Pre-Veterinary Medicine
Click on the categories below to learn more about the pre-veterinary medicine track at UCCS, testing requirements, and experiential learning opportunities in the industry.
IMPORTANT: UCCS does not have a veterinary medicine program. Pre-Veterinary Medicine Prep is not a major or minor but a listing of prerequisite courses and recommendations needed to be eligible for admission to CSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences in Ft. Collins, CO.
- Students in the pre-veterinary medicine program are advised to major in general biology through the College of Letters, Arts & Sciences. Well-prepared, highly motivated students may be able to complete all of the prerequisites within two years, although most successful applicants have completed four years of college.
- Other programs may have different requirements. Students should check admissions requirements for all schools to which they plan to apply. Completion of requisite coursework does not guarantee acceptance into any professional degree.
- Application Information for the CSU School of Veterinary Medicine, including contact information, application materials, deadlines, and testing, can be found at:https://vetmedbiosci.colostate.edu/dvm/
Click Here to access the Program Catalog for the Pre-Veterinary Medicine Track Information
Choosing the DVM Programs to apply to:
https://www.aavmc.org/about-aavmc/our-members/listing/
Be sure to check with each program’s website and requirements to make sure you are on the right track.
VMCAS:
Veterinary Medical College Application Service: https://help.liaisonedu.com/VMCAS_Applicant_Help_Center
VMCAS is the centralized application service for Colleges of Veterinary Medicine. Through VMCAS you can complete one application and send all your required materials through this service. Your application is then processed, verified for accuracy, and sent to the veterinary medical schools you designate.
• You can submit your application as soon as all of your information is accurate and complete. You don’t have to wait for your transcripts to arrive at VMCAS to submit your application.
• Application Guide: https://www.aavmc.org/becoming-a-veterinarian/how-to-apply/application/
Transcripts are sent directly to VMCAS and they distribute to schools. For each college or university entered you must request a transcript. The ability to request a transcript is included in the application, just click Order under each school listed and select if you are ordering electronic transcripts (recommended) or submitting a transcript via mail Note that if you attended a foreign college or university – and depending on your program’s requirements – you may be required to send a foreign evaluation See Foreign Transcripts – World Education Service for more information.
• Emails are sent out regarding status, interview invitations etc.
Application Information for the CSU School of Veterinary Medicine, including contact information, application materials, deadlines, and testing, can be found at:https://vetmedbiosci.colostate.edu/dvm/
Testing:
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required by most veterinary schools, and some also require the Biology GRE. The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is also accepted by some schools in place of the GRE. Find out where you can take the exam and what preparation you need to succeed.
For a listing of each accredited veterinary school’s requirements, go to the AAVMC site at www.aavmc.org. More information can be found at http://www.ets.org/gre/.
Path:
Prospective veterinarians must graduate from a four-year program at an accredited college of veterinary medicine with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M. or V.M.D.) degree and obtain a license to practice. The prerequisites for admission vary by veterinary medical college. Many of these colleges do not require a bachelor’s degree for entrance, but all require a significant number of credit hours—ranging from 45 to 90 semester hours—at the undergraduate level. However, most of the students admitted have completed an undergraduate program.
Extracurricular Experience
What is the preparation for becoming a competitive applicant to veterinary school? There are many ways that you can get involved! Be sure to keep track of your hours, locations, supervisors and other details of these experiences.
If you’ve been in 4-H, FFA or a similar group, that’s great experience that should go on your veterinary school admission form. Similarly, working with animals in any way can be of value.
Examples:
-Volunteering at shelters or rescues can provide animal handling experience that will help make you a better candidate.
-Volunteering or working for a veterinarian is very important. Not only does it expose you to your potential career, but it also might provide a good recommendation for you from the veterinarian.
-Shadowing professional veterinarians in a variety of environments is also great to have on an application. Varied experience is also helpful.
-If you have the opportunity to work in a research lab or for veterinarians who work with different species, that’s a bonus that can make you more appealing to a veterinary school admissions committee. Get as much experience as you can while you have the opportunity.
-Entry Level employment: Veterinary Tech, Vet Client Specialists, Administrative roles in Veterinary Office, Animal Groomers, Animal Rescue Orgs, Pet care- animal walker, pet sitter, other support services for animal care.
-Farm animal or equine care volunteer
Locations
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region
Elite Equine Rescue
Colorado Springs Therapeutic Riding Center
All Breed Rescue and Training
Google Veterinary Clinic/Hospitals in Colorado Springs for a comprehensive list and reach out to them!
Pikes Peak Veterinary Clinic
Timberview Animal Hospital
Ridgewood Animal Hospital
Brown Veterinary Hospital
The following are examples of types of veterinarians:
Companion animal veterinarians treat pets and generally work in private clinics and hospitals. They most often care for cats and dogs, but they also treat other pets, such as birds, ferrets, and rabbits. These veterinarians diagnose and provide treatment for animal health problems; consult with animal owners about preventive healthcare; and carry out medical and surgical procedures, such as vaccinations, dental work, and setting fractures.
Food animal veterinarians work with farm animals such as pigs, cattle, and sheep, which are raised to be food sources. They spend their time visiting farms and ranches to treat ill and injured animals and to test for and vaccinate against disease. They may advise farm owners or managers about feeding, housing, and general health practices.
Food safety and inspection veterinarians inspect and test livestock and animal products for major animal diseases. They also provide vaccines to treat animals, enhance animal welfare, conduct research to improve animal health, and enforce government food safety regulations. They design and administer animal and public health programs to prevent and control diseases transmissible among animals and between animals and people.