6 answers
Katie
Student
Kansas City, Missouri
1
Question
Asked
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What classes should I take in my freshman year of college if I want to be a veterinarian ?
I am a junior in highschool and don't really know what my career path is yet. I love animals a lot so and I am good at science so any job in those fields work.
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6 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
745
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Focus on completing your core requirements, but also tie your future major interest into the core elements.
This means biology, chemistry, zoology, animal anatomy, and other science related courses, which will enable you to complete your science and other electives, for your future major, and help complete the first two years of college.
This means biology, chemistry, zoology, animal anatomy, and other science related courses, which will enable you to complete your science and other electives, for your future major, and help complete the first two years of college.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6193
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Katie,
Choosing the Right Classes for Aspiring Veterinarians
As a high school junior considering a career as a veterinarian, it’s essential to plan your freshman year of college with the right classes to set you on the path towards achieving your goal. Becoming a veterinarian requires a strong foundation in science and specific prerequisites for admission to veterinary school. Here are the recommended classes you should consider taking during your freshman year of college:
1. Biology: Taking introductory biology courses will provide you with a fundamental understanding of living organisms, which is crucial for a future career in veterinary medicine. Topics covered in these courses typically include cell structure, genetics, evolution, and ecology.
2. Chemistry: Both general and organic chemistry are essential for aspiring veterinarians. General chemistry provides the basic understanding of chemical principles, while organic chemistry delves into the structure, properties, and reactions of organic compounds, which are important for understanding biological processes.
3. Physics: Physics courses can help you develop critical thinking skills and an understanding of physical principles that are relevant to veterinary medicine. Additionally, physics is often a prerequisite for admission to veterinary schools.
4. Math: Mathematics is an integral part of many science-based programs, including veterinary medicine. Courses in calculus and statistics can be beneficial for developing problem-solving skills and understanding scientific data.
5. Animal Science or Zoology: Taking courses specifically related to animal science or zoology can provide valuable insights into animal biology, behavior, and physiology, which are directly relevant to the field of veterinary medicine.
6. Communication and Writing: Strong communication skills are essential for veterinarians who need to effectively communicate with pet owners and colleagues. Taking courses in writing and communication can help you develop these skills.
7. Electives in Humanities or Social Sciences: While it’s important to focus on science-related courses, don’t overlook the value of well-rounded education. Taking electives in humanities or social sciences can help you develop critical thinking, empathy, and cultural awareness – all of which are valuable attributes for a future veterinarian.
In addition to these specific classes, it’s important to maintain a high GPA throughout your undergraduate studies as veterinary schools are highly competitive and often have stringent academic requirements for admission.
It’s also advisable to seek out opportunities for hands-on experience with animals through internships, volunteer work at animal shelters or clinics, or research opportunities related to veterinary medicine.
By carefully selecting your classes and seeking out relevant experiences, you can lay a solid foundation for pursuing a career in veterinary medicine.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names Used in Answering this Question:
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): The AVMA is a reputable source for information on veterinary education requirements and career guidance.
Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC): AAVMC provides valuable insights into the academic prerequisites for admission to veterinary schools.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers comprehensive information on the job outlook and educational requirements for veterinarians in the United States.
These sources were consulted to ensure that the information provided is accurate and up-to-date regarding the educational path towards becoming a veterinarian.
God Bless,
James.
Choosing the Right Classes for Aspiring Veterinarians
As a high school junior considering a career as a veterinarian, it’s essential to plan your freshman year of college with the right classes to set you on the path towards achieving your goal. Becoming a veterinarian requires a strong foundation in science and specific prerequisites for admission to veterinary school. Here are the recommended classes you should consider taking during your freshman year of college:
1. Biology: Taking introductory biology courses will provide you with a fundamental understanding of living organisms, which is crucial for a future career in veterinary medicine. Topics covered in these courses typically include cell structure, genetics, evolution, and ecology.
2. Chemistry: Both general and organic chemistry are essential for aspiring veterinarians. General chemistry provides the basic understanding of chemical principles, while organic chemistry delves into the structure, properties, and reactions of organic compounds, which are important for understanding biological processes.
3. Physics: Physics courses can help you develop critical thinking skills and an understanding of physical principles that are relevant to veterinary medicine. Additionally, physics is often a prerequisite for admission to veterinary schools.
4. Math: Mathematics is an integral part of many science-based programs, including veterinary medicine. Courses in calculus and statistics can be beneficial for developing problem-solving skills and understanding scientific data.
5. Animal Science or Zoology: Taking courses specifically related to animal science or zoology can provide valuable insights into animal biology, behavior, and physiology, which are directly relevant to the field of veterinary medicine.
6. Communication and Writing: Strong communication skills are essential for veterinarians who need to effectively communicate with pet owners and colleagues. Taking courses in writing and communication can help you develop these skills.
7. Electives in Humanities or Social Sciences: While it’s important to focus on science-related courses, don’t overlook the value of well-rounded education. Taking electives in humanities or social sciences can help you develop critical thinking, empathy, and cultural awareness – all of which are valuable attributes for a future veterinarian.
In addition to these specific classes, it’s important to maintain a high GPA throughout your undergraduate studies as veterinary schools are highly competitive and often have stringent academic requirements for admission.
It’s also advisable to seek out opportunities for hands-on experience with animals through internships, volunteer work at animal shelters or clinics, or research opportunities related to veterinary medicine.
By carefully selecting your classes and seeking out relevant experiences, you can lay a solid foundation for pursuing a career in veterinary medicine.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names Used in Answering this Question:
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): The AVMA is a reputable source for information on veterinary education requirements and career guidance.
Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC): AAVMC provides valuable insights into the academic prerequisites for admission to veterinary schools.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers comprehensive information on the job outlook and educational requirements for veterinarians in the United States.
These sources were consulted to ensure that the information provided is accurate and up-to-date regarding the educational path towards becoming a veterinarian.
God Bless,
James.
Caitlin McCann
18
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Caitlin’s Answer
Hi Katie!
Don't worry about this! When you are admitted into college, you will be given a list of all the classes you need to take. You will probably get an advisor to help plan when you will take everything.
Your first year will probably be mostly gen-ed classes (math, english) and a few pre-reqs for your major.
Hope this helps!
Caitlin
Don't worry about this! When you are admitted into college, you will be given a list of all the classes you need to take. You will probably get an advisor to help plan when you will take everything.
Your first year will probably be mostly gen-ed classes (math, english) and a few pre-reqs for your major.
Hope this helps!
Caitlin
Melanie Silverman
Chief Clinical Officer
17
Answers
Laguna Beach, California
Updated
Melanie’s Answer
Dear Katie,
That's so awesome that you want to be a veterinarian. It's such an important profession! I love animals too. When you go to a college, they should have counselors to help you create the right schedule with the right classes to take to apply to Veterinary school. The same applies for medical school or if you want to be a nurse, physical therapist or dietitian.
Best of luck!
Melanie
That's so awesome that you want to be a veterinarian. It's such an important profession! I love animals too. When you go to a college, they should have counselors to help you create the right schedule with the right classes to take to apply to Veterinary school. The same applies for medical school or if you want to be a nurse, physical therapist or dietitian.
Best of luck!
Melanie
Nirah Shomer, DVM PhD DACLAM
Senior leader in laboratory animal science, animal welfare, and regulatory compliance
61
Answers
Updated
Nirah’s Answer
If you are considering veterinary school, you don’t need to just plan what you’re taking freshman year, you need to plan out your first three years, because you generally need to complete all of the academic requirements in the first three years before you apply for vet school. There are extensive requirements required to get into veterinary school, and you need to make sure you have time in your schedule to meet the requirements for your chosen major as well as those for vet school.
The good news is that you should be able to find extensive information on this at the website of the vet school. I see that you are from Missouri, so the U of MO is the school where you have the greatest chance of getting in, and would likely pay at the lowest tuition. I suggest you review their requirements closely. They also publish information on the admissions process in the incoming class. For example, in the most recent class, the average GPA of accepted students was 3.7, and they had over 1700 applicants for 125 spots. It’s pretty competitive.
See
Cvm.missouri.edu/doctor-of-veterinary-medicine-program/preparation-as-an-undergraduate/ to get started.
Some good news is that U of MO does accept AP credit, which can help a lot with getting some of the basic requirements done. If possible, you should take AP physics, biology, biochemistry, and algebra.
Keeping a high GPA will be critical, so you might consider not overloading yourself on too many credit hours in your first semester, lest it prove overwhelming. With all of the other changes from attending college, don’t risk damaging your GPA unless you are positive you can carry a heavy load.
Note that rules regarding courses that are taken pass-fail instead of for a letter grade vary, and you should NOT do courses pass-fail if you can help it because that will cause some courses not to count.
You mentioned that this is just one career that you’re thinking about. Freshman year would be a good time to get experience volunteering in a vet office or working in an animal care setting, or potentially taking classes in animal science to try to get an idea of whether this is the right career for you. Taking an advanced anatomy or physiology class, if you meet the requirements due to taking AP biology in high school, would be helpful. If it turns out you hate it, veterinary medicine might not be the optimal career for you.
Read the extensive information available at the College of veterinary medicine website about their admissions process
If you still have questions, contact the admissions office at the College of veterinary medicine to make sure the classes you are taking will count for admissions credit
The good news is that you should be able to find extensive information on this at the website of the vet school. I see that you are from Missouri, so the U of MO is the school where you have the greatest chance of getting in, and would likely pay at the lowest tuition. I suggest you review their requirements closely. They also publish information on the admissions process in the incoming class. For example, in the most recent class, the average GPA of accepted students was 3.7, and they had over 1700 applicants for 125 spots. It’s pretty competitive.
See
Cvm.missouri.edu/doctor-of-veterinary-medicine-program/preparation-as-an-undergraduate/ to get started.
Some good news is that U of MO does accept AP credit, which can help a lot with getting some of the basic requirements done. If possible, you should take AP physics, biology, biochemistry, and algebra.
Keeping a high GPA will be critical, so you might consider not overloading yourself on too many credit hours in your first semester, lest it prove overwhelming. With all of the other changes from attending college, don’t risk damaging your GPA unless you are positive you can carry a heavy load.
Note that rules regarding courses that are taken pass-fail instead of for a letter grade vary, and you should NOT do courses pass-fail if you can help it because that will cause some courses not to count.
You mentioned that this is just one career that you’re thinking about. Freshman year would be a good time to get experience volunteering in a vet office or working in an animal care setting, or potentially taking classes in animal science to try to get an idea of whether this is the right career for you. Taking an advanced anatomy or physiology class, if you meet the requirements due to taking AP biology in high school, would be helpful. If it turns out you hate it, veterinary medicine might not be the optimal career for you.
Nirah recommends the following next steps:
Elizabeth F Schilling DVM
Veterinarian/Educator
37
Answers
Redlands, California
Updated
Elizabeth F’s Answer
Hi Katie!
You really can study whatever you’d like in college, as long as you take (and do well in) certain prerequisite courses for veterinary school. Each of the veterinary schools/colleges will have a list of the courses they require - you should be able to find it on each school’s admissions website. In general, the list will include biology, chemistry (through organic chemistry), math and/or statistics, some upper division biology, as well as some writing and/or public speaking. There is usually not a required undergraduate major.
To prepare, you might check the websites for the veterinary schools you are interested in (Missouri has a good one) to see which courses they require. Then check the offerings at the colleges/universities you are interested in. Some of those courses may have their own prerequisites (such as chemistry before organic chemistry or algebra before calculus) and some of those courses might be impacted, especially if the college has a big pre-vet/pre-med program, so you might want to start getting in to them earlier rather than waiting for senior year.
As Melanie said, your high school’s college counselor can help you with choosing an undergraduate program. You might be able to get some of the prerequisite classes for upper division courses done at a junior/community college, or even by AP credit if you are taking AP courses in high school, but check to see if they will be accepted as not all do. (I had to take 1st year Biology even though I had AP credit for it)
Many of the veterinary schools/colleges will look at your science GPA separately from your overall GPA so don’t put too much pressure on yourself, but be sure to do your best!
All that said, your undergrad years will be some of your most memorable years, and may be your only opportunity to learn about non-science subjects. Be sure to take the opportunity to explore, and take some classes that help you learn about the world, or people, or literature or the arts! You never know if something might spark your interest and open up other career options. If there is an education abroad or exchange program, try it! It’s the only time in your life when you can find a supported opportunity to learn about the world!
Start by looking at https://www.aavmc.org/becoming-a-veterinarian/what-to-know-before-you-apply/pre-vet-student-resources/
Check the websites for vet schools in areas that interest you.
Talk to veterinary professionals in your area - we all have different stories!
Talk to your high school’s college counselors/advisors
You really can study whatever you’d like in college, as long as you take (and do well in) certain prerequisite courses for veterinary school. Each of the veterinary schools/colleges will have a list of the courses they require - you should be able to find it on each school’s admissions website. In general, the list will include biology, chemistry (through organic chemistry), math and/or statistics, some upper division biology, as well as some writing and/or public speaking. There is usually not a required undergraduate major.
To prepare, you might check the websites for the veterinary schools you are interested in (Missouri has a good one) to see which courses they require. Then check the offerings at the colleges/universities you are interested in. Some of those courses may have their own prerequisites (such as chemistry before organic chemistry or algebra before calculus) and some of those courses might be impacted, especially if the college has a big pre-vet/pre-med program, so you might want to start getting in to them earlier rather than waiting for senior year.
As Melanie said, your high school’s college counselor can help you with choosing an undergraduate program. You might be able to get some of the prerequisite classes for upper division courses done at a junior/community college, or even by AP credit if you are taking AP courses in high school, but check to see if they will be accepted as not all do. (I had to take 1st year Biology even though I had AP credit for it)
Many of the veterinary schools/colleges will look at your science GPA separately from your overall GPA so don’t put too much pressure on yourself, but be sure to do your best!
All that said, your undergrad years will be some of your most memorable years, and may be your only opportunity to learn about non-science subjects. Be sure to take the opportunity to explore, and take some classes that help you learn about the world, or people, or literature or the arts! You never know if something might spark your interest and open up other career options. If there is an education abroad or exchange program, try it! It’s the only time in your life when you can find a supported opportunity to learn about the world!
Elizabeth F recommends the following next steps: