Veterinarians care for the health of animals and work to improve public health. They diagnose, treat and research medical conditions and diseases of pets, livestock and other animals. Although most veterinarians work in private clinics and hospitals, others travel to farms, work in laboratories or classrooms, or work for the government.
The Pre-Veterinary track is for students who are interested in exploring a professional veterinary education after graduating from Georgia Southern. No one major is a better fit for a future veterinary student, and we encourage degree selection based on individual interests, talents and skills. Students may apply to veterinary school from any major as long as they have completed coursework required for the veterinary application process.
Resources for Success
Study + Excel. A competitive GPA is essential when considering a career in the health field. We recommend maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA. Talk with your academic advisor, professors, and the Academic Success Center for help with study skills through various workshops and tutoring.
Resume + Interviews. Create and/or improve your resume at the Office of Career Services. You can also gain confidence and develop your interview skills with a video-taped mock interview.
Job Shadow. Pre-Veterinary Medicine students should plan to gain 250+ hours working under the direct supervision of a veterinarian. Document your experiences in a physical or digital format, and obtain at least one letter of reference from a veterinarian you have shadowed.
Volunteer + Lead. We recommend that you participate in volunteer activities working with animals. Contact the Office of Leadership and Community Engagement for more information about volunteering with local weekly trips, Alternative Break Trips, and more. We also recommend that you participate in leadership seminars, workshops, retreats and LEAD courses. Get involved and join a student club or organization, such as the Future Veterinarian’s Society.
Connect + Explore. Get to know your professors and local health care professionals. These individuals are valuable resources for research experience, volunteering, shadowing and letters of recommendation. Consider Study Abroad programs through the Office of International Programs and Services. Attend information sessions, workshops, field trips, and other events for pre-veterinary students offered by the Office of Medical Professions Advising.
Research. Talk with your professors and peers who are involved with undergraduate research and consider opportunities within the College of Science and Mathematics.
Prepare for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). This exam requires substantial amounts of preparation and study time, so it is never too early to begin. Typically, students prepare to take the GRE in the spring of their junior year, so it is important that necessary coursework be completed by this time.
Biology Courses
- BIOL 1107/L: Principles of Biology I/Lab (4)
- BIOL 1108/L: Principles of Biology II/Lab (4)
- BIOL 3134: Cell and Molecular Biology (3)
- BIOL 3131: Physiology (3)
- BIOL 3133: Evolution and Ecology (3)
- BIOL 4130: Genetics (3)
- BIOL 4240: Biology of Microorganisms (4)
- BIOL 5230: Comparative Animal Physiology (4)
- BIOL 5241: Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (4)
- BIOL 3550: Animal Nutrition (3)
Chemistry Courses
- CHEM 1211K: Principles of Chemistry I/Lab (4)
- CHEM 1212K: Principles of Chemistry II/Lab (4)
- CHEM 3401: Organic Chemistry I/Lab (4)
- CHEM 3402: Organic Chemistry II/Lab (4)
- BCHM 3200: Principles of Biochemistry (3) or BCHM 5201: Biochemistry I/Lab (4)
Mathematics and Physics Courses
- MATH 1113: Pre-Calculus (3) (if necessary)
- MATH 1501: Calculus I (4)
- MATH 1401: Elementary Statistics (3)
- PHYS 1111K or 2211K: Intro to or Principles of Physics I/Lab (4)
- PHYS 1112K or 2212K: Intro to or Principles of Physics II/Lab (4)
Additional courses to consider
- Upper Level Biology Courses
*Please refer to each school’s prerequisite requirements for specific information.
Shadowing
As a prospective veterinary student, you are expected to spend time shadowing a veterinarian. Specifically, this means hands-off observation only. You should not engage in any activity that could be construed as the practice of veterinary medicine if you are not licensed and trained to provide such care.
Generally, veterinary schools require that applicants have experience observing or shadowing a veterinarian in action. Shadowing requirements for admissions can vary in a few aspects between schools including hours required, number of environments, and types of environments. While most programs require 250 hours minimum, more is certainly recommended and should be completed by the time you submit your VMCAS application.
To count toward veterinary experience, you must be under the direct supervision of a veterinarian. If you are not under the supervision of a veterinarian, the experience is considered animal experience.
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.
If you’ve been in 4-H, FFA, or a similar group, that’s great experience and should go on your veterinary school admissions form. Similarly, working with animals in any way can be valuable such as volunteering in shelters or rescues, which can provide animal handling experience that will help make you a better candidate. It’s advisable to keep a journal of your activities. Include dates, time spent, types of activities, who supervised, etc.
It is important that you understand the realities of being a veterinarian, so be sure to ask questions and engage with the vet you are shadowing as much as possible. Ideally, you should build a good relationship with at least one DVM or VMD, as you will want to request a letter of recommendation once you begin the application process.
Volunteering
Volunteering is an important portion of the veterinary school application which should not be neglected. Veterinary schools are looking for you to show depth of commitment and substantial involvement and leadership in the community. You need to demonstrate that you can excel in rigorous courses, but also that you are compassionate and enjoy working with both people and animals.
Volunteering can be done in a clinical setting such as a veterinary hospital or private practice, but it can also be done with organizations such as the Humane Society, or any other organization (on-campus or off-campus) that you are passionate about.
While there are many benefits to getting involved in undergraduate research, it is not required for admission into veterinary school. Working in a lab setting can add an extra layer to your application if it is something that you are committed to and passionate about. However, if you are not interested in research, you would be better served dedicating that time to other activities such as volunteering and shadowing. If you would like to be involved in research, you should consider dedicating at least a year to the specific project.
GRE – (Graduate Record Examination)
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a graduate-level admissions exam used by graduate level programs to uniformly compare all applicants irrespective of academic background or country of origin.
Cost: $220
Length of Test: 3 hours, 45 minutes
Score Range: 260 – 340
Test/Retest Policy:
Applicants may take the GRE:
- Once every 21 days
- Five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period
This applies even if you canceled your scores on a test taken previously. The retaking of a test policy will be enforced even if a violation is not immediately identified (e.g., inconsistent registration information).
There is one veterinary medicine school in Georgia. Specific admissions requirements are available on the school’s website: The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary Medicine Programs in US: Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC)
