Veterinary Medicine graduates pursue 2 occupations, with top roles paying $130,100/yr or more. The career cards below break down wages, daily tasks, and 10-year job growth projections for each.
Veterinary Medicine is a focused area of study within Agriculture. The program is available at 35 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 3,555 students complete this program each year, most earning a certificate. Training is practical and skills-based, with a fast path from classroom to job site.
Colleges Offering
35
Graduates / Year
3,555
Avg Net Price / yr
$19,143
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 3,555 students who complete Veterinary Medicine programs each year, the majority (97%) earn a certificate degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
97%
Certificate97%
Post-Master's Cert.3%
What Can You Do With a Veterinary Medicine Degree?
Veterinary Medicine connects to 2 occupations in the job market. Veterinarian leads at $130,100/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Doctoral or professional degree3,000 openings/yr84K employed nationally
Active ListeningReading ComprehensionActive LearningJudgment and Decision MakingScience
Day-to-day responsibilities
Diagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals. Includes veterinarians who conduct research and development, inspect livestock, or care for pets and companion animals.
Treat sick or injured animals by prescribing medication, setting bones, dressing wounds, or performing surgery.
Inoculate animals against various diseases, such as rabies or distemper.
Examine animals to detect and determine the nature of diseases or injuries.
Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Top Colleges for Veterinary Medicine
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Veterinary Medicine students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Veterinary Medicine program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
The data on Veterinary Medicine shows 2 measurable strengths and 3 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.
PROS
Fast-growing fieldRelated careers are projected to grow up to +17.3% over the next decade, with Health Specialties Teachers among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 30,400 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
Licensure often requiredMany positions in this field require trade licenses, certifications, or apprenticeship completion. These add time and cost beyond the academic credential.
Advanced degree often expectedTop roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Limited program availabilityOnly 35 colleges offer this program nationally, which may limit geographic flexibility when choosing a school.
Veterinary Medicine Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
What jobs can you get with a Veterinary Medicine degree?
Veterinary Medicine degree holders pursue careers including Veterinarian, which pays a median of $130,100/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Veterinary Medicine program take?
Most Veterinary Medicine certificate programs take one to two years of full-time study. Some are available in as little as one semester at community colleges.
How many colleges offer Veterinary Medicine?
35 colleges and universities in the United States offer Veterinary Medicine programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
What is the difference between Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture?
Veterinary Medicine is a focused concentration within the broader Agriculture field. The Agriculture major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Veterinary Medicine-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Veterinary Medicine graduates?
Employers hiring Veterinary Medicine graduates consistently prioritize technical proficiency, safety compliance, and hands-on problem-solving. Certifications, apprenticeships, and demonstrated practical experience typically carry as much weight as academic credentials in this field.
What is the job outlook for Veterinary Medicine graduates?
The job outlook for Veterinary Medicine graduates is strong overall. Related occupations project an average of +13.5% job growth over the next 10 years. Health Specialties Teachers is among the strongest-growth roles at +17.3%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
Related Agriculture Programs
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H
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Original data analyses built on the same federal data as this profile. Rankings, outliers, and patterns, no opinions.
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