There are 32 accredited veterinary schools in the United States

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredits all veterinary schools that award the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. As of the most recent count, 32 schools hold this accreditation across the country. These schools are spread across different regions, though some states have none and others have multiple.

Accreditation matters because it means the school meets national standards for curriculum, faculty, facilities, and clinical training. A DVM from an accredited school is required to sit for the veterinary licensing exam in every state. If you are considering veterinary medicine as a career, attending an AVMA-accredited school is the only path that leads to licensure.

Key Takeaways

  • The AVMA accredits 32 veterinary schools in the United States, and this number has remained stable for several years.
  • Accreditation ensures the school meets national standards and that your degree will be recognized for licensing in all 50 states.
  • Veterinary schools are not evenly distributed—some states have multiple schools while others have none, which affects where students can study.
  • A few schools offer online or distance components, but most require in-person attendance for clinical rotations and hands-on training.

Where the 32 accredited schools are located

Veterinary schools cluster in certain regions. California has four accredited schools, Texas has two, and New York has two. States like Florida, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Colorado each have one. Many states—including Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming—have no veterinary schools at all.

This uneven distribution means students from states without schools must either relocate or attend school out of state. Some states have agreements with neighboring states' schools to reserve seats for their residents at a reduced tuition rate, though this varies. If you live in a state without a veterinary school, research whether your state has such reciprocal agreements before you explore.

How to find the complete list of accredited schools

The AVMA website maintains the official directory of accredited veterinary schools. You can search by state, region, or school name. The directory also shows whether each school offers a traditional four-year DVM program, a combined degree program (like DVM/MBA), or other specializations.

Each school's entry includes contact information, the process important date, and a link to the school's own admissions page. The AVMA also publishes information about each school's acceptance rate and the average GPA and test scores of admitted students, which can help you understand how competitive each program is.

The difference between accredited and unaccredited veterinary programs

Only graduates of AVMA-accredited schools can sit for the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE), which is required to practice as a veterinarian in the United States. If you graduate from an unaccredited school—whether in the US or abroad—you cannot become a licensed veterinarian here, even if you pass the exam.

Some schools offer veterinary technology programs or veterinary assistant certificates. These are different from a DVM program and lead to different careers. A veterinary technician or assistant works under a licensed veterinarian and does not need to attend a four-year accredited veterinary school. If your goal is to become a veterinarian (not a technician), you must attend an AVMA-accredited DVM program.

What to expect from the veterinary school process process

Most accredited veterinary schools use the Veterinary Medical College process Service (VMCAS), a centralized process portal similar to the medical school process system. You submit one process through VMCAS, and it is sent to the schools you select. Each school then reviews your process and decides whether to invite you for an interview.

Schools typically require prerequisite coursework in biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and biochemistry. They also look at your GPA, performance on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), veterinary experience (such as shadowing or working in a veterinary clinic), and personal essays. The process cycle usually opens in the spring and closes in the fall, with interviews happening in the fall and winter and acceptances issued by spring.

How veterinary school enrollment has changed

The number of accredited veterinary schools has remained relatively stable at around 30 to 32 schools for the past decade. However, enrollment within those schools has grown. Many schools have expanded their class sizes to meet rising demand for veterinarians, particularly in rural areas and in specialties like exotic animal medicine and wildlife care.

A few new schools have opened in recent years, and a handful of existing schools have expanded their capacity. Despite this growth, veterinary school remains highly competitive—acceptance rates typically range from 5 to 15 percent depending on the school. The number of applicants has grown faster than the number of available seats, making admission more selective over time.

International veterinary schools and US licensure

Veterinarians who graduate from schools outside the United States can practice in the US, but they must meet additional requirements. They must pass the NAVLE and also pass the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) examination, which tests whether their education meets US standards. This process takes longer and costs more than the path for US-school graduates.

If you are considering attending veterinary school abroad, understand that you will face extra licensing hurdles when you return to the US. Some states also have additional requirements or restrictions on foreign-trained veterinarians. Attending an AVMA-accredited school in the US is the most straightforward path to US licensure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I become a veterinarian by attending a non-accredited school?

No. Only graduates of AVMA-accredited schools can sit for the NAVLE licensing exam in the United States. Without a license, you cannot practice as a veterinarian. If you attend a non-accredited school, you will not be able to work as a veterinarian in any US state.

Do all 32 accredited schools offer the same DVM degree?

Yes, all 32 schools award the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and meet the same AVMA accreditation standards. However, schools differ in their specializations, research opportunities, clinical focus areas, and geographic location. Some schools emphasize large-animal medicine, others focus on small-animal or exotic practice.

What if I live in a state with no veterinary school?

You will need to attend school in another state. Some states have reciprocal agreements that reserve seats at neighboring schools for their residents at lower tuition rates. Contact your state's veterinary medical board to learn whether such agreements exist. Otherwise, you explore to schools in other states like any other out-of-state applicant.

How long does it take to become a licensed veterinarian?

A DVM degree takes four years to complete. After graduation, you must pass the NAVLE before you can practice. Most graduates take the exam within a few months of graduation. Some veterinarians then pursue additional training in a specialty, which can add two to five more years.

Is the GRE required for all veterinary schools?

Most accredited schools require the GRE, but a few have made it optional or no longer require it. Check the specific requirements for each school you are interested in. The AVMA directory and each school's admissions page will list their current requirements.