Pre-Veterinary Medicine

Veterinarians are professionals who evaluate, diagnose, and treat animals to maintain their general health. They examine animals to check for diseases and administer vaccinations to prevent them. Veterinarians are trained to carry out surgical procedures and utilize x-ray machines and other medical equipment to examine animals. They guide animal owners to properly care for their pets and maintain their health. They provide prescription medications when necessary. Veterinarians can work in private clinics, hospitals, farms, laboratories, public health departments, and zoos.

Professional Degree Required to Practice

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Veterinariae Medcinae Doctoris (VMD)

Veterinarians are...
compassionate, decisive, precise, and have interpersonal, management, and problem-solving skills

 

Requirements Vary by Program

General Requirements for Admission

  • Bachelor's degree recommended
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above
  • Specific prerequisites as dictated by individual programs. These may include: 
    • Specific undergraduate coursework 
    • Professional observation and experience
    • Academc and/or professional letters of reference
    • Standardized exams such as the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
    • Admissions interview
Additional Requirements Vary by State

Preparation to Practice

  • Pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVALE) to become professionally credentialed
  • Obtain state-awarded licensure

Resources

Common Pre-Veterinary Requirements

Course

Number of Courses

English/Writing Composition Two courses
Public Speaking Varies*
College Math/Statistics Varies*
General Biology or Zoology (with lab) Two courses
Genetics One course
Anatomy (with lab) Once course
Physiology (with lab) One course
Microbiology (with lab) One course
General Chemistry (with lab) Two courses
Organic Chemistry (with lab) One to two courses
Biochemsitry (with lab) One course
General Physics (with lab) Two courses
Humanities/Social Sciences Varies*
Advanced Life Science or Animal Science Coursework Varies*
MSU Equivalent Courses MSU Transfer Equivalencies