Veterinary

In addition to providing animal health care, including livestock, working animals, and pets, veterinarians also do many other kinds of jobs.  They make sure the nation’s food supply is safe. They work to control the spread of diseases.  They conduct research that helps both animals and humans.  Veterinarians are at the forefront of protecting the public’s health and welfare.  To learn more about types of careers within veterinary medicine, go to the  Association of American Veterinary Colleges (AAVMC). 

Pre-vet students at the University of Mississippi apply to and are admitted to veterinary medicine schools across the country.  Admission requirements are not standardized for all veterinary schools, but a baccalaureate degree is required for matriculation.   Review this report by the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges for a comprehensive list of all required and recommended coursework required by vet schools.  Make sure you see a pre-health advisor to ensure you work various course requirements into your four year plan.  There are currently 32 accredited veterinary schools in the US listed here by the AAVMC. 

In addition to a competitive GPA and prerequisite coursework, veterinary schools look for experience in a veterinary setting from shadowing, and often working with or for, a veterinarian, and recommendation letters from science professors and veterinary professionals. 

We recommend pre-veterinary students visit the HPAO at least once a semester to gain feedback toward becoming a competitive applicant.