*  Veterinary medicine overview

*  Getting into vet school

*  What should I major in?

*  What courses should I take?

*  NCC resources

*  Links

*  Back to health science page

Health Sciences:

Veterinary Medicine

What do I have to do to become a veterinarian?
 
[Veterinarian] Becoming a veterinarian requires a doctoral degree from a school of veterinary medicine; ther are 27 such schools in the United States. About ¾ of all veterinarians work in private practice, mostly with small animals. Veterinary school is usually a four-year program leading to a DVM (doctor of veterinary medicine) degree. Internships and residencies are available for those who wish to specialize further.

How do I get into a veterinary medicine program?
 
[Owl] The courses listed below meet the typical entrance requirements for veterinary schools. However, you should research the specific requirements of the schools you are interested in during your freshman year to be sure you will be able to meet them. Admission depends on grades, exam scores, letters of recommendation and experience. Successful applicants usually have a GPA of 3.4 or better. Admissions tests vary from school to school; many require the Veterinary College Admissions Test (VCAT), but many will accept the GRE, and some will accept the MCAT. Experience working with animals, in the form of internships, externships or job experience as a veterinary aide is a very important qualification for veterinary school, and you should start looking for ways to get this experience as early in your college career as possible. Some schools require that some of your experience be with large animals.

What should I major in?
 
[Student] Veterinary schools do not require a major in a specific area. As long as you take the courses that they require for admission and have a solid science background, you can major in any field that interests you. Most pre-vet students choose to pursue a bachelor of science degree in biology or biochemistry, because nearly all of the courses needed to qualify for a veterinary program also fill biology or biochemistry degree requirements.

What courses should I take?
 
[Student] The following courses will meet the entrance requirements for most typical veterinary programs. Grades below "C" are generally not accepted. Be sure to check the schools you are interested in for specific requirements and get help from your academic advisor and/or a pre-health advisor in planning a program that will help you reach your goal.

Required courses:

Recommended courses:

What resources does North Central have to help me?
 
[Help] North Central's pre-health committee includes pre-health advisors who assist students in selecting courses, planning schedules and completing the application process. Dr. Ed Navakas, a practicing psychiatrist, is also a half-time faculty member who helps advise pre-health students, assists in finding internships and other experience and takes a group of pre-health students to a major medical conference each spring. Another major source of support is PHO, the student Pre-Health Organization. PHO activities include visiting medical facilities, shadowing medical professionals, coordinating internships and volunteer opportunities, reviewing for admissions tests and inviting speakers from the health professions.

Where can I get more information?
 
Below are some helpful links to get you started. Don't forget to keep in close touch with your academic advisor and the pre-health advisors as you plan your pharmacy career!