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What classes do you have to take to become a veterinarian?

I'm trying to grow up to become a vet and I really want to know what classes to take before going into college, so I wont go in blind sided with taking the wrong classes #veterinarian #veterinary-medicine

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Gary’s Answer

http://work.chron.com/high-school-requirements-veterinarians-10264.html


Hi, I am not a Vet but I did find this link for you with some good information and thought I would share.Good luck!


Suggested High School Courses
To prepare for undergraduate and graduate work pertaining to veterinary medicine, it can help to take advantage of any science classes offered in high school, including advanced courses in biology or chemistry. AP courses and independent studies pertaining to animal science and care can be a great way to explore advanced topics while earning high school credit. In addition, postsecondary schools will likely be impressed with the initiative and drive needed to complete such intensive coursework.
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Kelly’s Answer

Prior to college, veterinary schools are really looking for a well rounded person. You should do well academically in the sciences, but the most important thing to do at this point is get exposure to many different things, including but not limited to volunteering or working with a veterinarian, or other animal care situation, such as a shelter. In college, your advisors will tell you what classes you need for pre-requisites to veterinary medicine. Other than that you can truly take any major in undergraduate school. Some people insist that pre-vet is the easiest route to take, but biology and chemistry are perfectly valid majors. I also attended Veterinary college with people who had entirely different careers and decided to go back to school to become a veterinarian - there was a Math major and a Biology teacher in my class, among others.
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Elizabeth F’s Answer

Kelly’s answer is good. I would just add that for each of the veterinary schools, there are prerequisites that you do need to complete (successfully). You can find the list of prerequisite classes through the admissions office at any of the vet schools you are interested in.

It may be different for each particular school, but in general, the vet school admission committees are looking at:
Overall GPA
Science GPA
Depth & breadth of experience
Community involvement.
The person that you are - some programs might be looking more at your academic scores, others look at the whole person - do you have a diverse background? Have you worked with multiple species in different practice settings? Are you a team player?

I just reread your question and my comments concern college-level work, but you can start now! Make sure that you enjoy sciences and do well at them. Biology, chemistry, physics and math all factor in to veterinary studies and what we do every day.
But if you have other interests, by all means pursue them. I double-majored in French because I love it. I never get to use my French skills in veterinary practice, but I still enjoy it!

Elizabeth F recommends the following next steps:

Talk to your college counselor about which programs they are familiar with and which courses they recommend
Are you already taking AP courses? That might help in getting past some first-year college classes.
Absolutely check out community colleges! If you can get some of the GE course done there, that can be a big help.
As you look at colleges, check out their pre-vet clubs at advising programs.
Try to get animal and veterinary experience on a variety of settings/species.
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