Veterinary Medicine

Pre-Professional Advising
(907) 474-6396
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Veterinary medicine is concerned with two primary health areas. The first is animal health which involves diagnosis, prognosis, therapy and prevention of animal health problems. The second is public health which involves protection of the public from animal borne disease, with methods such as food safety inspection. Veterinarians can also be found in the fields of research and education.

Generally, four years of graduate level study are required for completion of a professional program in veterinary medicine. Classroom instruction and laboratory work provide the student with a solid foundation during the first three years of study. The final year of professional study is comprised of clinical rotations. Specialization within veterinary medicine is possible after further study at the post-doctoral level.

While a bachelor’s degree is not required for admission into veterinary school, most entering students have completed a four-year undergraduate degree. Veterinary schools will consider applications from students from all disciplines provided specific course requirements have been met. Since these course requirements may vary somewhat with each school, it is recommended that students check the requirements of the school they are interested in. In general, pre-veterinary students should include the following courses in their studies at UAF: introductory chemistry (CHEM 105X, 106X), organic chemistry (CHEM 321, 322, 324), biochemistry (CHEM 451, 452), biology (BIOL 105X, 106X, 342,362, 418), mathematics (STAT 200) and physics (PHYS 103X, 104X).

Admission to veterinary school is based on the strength of one’s undergraduate academic record, plus test scores on either the Veterinary College Admissions Test (VCAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). In addition, veterinary medicine exposure and experience is highly recommended.

Advisement for students considering veterinary medicine as a career choice is available through the Academic Advising Center.