Veterinary Medicine

Pre-Professional Advising
(907) 474-6396

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Veterinary medicine is concerned with two primary areas: the first is the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and prevention of animal health problems; and the second is protection of the public from animal borne disease through food safety inspection and other methods. Veterinarians also work in the fields of research and education.

A professional program in veterinary medicine generally requires four years of graduate study. In the first three years, students gain a solid foundation through classroom instruction and laboratory work. The final year consists of clinical rotations. Specialization within veterinary medicine requires further study at the post-doctoral level.

Although 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 applicants from all disciplines, but because specific course requirements vary among schools, students must be sure to check the admission standards of the school they are interested in. In general, pre-veterinary students should include the following undergraduate courses: introductory chemistry (CHEM 105X, 106X), organic chemistry (CHEM 321, 322, 324), biochemistry (CHEM 451, 452), biology (BIOL 105X, 106X, 342,362, 418), statistics (STAT 200X), and physics (PHYS 103X, 104X).

Admission to veterinary school is based on the strength of the applicant’s undergraduate academic record and test scores on either the Veterinary College Admissions Test or the Graduate Record Examination. Work experience in veterinary medicine is highly recommended.

Advising for students considering veterinary medicine as a career choice is available through the Academic Advising Center. See www.uaf.edu/advising/degree/preprof/vetmedicine.html for more information.