Here on the East Coast, it is back-to-school time. For students finishing high school or college, the next educational step may already be on their minds. For those considering veterinary medicine as a career, this post offers practical thoughts and trusted resources to help you begin planning for veterinary school.
What Should Pre-Vet Students Major In?
In the United States, veterinary medicine is a graduate degree, meaning veterinary school comes after college. Veterinary school applicants do not need one specific undergraduate major. They do need to complete each school’s prerequisite courses, and those requirements are not identical from one veterinary school to another. The American Veterinary Medical Association keeps the official list of accredited veterinary colleges in the United States and internationally. Use the school websites listed there to review prerequisites, compare programs and select undergraduate coursework with your intended veterinary schools in mind.
How Much Animal or Veterinary Experience Do You Need?
A common requirement for veterinary school applicants is experience working with animals or alongside a veterinarian. There are multiple ways to gain this experience. The obvious one is working for the veterinarian who cares for your family’s animals. You could also work in a shelter, stable or farm, where you learn to handle animals, care for them and recognize normal from abnormal behavior in different species. Veterinary hospitals and some veterinary schools host annual open houses where you can learn about the many roles veterinarians play in society. An open house may not meet an animal experience requirement, but it can give you a better view of the profession. Finally, vet camp might be a fun summer activity for those interested in veterinary medicine. Vet camps are hosted by a variety of veterinary organizations, including colleges of veterinary medicine and even here at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. I couldn’t find a comprehensive list of these summer experiences, but this is one place where a careful online search—or even AI—may be helpful.
Join a Pre-Vet Group
Many undergraduate institutions have pre-vet or pre-professional clubs to help students understand applications, plan coursework and find animal-related experiences. Clubs are also a good way to make new friends who are asking the same questions you are. If your college does not have a pre-vet club, I found two national organizations that may be useful: the National Pre-Vet Club and the American Pre-Veterinary Medical Association.
How Do You Choose a Veterinary School?
Many different issues factor into the list of schools you choose for applications. If your state has a state-sponsored veterinary school, tuition is usually lower for state residents. Education is expensive these days, and paying less tuition is a bonus. Some students choose a school with a special program of interest, such as a strong food animal program, an option to complete the first two years closer to home followed by the final two years elsewhere, or a flexible clinical year hosted at different sites around the country. International programs accredited by United States accreditors can allow you to experience a different country and still become licensed here at home. Whatever your priorities are—cost, location, species focus, clinical training or adventure—you will need to start early and consider the options carefully.
How Do You Apply to Veterinary School?
Like the Common Application for undergraduate colleges, applying to veterinary schools is an online process. Most veterinary schools use the Veterinary Medical College Application Service, known as VMCAS, which allows applicants to apply to multiple programs through one centralized application. Some schools require supplemental information, such as essays or interviews. Read the information from each school you want to apply to very carefully so your application is complete before the deadline.
If you think you want to be a veterinarian, the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges has a comprehensive website for pre-vet students, including information about veterinary careers, school directories, applications, costs and admissions planning. Start early, keep careful records of your courses and experiences, and ask questions whenever something is unclear. Veterinary school is a long path, but for the right person, it can lead to a remarkable career caring for animals and the people who love them.