Does Iowa State University Have a Vet School?
The answer is YES! The Iowa State Vet School is available. In addition, there is the Doctor Of Veterinary Medicine that the University offers. The degree program takes four years to complete. Of the four years, the first three are classroom instructions. The remaining one year entails training at the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center.
So, you shouldn’t worry if you need to study veterinary medicine at Iowa State University. The University will provide you with the best training that will lead to the production of a good vet.
In this article, we are going to look deeper into Iowa State University.
By the time you are done reading, you will have all the reasons to study at this state university college. So read on to find out!
The History of Iowa State University
The Iowa State University in full is the Iowa State University of Science and Technology. It is a Higher Learning Institution situated in the United States. It consists of different colleges like design, education, engineering, business, family and consumer sciences, liberal arts and sciences, agriculture, and veterinary medicine.
There is the Graduate College that offers different ranges of degree programs. There are Masters and Doctoral degree programs. Apart from that, the University has research facilities that make it easier for its students to study.
The facilities include; the center for designing foods to improve nutrition, the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, the Ames Laboratory, and the National Soil Tilth Laboratory, which work hand in hand with the US Departments of Agriculture and Energy.
The Iowa State University got a charter in 1858 as the Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm. It became a land-grant institution in 1864 and benefitted from the Morrill Act of 1862. Students started attending in 1868, but it wasn’t until early 1869 that formal training began.
In 1898, the name of the institution changed to Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. The current name, Iowa State University, came into being in 1959.
The most exciting thing about Iowa State University is that it is coeducational! It is at this University where the first digital computer was built in 1939. Also, it was the first state university to have a veterinary school in 1879.
Other interesting facts to note are that you will find different murals by a painter called Grant Wood and various works by Christian Petersen in the University’s library. Some alumni include Taiwan president Lee Teng-hui, scientist George Washington, and feminist leader Carrie Chapman Catt.
Why You Should Study Vetmed at Iowa State University Vet School
Apart from having the most prominent people as its alumni, there are other reasons as to why you need to study at Iowa State University. Below, we are going to delve into some sub-topics that will guide you more:
Location
The Iowa State University is easy for one to locate. You can use Google maps that will guide you to where it is. In addition, there are directions on its website on how you can travel via car or from the Des Moines International Airport.
It is located in Ames, Iowa, in the United States. If you are traveling by car, the University is 2.5 miles south of Ames.
How many students are accepted per year?
The University tends to attract quite a large number of students applying since it is competitive. GPA, veterinary and animal experience, recommendations, essays, personal development (leadership and citizenship) are considered in applications.
The University accepts around 26,000 students each year. For instance, in the fall of 2020, the total enrollment was 31,825 students:
- Undergraduate students: 26,846
- Graduate students: 4,352
- Professional students: 627
**Of the above population, 44% were women, while 55% were men.**
The students’ population comprises local and international students. When we look at the 2020 statistics, the international students were 8.1% of the total enrollment. On the other hand, 56.3% were from Iowa. Other students that are accepted come from 109 countries and other states in the country.
When it comes to the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Iowa residents only get 60 positions. The other positions are awarded to the professional program in Veterinary Medicine with the University of Nebraska that gets 26. 4 positions awarded to the contract with the State of Dakota while the non-residents get 71 positions.
There is no discrimination based on color, religion, gender, age, abled or disabled, political ideologies, race, marital status, or country of origin.
Admission Criteria for US Students
Previously, any US student was supposed to undertake the ACT, and SATs then submit the scores. However, because of the Covid-19 pandemic, there are limited chances for students to undertake the tests.
Therefore, those willing to enroll before spring each year do not need to submit the scores. Instead, they can choose to report the scores by themselves to factor into their admission decisions.
Students who choose to report their scores by themselves
For such students, admission will be based on the Regent Admission Index (RAI) score. Below is the formula:
- ACT composite score x 3
- Cumulative GPA X 30
- The number of years taken for core courses in high school x 5.
The above formula means that SAT scores will be converted to ACT composite equivalents; the GPA is expressed on a four-point scale; the number of courses in high school in a particular subject is expressed in terms of years or fractions of years of study.
Those applicants that meet the minimum high school course requirement and an RAI score of 245 qualify for admission. Those who don’t meet the RAI score but meet the minimum high school course requirements also qualify for entry, only that they will revise their applications on an individual basis.
Applicants who don’t report the test scores by themselves
Such applicants will only get admission based on their academic records. The high school cumulative GPA and main courses have a lot of weight.
Minimum high school requirements
Iowa State University allows applicants who are fresh from high school. They need to meet the following criteria:
| Subject | Requirement | Description |
| English/Language Arts | Four years | Writing, speaking, reading, and understanding and appreciating literature. |
| Mathematics | Three years | Algebra, Geometry, and Advanced Algebra. |
| Science | Three years | Elements of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics |
| Social studies | Two years | XX |
English expertise for students from Puerto Rico
The applicants who graduated from high school in Puerto Rico do not use English as their primary language. However, they automatically qualify for admission at Iowa State University because they meet Iowa State’s English proficiency requirement.
Admission criteria for foreign students
International students who wish to study at Iowa State University can get admission. They need to have the same high school qualifications as US students. The class rank and GPA are not good indicators of academic success for foreigners. However, they encourage those who score less than a 245 RAI to apply for admission.
Admission requirements for DVM
For you to get admission to study the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, you need to have the following qualifications:
- Be a graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical or biological sciences or a DVM degree from a recognized institution in the US or outside the US.
- The undergraduate courses that you need to have done include either of the following: Physiology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Cellular or Molecular Biology, Anatomy, and Calculus.
Your applications must also include:
- Official GRE scores (BMS CODE: 6306)-Qualitative: 150; Writing: 3.5 and Quantitative: 150. You should note that the GRE scores are optional.
- English Fluency tests:
You need to attach tests waived for native English speakers. This applies to applicants from countries that have English as the official language.
Official International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of at least 6.5.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the score should be at least 550 for paper-based, 79 for internet-based, and 197 for computer-based.
- Three recommendation letters.
- Resume and personal statement.
- Graduate College application.
All the requirements above also apply to International students. In addition, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores apply to all international or foreign applicants.
Educational opportunities
Let us delve into some of the educational programs you will find at Iowa State University Vet School. They are:
Biomedical Sciences
There is the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences that is non-thesis and takes only a year. The course is deliberate to empower you in your career, Doctorate program, or professional school. It is a good course because, within nine months, it will equip you with the knowledge to succeed in your life.
The program requires one to complete 30 credit hours of coursework. After graduating, you will work in areas like industries, research, and academia or attend veterinary, medical, and dental schools.
Veterinary Clinical Sciences
Students need to get well acquainted with the practical part of what they learn theoretically. The college hopes to introduce ultrasound training that will make the graduates ready for the real world.
Ultrasound units will be conducted in the clinical skills laboratory. This will enable the students to be at par with the new ultrasound technology.
Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine
The University has a Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory that provides diagnostic services. The laboratory performs more than a million tests annually. It provides quality diagnostic services that include:
- Virology
- Bacteriology
- Parasitology
- Histopathology
- Serology
- Necropsy
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Toxicology
They also offer analytical services like Nutrition, Pharmacology, and Toxicology. It is one of the best labs in the world since it is fully accredited.
Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine
This is all about understanding the causes of different infectious diseases in animals. Also, students will learn the various mechanisms by which diseases develop. It begins from organismal, cellular, and molecular levels.
It also includes research on how pathogenic and symbiotic microbes interact with their hosts and how they react to the infection.
Under Veterinary Microbiology, there is Immunology, Virology, Bacteriology, and Bioinformatics. In addition, you can find veterinary microbiology and preventive medicine at the Institute for International Cooperation in Animal Biologics and the Center for Food Security and Public Health.
Veterinary Pathology
This department offers high-quality and the best diagnostic services to veterinarians in Iowa and also throughout the Midwest. You may deliver your samples through postage service or just by dropping samples at the lab in Iowa state university’s college of Veterinary Medicine campus.
Other educational opportunities
Apart from the programs discussed above, students also benefit from internships, externships, International Exchange Programs, and mentorship. They also get an opportunity to work at the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center, the Swine Medicine Education Center, and the Des Moines’ Blank Park Zoo.
What else do they offer other than education?
Apart from education, the state university college also has hospitals. For example, the Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital consists of certified veterinarians, interns, and fourth-year veterinary students. It deals with small animals like cats and dogs.
Some of the services that the hospital offers include:
- Cardiology
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Ophthalmology
- Internal Medicine
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Reproduction
- Soft tissue Surgery
- Dentistry
- Zoological Medicine
On the other hand, the large animal hospital offers:
- Medical services
- Routine services
- Surgical services
- Reproduction services
Some of the support services include:
- Anesthesiology
- Pharmacy
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Veterinary Field Services
- Emergency services
Departments/Centers/Institutions
The Iowa state university consists of some of the best academic departments, centers, and institutes. They are essential components that help to nurture great research and education.
The departments include:
- Biomedical Sciences
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences
- Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine
- Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine
- Veterinary Pathology
The centers are:
Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center. It has the Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital, the Large Animal Hospital, and the Equine and Food Animal Medicine and Surgery Hospital.
There is the Institute for International Cooperation in Animal Biologics.
Student Support
Being the first public veterinary school, Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine had many of its graduates grow to leaders in different areas worldwide. The University seeks to continue this tradition by offering scholarships to certain students.
The scholarships help to keep those interested in veterinary medicine at Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine.
There are also graduate research fellowships that allow top graduate students to mentor vet school students in food security and human health. If you need to support this program, you can contact the university for more information.
The Fun Things Students Can Do Between Studying
There is a saying that” all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” For students to be productive, they also need to have time to relax and have fun. At Iowa State University Vet School, there are several fun activities and places for students to visit. Here are some of them:
Elwood, the World’s Tallest Concrete Gnome
When you look at other concrete competitors, the Elwood Gnome seems to be the best. It has a unique feature that is a pointy hat. You will find it in the middle of the Verdant Reiman Gardens at Iowa State University.
The gnome is 15 feet tall from its soles to its hat. It beat the previous champion, Gnome Chomsky that was a mini-golf course resident of upstate New York. Remember that before you visit the gardens, there are charges! You need to have some money with you since there are different charges for adults, children, and seniors.
There are also special offers on specific dates. You can make inquiries so that you get the bonuses!
Lover’s Leap Swinging Bridge
Would you like to have an adrenaline rush! Then, this is the place to be. The swinging bridge is located at the Columbus junction, Iowa. It provides a direct route from Fourth street to Third. You don’t need to walk around the 80-foot ravine.
Fenelon Place Elevator
Visit Dubuque, Iowa, to enjoy a ride on the elevator. It is the world’s shortest and steepest railroad. Its history dates back to when a wealthy businessman, J.K Graves, needed a means of transport. He lived on top of the hill and worked in a bank located at the bottom of the same hill. As commuting became difficult, he built the railway and the elevator.
Previously, he used the elevator for his private use but later allowed the public to use it at a small fee per trip. Later on, a group of locals came up with the Fenelon Place Elevator Company. They worked as stewards on the train. In addition to the operator’s house, there was a small apartment that the locals used as a place for playing cards.
Field of Dreams Movie Site
It is a field that was initially made for the movie The Field of Dreams. It is a large baseball field that attracts lots of tourists. Most Hollywood projects are done here. Once the studio that built it finished their production, they left it to the owner of the property, the Lansing family. The other part of the land belonged to the Amescamp family–they returned it to farming and restored it.
Iowa’s Largest Frying Pan
Several frying pans have been claimed to be the largest in the world. But, there is one in Brandon that is the largest in Iowa. This pan was made to market the “Cowboy Breakfast” fundraisers in Brandon.
The fundraiser happens every third Sunday of September, and the funds help in the maintenance of the community center.
World’s Largest Popcorn Ball
The popcorn ball is another sight to behold! It is 8 feet in diameter and 24 feet in circumference. You will find it in Sac City, Iowa. It attracts lots of people around the world since it weighs around 9,370 pounds. February 2009 was when the popcorn ball was remade.
It took more than 250 volunteers, and they spent 12 hours and 40 minutes to come up with it. They used more than 2,500 pounds of sugar, 900 pounds of popcorn, and 1,400 pounds of syrup. You don’t need to imagine how large it looks. Visit the place and see it for yourself.
Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden
Have you ever been amazed by the well-groomed landscaped lawns and flowerbeds in gardening magazines? Do you ever wonder whether they are real or not? If you have seen a photo of a well-kept flower bed or an emerald-green lawn in Better Homes and Gardens Magazine-know that it is real! The images are taken at the magazine’s Test Garden in Des Moines.
Story City Carousel
The Story City Carousel is an amazing place to have fun too. Surprisingly, the carousel was hand-carved with wood in 1913, and it is still intact! It is the oldest in Iowa, with animals like pigs, dogs, horses, and roosters. If you need more movement, it has a spinning tub.
World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
The World Food Prize was an idea by Dr. Norman Borlaug in 1987, after the Nobel committee rejected his vision of an award for contributions to the fight against hunger. What happens is that awards are given to people who have innovated hybrid crops that yield twice a year, ways of controlling insects, methods of making arid soil fertile for planting, and many more.
Final Thoughts
From this review, it is clear that Iowa State University Vet School is the best place to study Veterinary Medicine. It has produced some renowned leaders. The school’s staff is the most qualified and the fact that they allow students from all over the world is a plus!
They offer the best academic programs and also internships and externships. The best part is that it has animal hospitals where practical training is carried out. So, if you are looking for a Vet School, look no further. Apply for admission at Iowa State University Vet School.