The veterinary program at Ohio State is a graduate program that offers a large-animal specialty. Students have opportunities to participate in clinical and field research aside from normal classroom study. Students learn the similarities between human and animal medicine, epidemiological research and the importance of research in the advancement of technology and its benefit on animal health as a whole. The veterinary-school faculty members have years of experience as practicing veterinarians. The school offers an on-site large veterinary clinic where students can apply what they learn to real situations. The large-animal program consistently ranks high surveys by U.S. News & World Report.
The University of Florida established its veterinary program in 1976, and today offers a master's and Ph.D. degree in veterinary medicine. It is the only program for future vets in Florida and is among the top rated in the country by U.S. News & World Report. Students have access to an on-site large-animal clinic, research facilities and the largest aquatic animal health clinic of any university in the world. All students complete courses in physiology, infectious disease and pathology. Once basic classes are complete, students may choose a more specific path, including neuroscience, toxicology and zoo-animal medicine. The school offers a variety of specialized courses, including equine illnesses and diseases common to both animals and humans.
The Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine features a four-year program that leads to a degree in veterinary medicine. The first three years are spent primarily in the classroom in traditional lab and lecture settings. Required core classes include physiology, animal husbandry and parasitology. Upon the completion of the first year, students can choose a more specific curriculum, including large or small animal, equine or public veterinary medicine. The fourth year is spent on a year-long clinical to further perfect their education and learn important real-world skills.
The veterinary school at UC Davis is the only vet program in the University of California system. It regularly ranks among the best programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The program offers pre-vet training as well as a degree in veterinary medicine on the doctoral level. Students must complete courses in animal physiology, epidemiology and lab-based training prior to graduation. The University of California campus features a large research facility as well as a small- and large-animal vet clinic that students can utilize during their time in the program. The programs at UC Davis specialize in population health and reproduction as well as surgical and radiological sciences. Students interested in large-animal medicine can take specialized courses to prepare for that line of work.