Veterinarians are best known for healing ill and injured animals, but helping all kinds of creatures live longer, better lives is not all veterinarians do.  For instance, more and more links are being found between human and animal diseases, such as SARS, mad cow disease, West Nile virus, and avian flu, among others. Thus, a degree in vet medicine can prepare you for a career in public health and research.

Today's veterinarians play a major role in the healthcare of pets, livestock, and zoo, sporting, and laboratory animals.

Pre-requisites for applying to a typical veterinary medicine program:

  • BIOL 211/211L & BIOL 213/213L for Biology majors entering Fall 2010 and later, or all non-Biology majors (non-BIOL majors will need special permission to enroll in these courses; Procedure for non-BIOL majors to register for BIOL courses);
  • Biology majors entering prior to Fall 2010 must take BIOL 151/151L & BIOL 201/201L
  • CHEM 121/121L - CHEM 122/122/L (this course should be completed as soon as possible)
  • CHEM 321/321L - CHEM 322/322L
  • PHYS 151/151L - PHYS 152/152L 5) BIOL 414

The following courses are strongly recommended:

  • BIOL 301/301L
  • BIOL 409/409L
  • BIOL 420/420/L
  • BIOL 307/307L
  • BIOL 313

Because there are relatively few Veterinary Medicine Schools in the U.S., competition for admission is very intense, despite the looming shortage of practicing veterinarians.  A strong GRE score is important in addition to a solid academic performance.  Many hours of experience with animals is paramount; admissions committees look for confidence and competence in animal handling skills.  Exposure to a variety of animal groups (small, large, exotic, e.g.,) is also important.  At least one letter of recommendation* (see note in Applications) from a practicing veterinarian is required.


Students should determine the specific deadlines and requirements for each program he/she intends to apply to.  For example, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine requires that applications must be received by VMCAS no later than October 1.

Most Veterinary Medicine Schools use the centralized application service (CAS) - Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS). 

* VMCAS requires at least three (3) Electronic Letters of Recommendation (eLOR), which is a mandatory section of your VMCAS Web application. You must register your evaluators.

Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine

For a listing of accredited physical therapy schools in the United States, see the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges.