Pre-Veterinary

Welcome to pre-vet!  We are excited that you have your sights set on becoming a veterinarian.  You have a long road ahead of you but we are here to help.  We will provide information and support as you take the pre-requisite courses up until you start the application and testing process.

▼   Requirements for Veterinary Medicine Schools
  • Most schools of veterinary medicine require the following courses:
    • General Chemistry I and II and labs
    • Organic Chemistry I and II and labs
    • General Biology I and II and labs
    • Physics I (Algebra/trigonometry based or calculus based physics will satisfy this requirement. Some Vet Schools require 2 semesters)
    • Biochemistry
    • Up to two semesters of College Level Math through Pre-Calculus Trigonometry
    • English Composition I and II
    • Animal Nutrition*

Animal Nutrition can be taken as an online course for most veterinary programs.  The following schools have an online course that will satisfy this requirement.  Many of these courses do have prerequisites.  Check with each program to make sure you have the required courses completed prior to registration.

  • Many veterinary medical schools are now requiring clinical contact hours with a licensed veterinarian. For example Auburn University requires a minimum of 400 hours for their program while Tuskegee University currently requires a minimum of 200 hours.
  • Some schools require higher level science and math courses such as cell biology, comparative anatomy, genetics, embryology, mammalian or animal physiology, microbiology, histology, reproductive physiology, parasitology, immunology, cell biology, statistics, calculus and/or behavioral sciences.

It is important that you research the requirements for those schools in which you are interested.  Your pre-health advisor can help you with this research.

Specific requirements for some area schools can be found below:

▼   International Students and Veterinary Medicine
  • Although not impossible, it is more difficult for students who are not a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. to gain acceptance to a U.S. veterinary school. For example, Tuskegee University accepts applications from International applicants but Auburn does not at this time.
  • In order to receive financial aid students must be a permanent resident or citizen of the U.S. Many veterinary schools, that do accept foreign applicants, require that students prove the ability to finance all 4 years of veterinary school prior to matriculation.

 

Useful links for Pre-Veterinary

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) “Veterinary School Admission 101” 

AVMA Printer-friendly version of all colleges accredited by the AVMA

Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC)

AAVMC College Specific Requirements

Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS)

American Pre-Veterinary Medical Association (APVMA)

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