Is Veterinary School in The Philippines Worth it?
Many young people are interested in pursuing a career in Veterinary Medicine in the Philippines but are not sure if their parents or guardians can afford to pay for it. So that brings to mind the million-peso question:
Is veterinary school worth it? The answer is a guarded “yes.” That’s because the cost of vet school can be high though it does prepare you to take care of sick or injured animals as a career.
A List of Veterinary Schools in The Philippines
Aklan
The school now known as Aklan State University used to be known as Aklan State College of Agriculture. It gained its current name on April 4, 2001, due to the implementation of R.A. 9055.
The university maintains the School of Veterinary Medicine on its Banga campus in Aklan. The School of Veterinary Medicine building is also home to the School of Veterinary Medicine satellite library. In addition, the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program is offered in this veterinary school Philippines.
It also has a Department of Animal Science in its College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Environmental Sciences. The College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Environmental Sciences is separate from the School of Veterinary Medicine.
Benguet
2. Benguet State University
This veterinary school in the Philippines became a university on January 12, 1986, due to P.D. 2010. The Benguet State University is presently located in La Trinidad, Benguet, in the Philippines.
It formerly offered two related courses, namely, Bachelor of Science in Animal Technology (BSAT) and the other being the Doctor in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in its College of Veterinary Medicine. However, the BSAT was eventually phased out in March 1997, leaving only the DVM degree program. The College of Veterinary Medicine is now subdivided into three departments:
- Department of Clinical Sciences
- Department of Para-Clinical Sciences
- Department of Basic Sciences
Incidentally, this university also offers a Master of Science in Animal Science. This is not the same as a DVM degree, but it is related to the latter.
Foreign students are allowed to apply for admission. You may find the General Admission Requirements for this university using this link: http://www.bsu.edu.ph/admission/foreign_students.
Cavite
3. Cavite State University – Indang Campus
This university was named Cavite State University on January 22, 1998, as mandated by R.A. 8468. Previously, it was known as the Don Severino Agricultural College. The university presently operates 11 campuses throughout the province of Cavite, with the main campus based within Indang.
Cavite State University maintains the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, where it offers the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program. This university school has been operating this DVM degree since 1997 though the College of Veterinary Medicine has been in existence since August 2000 only.
There is a Veterinary Teaching Hospital Building where veterinary students can participate in the Animal Clinic. Some labs are entirely airconditioned. In the Animal Clinic, farm animals, companion animals, and exotic animals are examined, diagnosed, and treated for their illnesses, disorders, or injuries.
In addition, the College of Veterinary Medicine is responsible for conducting continuous research and extension activities in conjunction with different private institutions and government agencies in the field of Veterinary Medicine.
Interested students, parents, and guardians may access this link to know the admission requirements: https://cvsu.edu.ph/2021/02/16/admission-requirements-and-procedures-for-first-semester-ay-2021-2022/
Laguna
4. University of the Philippines Los Banos
The University of the Philippines Los Banos (or UPLB) is a unit of the University of the Philippines (UP) system. Its campus is located within Los Banos, Laguna, in Luzon Island. This unit of the UP system used to be the sole vet school for the entire Philippines until 1960. There are other veterinary schools in the country now, but UPLB is still a leader in this field.
There are different programs that all fall under the aegis of the College of Veterinary Medicine here, namely:
- The Undergraduate level dubbed the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program
- The Graduate level where students can choose either the Master in Veterinary Medicine program or the Master in Veterinary Epidemiology program
It is noteworthy that the UPLB graduates have been able to top the Veterinary Licensure Examination consistently throughout the years. Furthermore, no other veterinary school in the Philippines has been able to beat this record for the highest passing percentage per examination yet. Because of this trend, the Center for Higher Education (or CHED) has granted UPLB the CHED Center of Excellence in Veterinary Medicine for its accomplishments in this field.
There is also a Veterinary Teaching Hospital on the UPLB campus which is where local residents bring their animals for treatment. This is also where the clinician students can practice what they’ve learned so far on actual animal patients.
In addition, those graduates who aspire for a more challenging veterinary medicine career may eventually join the College of Veterinary Medicine faculty. Here, they may be invited to participate in research and extension activities that make the field of veterinary medicine in the Philippines richer and more in-depth.
Fortunately, for those citizens of the Philippines aspiring to study in this university for their DVM, there is now the Free Tuition Law being implemented. Since UPLB is a state university, first-time students of the DVM degree can study for the whole seven years tuition-free. However, the privilege is not offered to international students nor those aiming for their second degree.
Foreign students can apply for entry to the UP system by passing the UPCAT (University of the Philippines College Admission Test) or transferring from another school. Take note that the UPCAT is a very competitive examination where many students are unable to pass.
Transferees have to meet the UP system requirements before enrolling in the DVM degree program.
However, many international students come to the Philippines to study because the cost of education and other related expenses in this country tend to be much lower than that of other countries. Though, it is notable that studying in this particular veterinary school is already considered quite expensive by Philippine standards.
Isabela
5. Isabela State University
This university school is located in San Fabian, Echague, Isabela in the Philippines.
It operates the School of Veterinary Medicine on the Echague campus. (The university maintains ten different campuses throughout the Cagayan Valley region.)
This institution offers the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree as an undergraduate program. This is a Level II – Reaccredited Program, meaning the program meets the desired educational standards of the university, based on certain accreditation agencies.
Cebu
6. Southwestern University
This university school in Cebu, of the Visayas region, maybe better known as Southwestern University PHINMA. It offers the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree program, which is focused on small animal care, meaning pets of humans. It emphasizes veterinary dentistry, rehabilitation, and prosthetics as practiced by vets who run their practice in urban locations.
Veterinary students gain valuable hands-on experience caring for and treating small animals through the university’s Small Animal Hospital. This particular DVM degree program belongs to the School of Veterinary Medicine. They aim to produce highly skilled graduates who can empathize with their patients’ owners and are competent in vet med skills.
Take note that the six-year program covers managerial and entrepreneurial skills as well. As a result, the school intends that its Veterinary Medicine graduates will be well-equipped to run a financially sound clinical practice eventually.
Leyte
7. Visayas State University
This particular university maintains a College of Veterinary Medicine on its main campus in Baybay City in Leyte of the Visayas region of the Philippines. There you could study to become a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, which is one of the university’s undergraduate programs. In addition, there is also the Master of Science in Animal Science among the Graduate programs of Visayas State University.
If you seek to join this university school for their DVM degree, you need to have graduated from a baccalaureate program first. In addition, your GWA for that program should have been a minimum of 2.0 or its equivalent. If your GWA is less than that, you may inquire for admission on Probationary status.
Bukidnon
8. Central Mindanao University
Central Mindanao University is located within Maramag, Bukidnon, in the Mindanao region of the Philippines. It set up the College of Veterinary Medicine in June 1975.
The College of Veterinary Medicine of this university is home to three Departments:
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Pharmacology, and Physiology
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Parasitology, Pathology and Public Health
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Zootechnics
The school also operates its own Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
From 1999 to 2004, the university managed to get the nod of the Professional Regulatory Commission (or PRC) for landing the 2nd slot to search for the best veterinary school in the Philippines. The basis for this recognition is the school’s performance in the Philippine veterinarian licensure examination for those years.
In addition, the College of Veterinary Medicine was awarded the privilege of being the Center of Excellence in Veterinary Medicine for Mindanao in August 2008.
Tarlac
9. Tarlac Agricultural University
Tarlac Agricultural University is located in Malacampa, Camiling, in Tarlac, within Luzon Island of the Philippines. Further information is regularly updated on their website.
Cotabato
10. University of Southern Mindanao
This university school is located at Kabacan, Cotabato, in the Philippines.
It formally set up its College of Veterinary Medicine on November 10, 1994. This school has a College of Veterinary Medicine where you can apply for the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program. The DVM degree program lasts for six years.
The Office of the President and the Commission for Higher Education of the Philippines declared this DVM degree program recipient of the Award of Distinction for Being the Center of Excellence from 2009 to 2014.
Aside from the DVM degree, the school also offers the BS Veterinary Technology degree program, which takes up to four years to complete. There is also a Veterinary Aide program that is a one-year program only.
Caramarines Sur
11. Central Bicol State University of Agriculture
In 2011, the College of Veterinary Medicine of the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) was formally set up. By November 2013, the CBSUA opened the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Diagnostic Laboratory of the College of Veterinary Medicine.
CBSUA aimed to improve the abilities of veterinary students in clinical skills. At the same time, the university wanted to encourage the veterinary students to assist in developing the region in the areas of animal care, animal welfare, and productivity. Disease surveillance and monitoring were also priority concerns.
It is to the credit of the faculty and administrative staff of CBSUA that its students have reached the higher percentage of passers of the Veterinary Medicine licensure examination.
The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program has been around since May 7, 1999. At present, the DVM degree program was awarded a Certificate of Program Compliance by the CHED-Region V Office (Commission on Higher Education).
The Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP), Inc. rewarded the program with Level II re-accredited status.
In turn, the DVM degree program is considered an active collaborator with the following institutions:
- The Master of Science in Veterinary Medicine Off-Campus Program of the University of the Philippines-Los Baños
- The Philippine Veterinary Medical Association-Bicol Region
- The National Meat Inspection Society (NMIS)-Regional Office V
- The Department of Agriculture Regional Office V
In 2015, the Barangay Veterinary Health Center extension project was introduced by the College of Veterinary Medicine in Curry, Binanuanan, Cadlan, Palestina, and San Jose, which are all part of Pili. This move was meant to support the government’s veterinary programs while boosting the reach of countryside veterinary services.
By 2020, this Barangay Veterinary Health Center extension project was extended into the CVM KAAGAPAY. This acronym refers to KAAlaman, GAbay, and PAYo. This effort is meant to cover every extension project and activity of the College of Veterinary Medicine.
The College of Veterinary Medicine is also running the CVM Ethical Animal Research or EAR program. The college aims to improve the IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) via EAR. The program is supposed to release data about ethical animal research within the Bicol Region. It should also support other institutions that want to form their respective IACUC.
In addition, the College of Veterinary Medicine received Php3.5 million to conduct additional research activities regarding the Epidemiological Considerations on African Swine Fever program in December 2020. The research program was established in Camarines Sur, Bicol Region of the Philippines.
This program was instrumental in creating the Molecular Laboratory necessary for identifying African Swine Flu and other transboundary diseases. The facility was built within the college’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Diagnostic Laboratories.
Metro Manila
12. De La Salle Araneta University
This university school in the Philippines was admitted as the seventh member of the De La Salle (DLS) system in 2002. It runs a College of Veterinary Medicine and Agricultural Sciences. It is located in Potrero, Malabon City, in Luzon Island, Philippines.
The College of Veterinary Medicine and Agricultural Sciences (CVMAS) focuses on veterinary medicine, agricultural sciences, and food technology. This translates into coverage of the following fields of expertise:
- Animal health
- Animal welfare
- Companion animal care
- Crop and livestock production
- Food processing and safety
- Environmental management
- Extension service
- Research
The CVMAS does offer the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program. It also runs the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, where student interns of that program work side by side with licensed staff to care for animals. The Hospital offers the following services:
- In-house pharmacy
- Hospital vaccinations
- Laboratory services
- Pet dental care
- Surgical operations
Cagayan
13. Cagayan State University – Carig Campus
The College of Veterinary Medicine of Cagayan State University does offer the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program on its Carig campus.
It is located in Caritan Sur, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Valley in the Philippines. Information is updated on the site regularly.
Pampanga
14. Pampanga State University
The College of Veterinary Medicine maintains the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. The DVM degree lasts for six years. The first two years encompass pre-vet or preparatory subjects.
After these four years, the veterinary students are expected to take and pass the National Veterinary Medicine Admission Test (or NVAT), which the Commission monitors on Higher Education.
The latter four years of the DVM degree are devoted to the proper veterinary curriculum.
A graduate of the DVM program is expected to be an expert in identifying animal diseases, particularly companion and domestic animals, exotic animals, and wildlife. This means the DVM degree graduate should emphasize prevention of such diseases and diagnosis, treatment, and control measures.
Nueva Vizcaya
15. Nueva Vizcaya State University
Nueva Vizcaya State University operates a College of Veterinary Medicine. This unit offers two undergraduate programs, namely, Bachelor in Animal Science and Doctor in Veterinary Medicine.
Samar
16. University of Eastern Philippines
The University of Eastern Philippines runs its own College of Veterinary Medicine. This college offers two undergraduate programs: the Bachelor of Science in Meat Technology and the Doctor in Veterinary Medicine.
Nueva Ecija
17. Central Luzon State University
This university school is based in the Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija in the Philippines. This state university has been educating students for over 100 years and counting.
It is designated by the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) as a Center of Excellence in Veterinary Medicine.
Central Luzon State University runs the College of Veterinary Science and Medicine (CVSM). This college is in charge of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine undergraduate program. There is also higher education under the Master of Veterinary Studies program.
La Union
18. Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University – North
This university school in the Philippines owns a College of Veterinary Medicine where it offers the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program on the North La Union campus.
Capiz
19. Capiz State University – Dumarao Campus
Capiz State University marked March 21, 2004, as the day when it became a state university after then-President, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo approved Republic Act No. 9273. This university school offers the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program (Level III) on its Dumarao Satellite College campus.
Activities for Veterinary Students to do in the Philippines
If you are studying in the Philippines, it can become rather dreary to do nothing but study for your entire stay. So it makes sense to take some time off to enjoy what the Philippines has to offer. Here are 14 things you can do to recharge your batteries before you return to your studies:
- Go snorkeling or diving in Palawan – Palawan is a popular tourist destination because of the crystal-pure waters surrounding the island. If you want to, you can go exploring the coastal area by snorkeling. The more daring students may opt to go scuba diving.
- Explore Mount Apo – Mount Apo happens to be the tallest mountain in the entire country. So if you fancy a long hike (with a guide, of course), you can try climbing its slopes. Just be sure to apply for the necessary permit and pay the appropriate fee.
- When in Cebu, do as the Taoists do – Have you ever considered visiting an actual Taoist temple? There is one in Cebu, within the Visayas region. This temple is considered sacred by the Chinese community that thrives around the building.
- Bring the entire class along at Manila Ocean Park – If you and your classmates want something unusual to do, why not take them along to Manila Ocean Park? There is much to see here, particularly the tunnel that allows you to see the fishes and other sea creatures surrounding you and above you.
- History buffs love Corregidor Island – This island was where American and Filipino soldiers made a last futile stand against the incoming Japanese army during World War II. As a result, some people say there are restless spirits still living here.
- Go Swimming at Lake Kayangan in Coron Island – If you feel extra strong, you might want to hike to Lake Kayangan of Coron Island. The crystal clear waters are just perfect for those who want to take a dip after breaking out in a sweat during the hike. But, if you’re going to go even further, you can visit the other lake dubbed Lake Barracuda.
- Participate in the Quiapo Church procession of the Black Nazarene – Actually, Quiapo Church is more formally named the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene. But to locals, they just call it Quiapo Church. You can time your visit for January 9, which is the feast day of the Black Nazarene. No, you probably won’t get close to the actual image during the procession because the streets will literally be filled with devotees. You can take some great pictures, though.
- Discover Tubbataha Reef – This is a fantastic spot to do some scuba diving and snorkeling since the coral reefs are alive and flourishing. Here you will get to appreciate nature at its unspoiled best.
- Chill out at Malapascua Island – Sometimes, you will prefer just to relax and sleep on a tropical getaway like Malapascua Island. Here you can rent a small bungalow and enjoy paradise before the tourists swamp the place.
- Fly over the Chocolate Hills of Bohol – This is one of the country’s tourist attractions that many Filipinos themselves haven’t seen yet. So try to book a flight over the Chocolate Hills. They got their name since they turn brown as the grass on the hills is scorched by the summer heat. What is remarkable is that there are so many of these hills, so the effect is something else.
- Look for Fort Santiago in Manila – This is one of the more somber places for explorers to visit. Still, it fascinates history buffs because this is where the national hero Jose Rizal was incarcerated before his execution. Nowadays, there are no prisoners here.
- Ride a boat into the Puerto Princesa Underground River – this is a must-see for anyone new to the Philippines. There are rock formations within the caves that have unique names. The caves are also home to many bats that take shelter here.
- Visit an active Mount Mayon volcano – It isn’t every day you get to a relatively safe distance to witness an active volcano’s tantrums, but yes, Mount Mayon is precisely that. It isn’t advisable to get too close, though. You never know when it might erupt mightily.
- Climb the Banaue Rice Terraces – If you fancy seeing an engineering marvel, the Banaue Rice Terraces are it. Seeing these “steps” up the mountains, you will wonder how the community’s ancestors could envision the construction of the terraces.
Highlights From Veterinary Universities
The veterinary universities in this article cannot be lumped together into one convenient category. Some of the schools are more successful than others in educating their students in the field of Veterinary Medicine. However, this article will give you a brief peek as to which universities meet international educational standards.
The best way to find out which of the universities are worth your while is to visit them. You can also do some additional research online to find data listed on third-party websites. As always, check out their facilities because Veterinary Medicine is best studied through hands-on learning. Good luck and Godspeed you in your educational adventure!