tennessee veterinarian.
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Do You Need to Go to College to Be a Veterinary Tech in Tennessee?
A career as a veterinary technician begins with a degree in veterinary technology in one of the vet schools in TN, while a career in veterinary technology usually begins with a bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology.
Both types of degrees must be based on a program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Most states require veterinary technologists and veterinary technicians to pass a national veterinary technician exam.
Veterinary technologists wishing to work in a research facility may receive one of the following three levels of certification offered by the American Laboratory Animal Association: Assistant Laboratory Technician, Laboratory Technician, or Laboratory Animal Technologist.
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How Many Accredited Veterinary Schools are in Tennessee?
There are five AVMA-accredited veterinary technician schools in Tennessee. Chattanooga Public College, Columbia State Public College, and Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate have fully accredited programs.
The first two offer law degrees in applied sciences, while the Lincoln Memorial offers either a bachelor’s degree or a bachelor’s degree. In addition, one Tennessee school has a Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin.
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What is Tennessee Vet School Tuition?
During the 2021-2022 academic year, the cost of Tennessee veterinary schools in the state is approximately $34,838 per year. For students from other states, the cost is approximately $53,256 per year.
The CEM program offers a limited number of research assistants. Rewards usually include scholarships and/or waivers.
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Best Veterinary Schools in Tennessee
#1 Columbia State Community College
The Columbia Public College’s Veterinary Training program is offered on their campus in Columbia, Tennessee. A total of 5,117 students study at the college, most of whom study in 2-year programs.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the College Commission accredits the college.
Tuition for state students is approximately $3,919, and for students from other states is approximately $15,319 for each academic year, while study materials can cost approximately $1,600, depending on the program.
#2 Chattanooga State Community College
Chattanooga Public College offers several study options, including an associate program and a certification program. Classes are held on their campus in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
In total, the college has about 9,332 students, most of whom study in 2-year programs. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the College Commission accredits the college.
Tuition for state students is about $3,973, and for students from other states is about $15,373 for each academic year, while study materials can cost about $1,500, depending on the program.
#3 Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Memphis
Tennessee College of Applied Technology offers a variety of certification programs in veterinary technology. All programs are based on their Memphis campus in Memphis, Tennessee.
In total, the college has about 1,051 students, most of whom study in 2-year programs. The Council accredits the college for Vocational Education.
Tuition is likely to be around $5,148 per year. Training materials can cost about $4,075, although this depends on the program.
#4 Volunteer State Community College
They offer the Volunteer Public Community College Associate Veterinary Assistant program on their campus in Gallatin, Sumner County, Tennessee.
This public college has a total of approximately 7,664 students, most of whom study in 2-year programs. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the College Commission accredits the college.
Tuition for state students is about $3,925, and for students from other states is about $15,325 per year, while tuition can cost about $1,200, depending on the program.
#5 Lincoln Memorial University
Lincoln Memorial University offers several study options, including a bachelor’s program and an associate’s program.
Classes are held on their campus in Harrogate. Of the 3,735 students, about 55% are graduate students.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the College Commission accredits the university.
Tuition is about $ 20,546 per year. Training materials can cost about $1,400, depending on the program chosen.
How to Pay for Vet School in Tennessee
Many schools offer scholarships directly to students, so you can start by asking the future school to ask about opportunities.
The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) lists many of these scholarships from AVMF-accredited schools on its website.
Scholarships and grants are also available through private organizations; you can search for relevant scholarships using scholarship search engines.
After applying for scholarships and grants, you may need to apply for federal student loans and private student loans to cover the costs of a veterinary school.
What are Some Veterinary Jobs in Tennessee?
Animal control worker
Animal control officers help to ensure the proper treatment of animals, investigate cases of abuse and find abandoned animals.
Those who are among the highest earners can earn more than $ 53,000 a year. Animal control workers in Nevada, California and Washington earn the most.
Veterinary assistant
Veterinary assistants work in animal clinics, research laboratories, animal shelters, and zoos. To work as a veterinary assistant, you must have at least a high school diploma.
There are also online veterinary schools in Tennessee through which you can get a degree in veterinary care.
Veterinary technician or technologist
The veterinary technologist performs the same work as the veterinarian. This is the same relationship as nurses have with doctors.
The veterinary tech is responsible for performing routine laboratory work and procedures such as taking and testing blood samples.
The technologist assists the veterinarian in the diagnosis and treatment of animal diseases. Other responsibilities may include vaccinating animals and euthanizing seriously ill or injured animals.
Animal Care and Service Worker
Animal care workers and maintenance staff are responsible for basic animal care, including training, bathing, feeding, cleaning and disinfecting cages, and training animals.
Places where you can expect to find a job as an “animal care worker” include pet stores, veterinary hospitals or clinics, nurseries, stables, aquariums, and zoos.
Animal trainer
Animal trainers work with animals such as dogs, horses, and dolphins. Professionals in this profession can conduct obedience training in addition to teaching animals how to perform during an exhibition.
Animal trainers can also work with service animals, such as star dogs.
What Does Veterinary Technologists Do?
Veterinary technologists and veterinary technicians are indispensable for veterinarians, as they provide a significant amount of active medical care to animals under the supervision of a veterinarian.
Working directly with a veterinarian, the veterinary technologist, and veterinary technician helps to conduct a range of medical research, x-rays, and diagnose animal diseases and injuries.
Some veterinary technologists and veterinary technicians care for the teeth of animals. Veterinary technologists and veterinarians help provide first aid to animals delivered in an emergency.
They can also help prepare animals for surgery and administer anesthesia, and then control the animal’s response to the anesthetic.
Conclusion
Accredited veterinary schools in Tennessee can provide students with exciting opportunities in this area.
If the goal is a medical practice, you will need to apply for a license from the Tennessee VME Board after passing a standardized test, abbreviated as NAVLE.
Quickly gather information from the best veterinary programs in Tennessee by manually searching or automatically querying your unique criteria through our search portal.
Veterinary Schools in Tennessee FAQs
Are Vet Tech Careers in demand in Tennessee?
If you really enjoy your career as a veterinary technician in Tennessee, this is a great time to make your dreams come true. Over the last ten years, the demand for veterinary equipment has grown steadily and is projected to grow by 14.7% in the coming years, and in the period from 2016 to 2024, 14,330 additional jobs will be created in this sector.
Do You Need To Go To College To Be A Veterinary Assistant In Tennessee?
A veterinary assistant and caregiver of laboratory animals usually need a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers prefer previous experience with animals. Most veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caregivers are trained in the workplace to perform their specific duties.
References
- vettechnicians.org – Becoming a Veterinary Technician in Tennessee
