veterinary courses
What collage courses do i have to take to become a vet? #veterinary #animals
3 answers
Gabriel Figliuzzi
Gabriel’s Answer
Hi Emma,
Thanks for the question. Requirements to veterinary school vary depending on the school. Please refer to the course prerequisite (prerequisite courses are ones you are expected to have satisfactorily completed before applying to veterinary school) on the Association of American Veterinary Colleges website:
http://www.aavmc.org/data/files/vmcas/prereqchart.pdf
*Note that you can scroll down to see a list of courses for each school that may be a bit easier to read than the chart. This list may change at any time so the best advice I can give is to reach out to the school(s) you are interested in early in your college career to make sure you take all of the required courses.
Courtney’s Answer
It depends on the college you're attending. You'll need to get your bachelor's degree. The DVM program will have pre-requisite requirements before you can get into that program as well. Here's the link for the Texas A&M DVM program. http://vetmed.tamu.edu/dvm/future
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
To become a veterinarian, you need to complete specific college courses that are typically required for admission to veterinary school. These courses provide the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for a career in veterinary medicine. Below is a comprehensive list of the common prerequisite courses needed to pursue a career as a vet:
Biology: Courses in biology are essential for aspiring veterinarians as they form the basis of understanding living organisms, their structures, functions, and interactions. Topics covered may include cell biology, genetics, physiology, and ecology.
Chemistry: Both general chemistry and organic chemistry courses are usually required for admission to veterinary school. These classes help students develop an understanding of chemical principles and reactions, which are important in studying biological systems and pharmacology.
Physics: Physics courses provide a foundation in understanding physical principles that apply to various aspects of veterinary medicine, such as biomechanics and radiology.
Biochemistry: Biochemistry is another crucial subject that aspiring veterinarians need to study. It focuses on the chemical processes and substances that occur within living organisms, providing insights into metabolism and molecular biology.
Anatomy and Physiology: Courses in anatomy and physiology are fundamental for understanding the structure and function of animals’ bodies. These classes often cover topics like comparative anatomy, histology, and physiological systems.
Microbiology: Microbiology courses introduce students to microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that can affect animal health. Understanding microbiology is essential for diagnosing and treating infectious diseases in animals.
Mathematics: Basic math skills are important for various aspects of veterinary medicine, including calculations for drug dosages, interpreting lab results, and conducting research studies.
Animal Science or Zoology: Courses in animal science or zoology provide knowledge about different species of animals, their behavior, nutrition, reproduction, and management practices.
Communication Skills: While not a traditional science course, developing strong communication skills is crucial for veterinarians to effectively interact with clients, colleagues, and other professionals in the field.
In addition to these core science courses, gaining hands-on experience through internships or volunteer work at veterinary clinics or animal shelters can also be beneficial when applying to veterinary school.
By successfully completing these prerequisite courses along with obtaining relevant experience working with animals, individuals can enhance their chances of gaining admission to veterinary school and ultimately becoming licensed veterinarians.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): The AVMA is a leading organization that provides guidelines on educational requirements for aspiring veterinarians. Their website offers detailed information on accredited veterinary schools and the prerequisites needed for admission.
Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC): AAVMC represents institutions offering professional programs in veterinary medicine. They provide valuable resources on the academic prerequisites required by most veterinary schools.
Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS): VMCAS is a centralized application service used by many veterinary schools in the U.S. It outlines the specific coursework requirements and application process for prospective vet students applying to participating institutions.
God Bless You,
JC.