6 answers
Chris
Student
Sugar Hill, Georgia
1
Question
Asked
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Which major is the best stepping stone for becoming a veterinarian?
I’m going to graduate high school in May 2025. I’m aiming to become a veterinarian. Which major should I choose to help me reach my goal?
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6 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
5751
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Chris!
## Paving the Way to a Veterinary Career
**Kudos on setting your sights on becoming a veterinarian!** This fulfilling profession allows you to blend your passion for animals with your academic prowess.
### Selecting Your Major
While there's no definitive "top" major for veterinary school, certain choices can establish a robust groundwork:
* **Biology:** A favored pick, it provides a comprehensive grasp of life sciences.
* **Animal Science:** Concentrates on aspects like animal care, nutrition, and physiology.
* **Zoology:** Offers profound insights into animal behavior and biology.
* **Chemistry or Biochemistry:** Vital for grasping the fundamental processes in animal health.
**Note:** The crucial aspect is fulfilling the prerequisite courses demanded by veterinary schools. These usually encompass biology, chemistry (organic and inorganic), physics, and mathematics.
### Blueprint for Success
In addition to your major, concentrate on:
* **High GPA:** With veterinary schools being competitive, a solid academic record is key.
* **Volunteer experience:** Experience with animals, be it at a shelter, vet clinic, or farm, is priceless.
* **Shadowing veterinarians:** Obtain firsthand experience and explore the various veterinary specialties.
* **Extracurricular activities:** Showcase your versatility and leadership abilities.
* **Research experience:** If feasible, engage in research projects tied to animal health.
**Are you interested in delving into specific veterinary schools or understanding more about the application procedure?**
I can also supply details on volunteer openings or potential research initiatives in your vicinity.
Blessings to you!
JC.
## Paving the Way to a Veterinary Career
**Kudos on setting your sights on becoming a veterinarian!** This fulfilling profession allows you to blend your passion for animals with your academic prowess.
### Selecting Your Major
While there's no definitive "top" major for veterinary school, certain choices can establish a robust groundwork:
* **Biology:** A favored pick, it provides a comprehensive grasp of life sciences.
* **Animal Science:** Concentrates on aspects like animal care, nutrition, and physiology.
* **Zoology:** Offers profound insights into animal behavior and biology.
* **Chemistry or Biochemistry:** Vital for grasping the fundamental processes in animal health.
**Note:** The crucial aspect is fulfilling the prerequisite courses demanded by veterinary schools. These usually encompass biology, chemistry (organic and inorganic), physics, and mathematics.
### Blueprint for Success
In addition to your major, concentrate on:
* **High GPA:** With veterinary schools being competitive, a solid academic record is key.
* **Volunteer experience:** Experience with animals, be it at a shelter, vet clinic, or farm, is priceless.
* **Shadowing veterinarians:** Obtain firsthand experience and explore the various veterinary specialties.
* **Extracurricular activities:** Showcase your versatility and leadership abilities.
* **Research experience:** If feasible, engage in research projects tied to animal health.
**Are you interested in delving into specific veterinary schools or understanding more about the application procedure?**
I can also supply details on volunteer openings or potential research initiatives in your vicinity.
Blessings to you!
JC.
Hi James!
Thank you so much for your answer; it helped me a lot.
If you don't mind, it would be much appreciated if you could send me info on volunteer and research opportunities near me.
I live in Suwannee, Georgia.
Again, thank you so much for your response!
Chris
Jaelyn Luedeman
Veterinary Assistant
1
Answer
Seymour, Indiana
Updated
Jaelyn’s Answer
Any major can be used to become a veterinarian. The colleges don’t look at what major you completed as long as your prerequisites are completed. A major that aligns with those prerequisites the best is usually one along the science line, such as biology or chemistry. But the best thing to do is choose a major you will do well in!
Tess Nyka
Career Counselor
4
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Tess’s Answer
Hi Chris, some majors you might to consider are:
biology
chemistry
biochemistry
animal sciences
wildlife biology or zoology
Good luck!
Tess
Research schools and programs
biology
chemistry
biochemistry
animal sciences
wildlife biology or zoology
Good luck!
Tess
Tess recommends the following next steps:
William Nwaogu
Construction, CAD and BIM
250
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
William’s Answer
Vectrinary Medicine is the best and most specialized college major for vectrinary practice.
However, Animal Care, and Animal Health is a more generalist major that lead to vectrinary practice.
Animal Science major with addition of modules like: animal toxicology, animal pharmacology, animal anatomy and physiology and training in clinical techniques, or modules to be suggested by your college course counsellor can lead to vectrinary practice.
However, Animal Care, and Animal Health is a more generalist major that lead to vectrinary practice.
Animal Science major with addition of modules like: animal toxicology, animal pharmacology, animal anatomy and physiology and training in clinical techniques, or modules to be suggested by your college course counsellor can lead to vectrinary practice.
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
284
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Chris:
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is a link to the Best Veterinary Colleges and Universities in the United States:
- University of California - Davis
- Cornell University
- Colorado State University
- North Carolina State University
- Ohio State University
- Texas A&M University - College Station
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Wisconsin - Madison
- University of Florida
- University of Georgia
- University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/veterinarian-rankings?_sort=rank-asc
While in college, here are some undergraduate degrees to major in order to become a Veterinarian:
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Zoology
- Physics
- Animal or Wildlife Science
- Chemistry
It will be best to seek advice from your high school guidance counselor as well as teachers to help you focus your interests for a specific major in college. Another recommendation is to visit your local animal hospital and speak with the Veterinarian for additional advice. The Veterinarian can provide you with his or her educational background, experience, insights, etc. on how he or she became a Veterinarian.
A Veterinarian will need to complete a Bachelor of Science degree (four year undergraduate course work). While in college, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a Veterinary career. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. Also, if an Animal or Wildlife course is offered, it will be in your best interest to take this class. For math, algebra, calculus and statistics will be needed. The combination of these concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a Veterinarian, communication is essential and critical when dealing with clients and patients. A college course in Public Speaking, Communication and English will help with one's communication and writing skills.
Afterwards, one's education is continued until a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (D.V.M. or V.M.D) is earned which will be another four years of study. Then, both the national and state exams are required for one to earn the licenses to practice Veterinary medicine.
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career path as a Veterinarian!
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is a link to the Best Veterinary Colleges and Universities in the United States:
- University of California - Davis
- Cornell University
- Colorado State University
- North Carolina State University
- Ohio State University
- Texas A&M University - College Station
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Wisconsin - Madison
- University of Florida
- University of Georgia
- University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/veterinarian-rankings?_sort=rank-asc
While in college, here are some undergraduate degrees to major in order to become a Veterinarian:
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Zoology
- Physics
- Animal or Wildlife Science
- Chemistry
It will be best to seek advice from your high school guidance counselor as well as teachers to help you focus your interests for a specific major in college. Another recommendation is to visit your local animal hospital and speak with the Veterinarian for additional advice. The Veterinarian can provide you with his or her educational background, experience, insights, etc. on how he or she became a Veterinarian.
A Veterinarian will need to complete a Bachelor of Science degree (four year undergraduate course work). While in college, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a Veterinary career. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. Also, if an Animal or Wildlife course is offered, it will be in your best interest to take this class. For math, algebra, calculus and statistics will be needed. The combination of these concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a Veterinarian, communication is essential and critical when dealing with clients and patients. A college course in Public Speaking, Communication and English will help with one's communication and writing skills.
Afterwards, one's education is continued until a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (D.V.M. or V.M.D) is earned which will be another four years of study. Then, both the national and state exams are required for one to earn the licenses to practice Veterinary medicine.
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career path as a Veterinarian!
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1746
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Chris !
You would be happy to know that it is possible that you would not have to be concerned about a major if you look into the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. You can enroll in this college as a freshman and continue with it right straight on to receiving your Doctor of Veterinary Medicine because they have a full path at this college. I think that would be the ideal choice so that you do not have to think about transferring anywhere. It's a good thing to consider so that you can know your options and have a choice that suits you.
For your Bachelor of Science Degree there, you can major in their Biomedical Physiology program. This program is cool and, to me, unique, because it allows you to customize your courses based on if you want to go into veterinary science, human science or the life sciences. Once you get your B.S. degree there, you stay at the same university and go on to their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program. After four years, you will have your DVM degree. So it may be good to be able to go to just one University that specializes in animal science for the entire 8 years. It's something to consider because many universities may not offer any animal science beyond a human biology course. If you want to work on animals, you'll get the most focused and thorough education for it at this college. They also provide students with a teaching veterinary hospital experience. You would get a research project upon entering the first semester and also be assigned a Mentor at this University.
On the other hand, if you want to do your Bachelors Degree for animal sciences at one college, you'll need to do a lot of research to find one that may have specific animal science. It will be a lot of reading at college websites, but it may be worth it if that's what you want to do. You will have to pick a major close enough to animal science as possible so you can transition smoothly to a separate Veterinary school. It all depends on what you exactly want to do.
Once you decide which college you will go to - undergrad and then transfer or one college for your whole academic path, you can do searches on the internet for scholarships and grants to cover some of the expenses. There are scholarships based on local, state and government sources, major subjects and through organizations affiliated with Veterinary science. There are also private donors that offer scholarships and grants, too. Once you know where you'll be attending, you can return here and ask about scholarships.
I hope that this is helpful in informing you of possible options and I wish you all the best !
You would be happy to know that it is possible that you would not have to be concerned about a major if you look into the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. You can enroll in this college as a freshman and continue with it right straight on to receiving your Doctor of Veterinary Medicine because they have a full path at this college. I think that would be the ideal choice so that you do not have to think about transferring anywhere. It's a good thing to consider so that you can know your options and have a choice that suits you.
For your Bachelor of Science Degree there, you can major in their Biomedical Physiology program. This program is cool and, to me, unique, because it allows you to customize your courses based on if you want to go into veterinary science, human science or the life sciences. Once you get your B.S. degree there, you stay at the same university and go on to their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program. After four years, you will have your DVM degree. So it may be good to be able to go to just one University that specializes in animal science for the entire 8 years. It's something to consider because many universities may not offer any animal science beyond a human biology course. If you want to work on animals, you'll get the most focused and thorough education for it at this college. They also provide students with a teaching veterinary hospital experience. You would get a research project upon entering the first semester and also be assigned a Mentor at this University.
On the other hand, if you want to do your Bachelors Degree for animal sciences at one college, you'll need to do a lot of research to find one that may have specific animal science. It will be a lot of reading at college websites, but it may be worth it if that's what you want to do. You will have to pick a major close enough to animal science as possible so you can transition smoothly to a separate Veterinary school. It all depends on what you exactly want to do.
Once you decide which college you will go to - undergrad and then transfer or one college for your whole academic path, you can do searches on the internet for scholarships and grants to cover some of the expenses. There are scholarships based on local, state and government sources, major subjects and through organizations affiliated with Veterinary science. There are also private donors that offer scholarships and grants, too. Once you know where you'll be attending, you can return here and ask about scholarships.
I hope that this is helpful in informing you of possible options and I wish you all the best !