- Veterinarians provide healthcare to companion animals, livestock, zoo animals, and laboratory animals.
- Although veterinarians focus mainly on animal health and wellness, many use their expertise to protect humans against diseases carried by animals.
- Veterinarians have many career options outside of private practice, including the federal government and US Army. Organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and National Institutes of Health (NIH) all employ veterinarians.
- There are 32 veterinary medicine programs in the United States with Oregon State University being the only Vet Med program in the state of Oregon. A general veterinarian degree takes 4 years to complete.
- Completing the prerequisite courses is just one aspect of the process. You must also have a well-rounded application consisting of experience (shadowing, volunteer work, experience with animals, life experience, etc.), letters of recommendation, GRE scores (not always required), a strong admissions essay, and interview.
- Some veterinary medicine programs allow applicants to apply without a bachelor’s degree, but applicants who have a bachelor’s degree are more competitive.
- Most veterinary schools are public schools, so state residency is an important factor to consider when choosing programs. The likelihood of acceptance is greatest at the public institution in the state where you are a resident.
- Applying to veterinary medical school is a year-long process. Students applying in their final year at UO will have a gap year before starting medical school. Students can work, take courses, travel, etc. during the year.
The chart below illustrates one way veterinary school prerequisitesi can fit into a 4-year plan. Keep in mind a graduation plan is as unique as the student following it. Math placement, major, transfer credits, application timeline, and other factors will help shape your graduation plan and timeline. Pre-Health Advisors are here to help you create a graduation plan that works best for you!
Click here to watch the Veterinary Medicine Prerequisite Overview Video.
Fall | Winter | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
CH 221: General Chemistry I | CH 222: General Chemistry II | CH 223: General Chemistry III | |
YEAR ONE | CH 227: : General Chemistry Lab | CH 228: : General Chemistry Lab | CH 229: : General Chemistry Lab |
MATH 112Z: Precalculus IIiiii | STAT 243Z: Elementary Statistics |
Fall | Winter | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
CH 331: Organic Chemistry I | CH 335: Organic Chemistry II | CH 336: Organic Chemistry III | |
YEAR TWO | CH 337: Organic Chemistry Lab | CH 338: Organic Chemistry Lab | BI 214: Gen Biology IV - Biochemistry |
BI 211: Gen Biology I - Cells | BI 212: Gen Biology II - Organisms | HPHY 212: Scientific Investigations in Physiology ii |
Fall | Winter | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
PHYS 201: General Physics I | PHYS 202: General Physics II | PHYS 203: General Physics III i | |
YEAR THREE | PHYS 204: General Physics Lab | PHYS 205: General Physics Lab | PHYS 206: General Physics Lab i |
HPHY 322: Physiology I iii | ENG 200: Public Speaking i |
Fall | Winter | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
CH 461: Biochemistry | CH 463: Biochemistry w/Protein Biosythnthesis i | CH 462: Biochemistry w/Metabolism i | |
YEAR FOUR | BI 320: Molecular Genetics | BI 330: Microbiology i | |
BI 331: Microbiology Lab i |
i Prerequisites vary by school. While some schools require this course, others may not. Research individual programs to determine whether you would like to add this course to your graduation plan.
ii This course is a prerequisites for UO’s physiology course. It is not a prerequisite for DVM programs.
iii This course meets DVM programs Physiology requirement. OSU DVM Program also accepts BI 353 and BI 358 for the Physiology requirement. Please connect with other programs to determine if these alternative options meet their physiology requirement.
iiii This course is not required by DVM programs. THis is a co-requisite/prerequisite for General Chemistry I.
Note: This page lists all the common prerequisites for programs. Research individual programs to identify additional courses you may need to take by visiting the AVMA Program Directory Work with your pre-health advisors for any alternate course options.
Questions? Email pre-health advisors at prehealthadvising@uoregon.edu.