As a veterinarian, you have the unique opportunity to connect with both animals and people while you utilize science to help treat and heal animals. It is a high-demand profession that enjoys relatively high job security and a flexible schedule. You can practice in a variety of professional contexts, from becoming a zoo veterinarian to a military veterinarian. You also have the option of entering into policy by working with the government or in the private sector. 

Veterinary schools do not have an agreed-upon list of competencies, but many schools expect skills in the following areas:

• Communication 
• Leadership
• Problem-Solving
• LIfe Sciences 
• Professionalism
• Ethical Behavior

Each veterinary medical school has its own set of specific prerequisite courses. Therefore, you will need to research the schools to which you plan to apply to ensure you have met their specific requirements. The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) posts a list of the courses required by each program, but as these can change, you should always check the school’s website for the most current information.

We have compiled a list of the most commonly required courses:

• General Chemistry 1 and 2 (each with lab)
• Biology 1 and 2 (each with lab)
• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Biochemistry
• Organic Chemistry 1 and 2 (each with lab)
• Physics 1 and 2 (each with lab)
• Mathematics: 1-2 semesters
• Humanities: 1-2 semesters

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required by most veterinary medical schools and some also require the Biology GRE. There are a few that will accept the MCAT in lieu of the GRE and still other programs do not have any standardized test requirement.

Veterinary schools want clear evidence of your experiences and motivations for becoming a veterinarian. Therefore, it is expected that you will have spent time gaining experience working with animals and veterinarians. They prefer that you have worked with a variety of animals (large animal, exotic, small animal, etc.) so that you have a strong understanding of the diversity of work as a veterinarian. 

There is a common application for veterinary medical schools known as the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS). It is recommended that you apply for vet school in the spring of the year before you plan to enroll, so about 16 months ahead of the time you plan to enter vet school. If your goal is to enter vet school immediately following graduation, this would mean that you would need to apply during the spring of your junior year. Although the application opens in January, you cannot apply to any specific school until early May, so we recommend filling out the application in March/April and then submitting it in early-mid May.