Veterinary medicine is one of the most popular areas of study that leads to an animal-related career path. The prospects in this field are equally challenging and rewarding. As a veterinarian, you can be involved in the healthcare of animals, applied research as well as clinical research on the connection between human and animal health conditions.
Studying veterinary medicine may be the best direction if you are interested in animal welfare. To get into any veterinary school, you must fulfill the veterinary school admission requirements that decide your eligibility.
Let’s explore some of the ways you can fulfill veterinary school admission requirements.
Pre-requisite courses
To get into any veterinary school of medicine, you must complete a prescribed set of coursework beforehand. This is to ensure your knowledge of basic science subjects and language competency. The progression into an advanced veterinary school curriculum will be easy with an understanding of certain subjects. The mandatory courses required for admission are listed below.
- A student must have completed one year of general biology which equals six credit hours
- A biochemistry course that lasted for six months
- One academic year (six credit hours) of general chemistry and six months of organic chemistry. You can choose to complete six months of biochemistry instead of organic chemistry
- Six months (three credit hours) of college-level computer science or mathematics
- A language arts (English) course or any other course with a writing component for six months.
Organic chemistry and biology courses must have laboratory practice sessions to prepare the students for practical lessons.
English language requirement
The curriculum and the medium of instruction in most veterinary schools are English. So, to understand the lectures, you must have sufficient knowledge of the English language. Students who are non-natives must provide a certificate that proves their proficiency in English such as TOEFL or IELTS.
Graduate Record Examination
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a general test that is preferred by most veterinary medical schools. It tests your knowledge of basic science subjects as well as verbal reasoning and critical thinking abilities. GRE is not compulsory, but good scores in the examination will be looked at favorably during the admission process.
Other documents
There are a few important documents that must be submitted along with the application form. Official transcripts from your previous educational institutions, a personal statement that describes your reasons for choosing veterinary medicine, an updated resume, two letters of recommendation stating your eligibility and capacity for pursuing veterinary medicine, and a TOEFL certificate are the mandatory documents that must be attached along with the application form. Those who do not have official educational transcripts can submit student-issued copies.
Having some previous experience in the field of veterinary medicine in clinics or animal welfare associations will boost your chances of getting selected for veterinary school.
If you are interested in working to protect the welfare of animals and conducting research that benefits animals and humans alike, then apply to a veterinary medicine program today.
