Reviewed by:
Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine
Reviewed: 4/26/24
Considering becoming a vet in Missouri? You’re in luck! Missouri is an excellent location for veterinary research and education. To find out how to get into the best vet schools in Missouri, check out our guide below!
Students looking to become veterinarians are typically motivated by virtues such as compassion, altruism, and empathy. While pursuing a veterinary education, you’ll have the opportunity to learn and use cutting-edge advanced medical science to help treat animals in need.
Fortunately, if you’re hoping to attend vet school in the state of Missouri, you’ll have access to one of the top schools in the country: The University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine.
It is the only school in the state accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the only option to obtain your Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
Here’s everything you need to know about veterinary school in Missouri!
Source: University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine
Although MU dates back to 1839, the College of Veterinary Medicine only established its curriculum in 1946. Since then, the college has successfully launched the careers of more than 4000 vets.
Whatever prospective students are interested in, Mizzou offers comprehensive paths to animal care. As a state-of-the-art vet school in Missouri, students will enjoy a technology-integrated model for learning in years one and two. You’ll gain specialized cardiology, neurology, and ophthalmology knowledge in years three and four.
Moreover, the school is surrounded by biodiversity, from urban cities to rural environments. This means that students will have access to various animal species to learn from. Furthermore, this can give you a broad overview of different settings you can work in as a vet.
The University of Missouri vet school admission rate is just under 30%. To gain acceptance into MU vet school, you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0. If you repeat a course, the mark is averaged and not replaced. You’ll also need at least three letters of recommendation, one of which must be completed by a veterinarian.
The University of Missouri vet school admissions criteria also involves a list of required prerequisites for admission eligibility. Students who have completed at least 60 semester hours can apply. There are also several suggested courses (especially anatomy and physiology) that are strongly encouraged for better preparation.
Another thing to remember is that the school doesn’t require any standardized admission test. Unlike how medical schools require an MCAT, a standardized test won’t be part of your vet school application timeline.
As a vet school in Missouri, Mizzou focuses on attracting the students that best fit their school’s philosophy and values.
Vet schools are quite competitive in America. This is a result of the total number of institutions being limited overall. Thus, there are more applicants than there are spots. Determining how to make yourself a competitive student can make schools more eager to have you.
Regarding the Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, the average GPA of enrolled students is 3.70. This is notably higher than the 3.54 national average. Generally, your science GPA and the average GPA of courses taken in your last year or two are given higher precedence.
While MU serves as the sole veterinary school in Missouri, general advice applies no matter where you choose.
Remember that even if you don’t measure up in terms of GPA, there are still plenty of ways to boost your application. A key area that many students neglect is focusing on their personal statements. Communicating to the admissions committee what interests you in becoming a vet can set you apart from other candidates.
Another key takeaway is to leverage yourself during your interview. This is your opportunity to highlight your past experiences with animals and further convey your personality to the school. Remember, vets often deal with patients, and showing a charismatic and empathetic demeanor can be a huge plus.
For Missouri residents, tuition at Mizzou Vet School will cost $32,184 annually, with total expenses coming to approximately 50k. This totals approximately 200k. When considering non-residents, the price is just under double at around 90k a year. In total, you’ll be paying about 360k altogether. Also, consider looking into how much vet schools cost.
Compared to other schools, the University of Missouri is a bit pricier than the 78k - 155k four-year in-state average. Remember that attending as an out-of-state student will always be more expensive.
Knowing how to budget your expenses and having a plan to pay off student loans is always in your best interest. Taking advantage of special programs like the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program can help fund your education. The less you have to think about finances, the more you can focus on providing quality veterinary care.
Still have questions about starting your vet career in Missouri? Keep reading to see our top frequently asked questions!
There is only one vet school in the state of Missouri, which is the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. Its facilities also provide a hub for those interested in veterinary education throughout the state and surrounding Missouri.
Mizzou has a state-of-the-art College of Veterinary Medicine. The school is known for having one of the only five diagnostic laboratories in the Midwest. The laboratory goes beyond traditional companion animal treatment and lets researchers study deadly or emerging diseases.
Furthermore, the Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory is one of the country's most advanced medical imaging centers. The lab does more than 300k tests on over 200k specimens each year.
Even more exciting, Dean Caroline Henry is actively involved with the student body and the education process. She actively posts videos around once a month, giving any updates on the school or curriculum.
An average veterinarian in the state of Missouri makes $101,413 annually. The exact amount can range from 80k to 130k and depends on several factors. Also, your total year of experience plays a role in determining your salary.
The specialized area you work in has a large bearing on your total earnings. Vets specializing in ophthalmology, radiology, and research science are typically paid significantly higher than their generalist counterparts. Also on this list are equine vets who enjoy lucrative careers.
Although money isn’t everything, salary can help give insight into your work-life balance as a vet. Depending on your work area, the stress levels, hours, and client interactions can vary considerably. Understanding what setting you’ll best work in can help you have a more fulfilling career.
With the right planning, getting into Missouri vet school doesn’t need to be an arduous process. U of M vet school can be a staple in your veterinary career. The school holds high standards and provides in-depth education in various animal science disciplines.
Mizzou is the only way to obtain a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in Missouri, attracting prospective students from all over the Midwest. Being a vet means you’ll be able to serve as a medical authority for those looking to keep their pets healthy. You could also potentially keep the entire country safe by surveilling infectious pathogens.
Regardless of your area of interest, whether in biochemistry or diagnostics, Mizzou can provide the tools you need to succeed. Even if you feel veterinary specialties like ophthalmology or radiology are your calling, U of M can be the stepping stone to your path as a licensed veterinarian.
With the right planning, getting into Missouri vet school doesn’t need to be an arduous process. U of M vet school can be a staple in your veterinary career. The school holds high standards and provides in-depth education in various animal science disciplines.
Since there aren’t any other vet schools in Missouri, Mizzou is the only way to obtain a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in this state. As such, it attracts prospective students from all over the Midwest. Ensure you submit a competitive application to join this excellent program.
Regardless of your area of interest, whether in biochemistry or diagnostics, Mizzou can provide the tools you need to succeed. Even if you feel veterinary specialties like ophthalmology or radiology are your calling, U of M can be the stepping stone to your path as a licensed veterinarian.
.svg)
