For aspiring veterinarians needing a flexible way to achieve their goals, these online veterinary degree programs are an excellent place to kickstart your research. These programs offer a blend of online coursework and essential in-person requirements, ensuring that graduates gain practical, hands-on experience. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for a career as a practicing veterinarian, with a median salary of $119,100 in 2023.
Typically, these degree programs take three to four years to complete, though timelines vary, especially for part-time or dual-degree students. The average annual tuition for a graduate degree program is $20,513.
How to Choose an Online Veterinary Program
Choose your area of study
There are many areas of study, or specializations, available to veterinary students that can help focus your studies on a particular area of the field. These options may include small animal practice, equine medicine, exotic animal care, and veterinary surgery. To start, consider asking yourself the following questions:
- What specific animal species am I most passionate about working with?
- What are the potential earning prospects and work environments for this specialization?
- How does this specialization align with my long-term career goals and interests?
For example, small animal practice is ideal for those interested in working with pets, while equine medicine suits those passionate about bourses. Exotic animal care prepares students for roles in zoos or wildlife conservation, and veterinary surgery is best for those aiming to perform advanced surgical procedures.
Research schools and programs
Leveraging your intended specialization can help strengthen your research efforts, providing you with a narrower scope. You may come into this process with some questions of your own, but here are a few other things to consider:
- What are the core courses and electives offered in my specialization?
- Are there faculty members who specialize in this area?
- What kind of practical experiences — like labs and residencies — are required?
- What are the career outcomes and job placement rates for graduates in this field?
Most of this information will be readily available on program websites, through academic advisors, and by attending information sessions.
Prepare for tests and applications
With your shortlist of programs in hand, you can focus on test and application prep. Start by gathering standard materials — like transcripts and letters of recommendation — early, as these can take time to collect. Begin writing your personal statement well in advance to allow enough time for revisions. Additionally, you might consider enrolling in a GRE test prep program to boost your scores.
Select your program
If you apply to multiple programs, it’s possible to receive more than one acceptance letter. To select the right program for your goals, revisit your initial research criteria and focus on what matters most to you — such as specialization availability, the faculty you’ll learn from, and practical experience opportunities. This is also the time to reassess the total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and course materials, and compare it alongside any financial aid offers.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
To finance your degree, you can start by filing for the FAFSA to access federal financial aid. Then, turn your attention to institutional scholarships, grants, and assistantships your school offers. You may also be eligible for employer tuition reimbursement if you’re employed in a veterinary practice or a related field.
In instances involving financial gaps, be sure to prioritize federal loans over private loans, as these typically have lower interest rates and better repayment options.
Best 50 Accredited Online Veterinary Degree Programs
Discover More Options
How we rank schools
This list features a variety of options for veterinary medicine, including certificate and degree programs. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education. Many of the schools on our list are members of the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges, which represents the global academic veterinary community.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and the resources provided for online students. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online veterinary programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect From an Online Veterinary Program?
By enrolling in an online veterinary program, you can expect a combination of online coursework and in-person practical experience. These programs typically cover various topics essential for veterinary practice — including animal anatomy and physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and diagnostic techniques. The most innovative curriculums will also explore animal behavior, ethics, and veterinary business management.
While much theoretical learning is accessible online, most programs mandate in-person labs or residences to ensure hands-on experience. These practical components are crucial for developing clinical skills, including performing physical exams, surgical procedures, and administering treatments under the supervision of experienced veterinarians.
The estimated completion timeline for these programs varies but generally ranges from three to four years. Some programs may offer accelerated tracks or part-time options to accommodate different schedules.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online veterinary program
- Animal Anatomy and Physiology: A fundamental course in virtually all programs, this class covers the structure and function of different animal systems — including skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. Students will learn to identify anatomical features and understand how these systems work together to maintain animal health.
- Veterinary Pathology: In this core course, students study diseases and the changes they cause in animal tissues and organs. They learn to diagnose diseases through lab work, including microscopic examination of tissues and interpreting diagnostic tests.
- Pharmacology and Toxicology: This course focuses on the principles of drug action, therapeutic uses, and potential toxic effects of animal medication. Participants will learn about different classes of drugs, their mechanisms, and safe administration practices.
- Animal Behavior and Welfare: Occasionally deemed an elective or upper-level course, this class explores the behavioral patterns of different animal species and the principles of animal welfare. Students learn to assess and address behavioral issues, ensuring the psychological well-being of animals in other settings.
- Veterinary Business Management: This upper-level course introduces students to the business aspects of running a veterinary practice. Topics may include financial management, client relations, and marketing strategies, providing future veterinarians with the skills to manage a successful practice.
Online Veterinary Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online veterinary degree program?
While some admissions requirements vary by program, many share a similar set of criteria — including:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA, usually 3.0 or higher
- Official transcripts
- GRE scores
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- A minimum of 200 hours of veterinary experience
It is highly recommended that you contact an admissions counselor to ensure you meet all the requirements and receive guidance on the application process. Reaching out early can help clarify questions and strengthen your application.
How much does an online veterinary degree cost?
The average cost of tuition for graduate degree programs is $20,513 per year. However, it’s crucial to evaluate the total cost of attendance to understand the full financial investment. This includes tuition and fees, course materials, textbooks, and any additional expenses related to in-person labs or residencies.
Carefully considering all these factors will provide a more accurate picture of the overall cost, helping you to plan and budget effectively for your education.
How long does it take to earn an online veterinary degree?
Obtaining this degree takes three to four years for full-time students. For part-time students, this timeline can extend to five to seven years. If you’re balancing your studies with work, family commitments, or other personal responsibilities, part-time enrollment may be the best fit. Conversely, full-time enrollment may work better for you if you can dedicate more time to your studies and wish to complete your degree faster, potentially entering the workforce sooner.
Evaluating the total credit requirements is important, as these can vary by institution and significantly impact completion timelines. Knowing these credit requirements can help you plan your course load and manage your time effectively, ensuring you stay on track to meet your goals.