Veterinary medicine: How to apply, eligibility criteria & curriculum

Veterinary medicine is pursued by students who are passionate about the wellbeing of animals.

This branch of medical science teaches you everything about the diseases of animals and their treatment. In a field with vast scope and career prospects, there are certain things you must know before applying to veterinary medical school.

The eligibility criteria and the documents to be submitted along with the application are two of the most important factors to consider while opting for veterinary medicine. Understanding the veterinary basic science curriculum can also give you an idea about the topics you will cover at a veterinary school.

This article discusses the important factors you must know before becoming a veterinary science student.

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Veterinary school eligibility criteria

The admission requirements in veterinary schools are quite simple such as the completion of prerequisite coursework, an English proficiency certificate, and a good score in the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), which is not mandatory. Let’s look at them in detail.

Prerequisite coursework

Completing the prescribed prerequisite coursework shows that you have a basic understanding of the science subjects. Most veterinary medical schools demand one academic year each of general biology and general chemistry, and half an academic year each of biochemistry, organic chemistry, mathematics, computer science, and language arts.

General biology and organic chemistry classes should also have laboratory sessions.

English proficiency certificate

As English is the medium of instruction, students must be proficient in the language for easy comprehension and communication. So, non-native students must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) to prove their knowledge of the language.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Although not compulsory, it is recommended that the students take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) as it tests their reasoning capacity and knowledge in basic science subjects.

How to apply for veterinary medicine

After going through the admission requirements, if you find that you fulfill those conditions, you can visit the official website of the college you wish to study and complete the online application form. Following this, you must pay the application fee and submit all other required documents.

The documents to be submitted include transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, two letters of recommendation, and a TOEFL certificate.

Veterinary school curriculum

The basic science curriculum provides theoretical lessons concerning basic animal science. There are many topics that are covered within the basic science curriculum such as veterinary anatomy, histology, embryology, physiology, and aquatic animal medicine.

As well as this, ethics, communication, and professional practices involved in veterinary practice are covered. You will also be taught key clinical skills that will benefit your career trajectory.

Studying a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program opens the door to many opportunities in the animal medicine field.

You can specialize in a particular area or work as a general doctor in hospitals or clinics. Working in laboratories as a research assistant is also a popular option for DVM graduates. If you are interested, find out how to apply today.