Student assisting in a veterinary practice

Pre-Veterinary

Cultivate and combine your passion for animal health with your interests in science, research and service, while pursuing a rewarding career as a veterinarian.

Overview

Centre’s Pre-Veterinary Program equips students with the academic foundation, practical experience, and professional skills needed to be competitive applicants for veterinary school. While a specific major is not required for admission, most students choose a life science major for strong preparation. Centre’s engaging science courses ensure students are well-prepared for veterinary school and a career in veterinary medicine.  

Students in Centre’s Pre-Veterinary Program also have the opportunity to gain direct experience working with animals through internships, volunteer work, and research. These hands-on experiences not only enhance students' practical knowledge but also help them build a strong resume for veterinary school applications. 

Veterinarians must have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited veterinary college, as well as a state license. 

Your Major Took You Where?

Pre-Vet students have gone on to a variety of graduate programs and careers.

Employers and Professions

  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
  • Equine Veterinarian
  • Zoological Veterinarian
  • Emergency Veterinarian
  • Animal Health Researcher

Postgraduate Study

  • College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University
  • Lincoln Memorial University
  • Ohio State University

Curriculum

Students interested in pursuing a degree in veterinary medicine after Centre should expect to take courses in biology, chemistry, and other disciplines.

Veterinary School Prerequisites

Experiential Learning

Students engage in hands-on learning experiences and reflection to develop skills and increase knowledge retention.

Students in Centre’s Pre-Veterinary program can expect opportunities for collaborative research both on and off campus, personalized health profession advising, and hands-on shadowing experiences with local veterinarians. These experiences provide valuable exposure to the field and hands-on preparation for aspiring veterinarians. 

Internships

We're committed to helping students find quality internship experiences in the career area of their choice.

Internships for Pre-Veterinary students at Centre have included experiences at regional veterinary hospitals. small-animal clinics, mixed-animal practices, and large animal veterinary hospitals, including on-call and farm rotations, as well as equine internships. 

Careers

Our extraordinary liberal arts and sciences education prepares students for meaningful lives and careers.

Graduates of Centre’s Pre-Veterinary program have gone on to successful careers as Doctors of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), specializing in areas such as large animal, equine, zoo and wildlife, public health, research, and emergency and critical care.  

Pre-Veterinary Advisor

Person wearing glasses smiling

Amanda Falk

  • Associate Professor of Biology
  • Pre-Veterinary Advisor
  • Vice Chair of Biology Program

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