outside_the_classroom
life_after_graduation

Veterinary School

Veterinarians diagnose, treat, and control diseases in animals and are concerned with preventing transmission of animal diseases to humans.  They treat injured animals and develop programs to prevent disease and injury.

Acceptance to veterinary schools is extremely competitive and requires not only a strong academic record and standardized test Graduate Record Exam (GRE) for most schools or Medical College Admissions Test score, but veterinary schools also expect evidence of:

  • Leadership
  • Service/volunteerism
  • Written and oral communication
  • A working knowledge of the health profession
  • Research
Major:  Normally students choose to major in biology, chemistry or biochemistry; however, veterinary schools do not require or expect a specific major for admissions.  Students should major in the subject they enjoy most.  This will more than likely ensure better grades and better understanding since the majority of the courses he/she is taking are ones that he/she enjoys.   Also minors are a great way to enhance their knowledge in a specific area.
Academic Admission Requirements: VARIES by veterinary school, but usually require the following courses. Some schools have very specific requirements often including Microbiology, Statistics, Biochemistry, Animal Science, Nutrition.   If you are interested in applying to Veterinary school, check requirements CAREFULLY, VERIFY their pre-requisite courses.

Courses   Recommended
English FYS 101, ENG 101 Freshmen Yr
General Chemistry
with Lab		 CHM 111, CHM 112 Freshmen Yr
General Biology
with Lab		 BIO 101, BIO 102 Freshmen Yr
Organic Chemistry
with Lab		 CHM 227, CHM 228 Sophomore Yr
Physics
with Lab		 PHY 201, PHY 202 Junior Yr
Math Calc I, II or Stats
(1-2 semesters) some combination of		  
Behavioral Science One year of either psychology or sociology  
Microbiology   Junior/Senior Yr
Genetics   Junior/Senior Yr
Biochemistry (1 or 2 semesters) Junior/Senior Yr

AP Credit: Most health professional schools do not accept AP credit in Biology, Chemistry or Physics.  Students with AP credit in a science are highly advised to take the freshman sequence (CHM 111/112, BIO 101/102).

Recommended Courses:  Cell Biology

Special Note:  Students interested in veterinary school will need a letter of recommendation from a veterinary and animal-related experience (usually expect over 100 hours of large and small animal experience).
 Canisius Students have gone on to the following programs:
  • Cornell University School of Veterinary Medicine
  • Guelph University Veterinary Medicine
  • North Carolina State Veterinary Medical School
  • Prince Edward Island University Veterinary Medical School
  • Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Ross University school of Veterinary Medicine
  • University of Wisconsin- Madison
  • St. George’s University Veterinary Medical School
  • Tennessee Veterinary Medical School
  • University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical School
For more information:
American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC)          www.aavmc.org
Veterinary Medical Colleges Application Service (VMCAS) www.aavmc.org/vmcas/vmcas.htm
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) www.aamc.org/students/mcat
Graduate Record Exam (GRE) www.gre.org