Pre-Veterinary Medicine
Veterinarians help animals and people live longer, healthier lives. They serve society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge. The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) degree can lead to diverse career opportunities and different lifestyles, from a solo mixed-animal practice in a rural area to a teaching or research position at an urban university, medical center, or industrial laboratory. The majority of veterinarians in the United States are in private clinical practice, although significant numbers work in preventive medicine and public health, regulatory veterinary medicine, military veterinary medicine, laboratory animal medicine, research and development in industry, and teaching and research in a variety of basic science and clinical disciplines.
Admission to a veterinary medical school typically involves the completion of a 4-year undergraduate degree. The veterinary medicine program requires another 4 years of study. The graduate will then undergo national and state board examinations to become licensed to practice.
The Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) makes it easy to apply to multiple schools using a single application.
▾ What prerequisites are typically required for applying to veterinary medical school?
Required courses vary between schools, but the requirements usually include Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Calculus, Physics, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Physiology, and Animal Nutrition. Learn more about pre-requisites for each veterinary school: https://applytovetschool.org/.
▾ What major should I choose?
You can choose any major you wish and then add in other required courses you will need. If you choose to major in the sciences (Equine Science, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry) the majority of the prerequisite courses are included in the major.
General Timeline
▾ Years 1 – 3
Take specific prerequisite courses for veterinary medical school (usually including Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Calculus, Physics, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Physiology, and Animal Nutrition). Required courses vary between schools.
▾ Year 3 and summer following
Apply to VMCAS online application service; Take GRE (Graduate Record Exam) if required for student's veterinary schools of choice.
▾ Year 4
Complete major requirements, all Foundations requirements and electives needed for undergraduate degree; interview; receive acceptance(s) to the veterinary program.