Pre-Veterinary

Veterinarians are most commonly employed in private practice. Most choose to specialize in veterinary medicine for either large (e.g., horses, cows) or small (e.g., cats, dogs) animals, but several other types of specialization are available. Job opportunities also exist in industrial settings, in governmental agencies, and in research or education at universities. The role of the veterinarian continues to change over the years and this change creates even more opportunities in this growing field.

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Why Study Pre-Veterinary Medicine at Goshen College?

Most veterinary schools are very selective. To gain entrance into such a veterinary medicine program, you will need a strong background in science courses. Goshen College will prepare you with the academic foundation to begin your veterinary medicine studies and pursue graduate school. Most veterinary schools require hands-on experience with animals, and our pre-veterinary medicine program provides ample opportunities for animal welfare, such as a one week period of service volunteering on a farm or other location.

Job opportunities also exist in industrial settings, in governmental agencies, and in research or education at universities. The role of the veterinarian continues to change over the years, creating even more opportunities in this growing field for pre-vet program graduates.

A PRE-VET PROGRAM WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO GAIN EXPERIENCE

Pre-veterinary students will find many opportunities to gain valuable experience (paid or volunteer) in and around GC.

Most Goshen College students spend a semester abroad in GC’s unique Study-Service Term (SST). During SST, students spend six weeks volunteering in a service location. Students interested in veterinary studies may be able to spend their six-week period of service volunteering on a farm or other location where they will gain unique experience with animals.
There are several veterinary clinics in the Goshen area (one within one mile of GC), where pre-vet school students may find paid or volunteer work.

PRE-VETERINARY PROGRAM SUGGESTED PLAN OF STUDY

Veterinary programs do not have a universal list for prerequisite courses. The following schedule meets basic admission requirements at nearly all animal science schools. Many veterinary schools require one or two additional classes.

First Year

Fall	Spring	May Term
General Chemistry I	General Chemistry II	CORE: Engaging the Bible
Ecology & Evolution (NW Perspective)	Organismal Biology
CORE: Identity, Culture, & Community & Learning Comm.	Cell Biology & Genetics
CORE: Academic Voice	CORE: Seminar & Learning Comm

Second Year

Fall	Spring	May Term
Organic Chemistry I	Organic Chemistry II	Study-Service Term
Calculus I	Adv. Mol. Genetics or Adv. Cell Bio.
D. Vert or Vert. Phys.	CORE: Perspective
Foreign Language 101	Foreign Language 102

Third Year

Fall	Spring	May Term
Physics I	Physics II	CORE: Perspective
Biochemistry	CORE: Perspective
Junior Research SeminarCORE: Global Issues Seminar	Healthcare Ethics

Many veterinary schools require completion of at least college-level algebra or pre-calculus. Calculus I is a prerequisite for General Physics and is also required by Purdue University Veterinary school.

Many accredited veterinary schools also require or recommend:

Anatomy and Physiology
Vertebrate Physiology
Developmental Vertebrate Biology
Zoology
Humanities
Molecular Cell Biology
Psychology
Animal Nutrition **
Sociology
Business (Bus 121)
Statistics
Principles of Accounting (Acc 201)

** Purdue University requires animal nutrition; it may be taken over the summer before starting veterinary school after the student has already been admitted. It is offered by Purdue, Cornell, and possibly other sites as an online course.

To find the specific prerequisites for the schools you are interested in, check the Veterinary Medical School Admissions Requirements booklet.

APPLYING TO VETERINARY SCHOOL

The Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) runs a uniform application process for nearly all veterinary schools. Each application is first processed by VMCAS and then is forwarded to each school that the applicant is interested in. Be sure to check the application deadline for each school you are interested in. Many deadlines are as early as November of the year prior to enrollment. Keep in mind that most schools have much stricter requirements for out-of-state applicants than for in-state applicants.

Veterinary schools base their acceptance of students on many factors besides classes taken in undergraduate study. These include:

GPA: While most veterinary programs have a stated minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0, it is wise to maintain a GPA of above 3.0 to remain competitive. In recent years, the mean GPA of accepted students has ranged from 3.3 to 3.6.
Standardized test scores: Not all schools require applicants to take the Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT). In fact, most schools require the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) instead. Some schools even accept MCAT scores. Plan on taking the GRE and perhaps the VCAT.
Experience: Experience in working with animals or at a veterinary clinic is strongly recommended. Most schools require some experience with animals. Many ask for a reference from a veterinarian, as well as personal references.