Veterinary Medicine 101 (Courtesy of AAVMC)

Whether they’re pets, livestock or working animals, animals matter to individuals and society. Every community needs veterinary professionals to provide animal health care, but 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.

What is a Veterinarian?

Besides medical skills, veterinarians often take a holistic approach to human well-being and animal welfare that, combined with communications and problem-solving skills, makes veterinarians uniquely qualified to fulfill a variety of roles. Many veterinarians, of course, provide care for companion animals through private medical practices, but veterinarians are also involved in promoting the health and welfare of farm animals, exotic animals, working animals (like those in the equine industry), and those that need a healthy environment in which to thrive, whether that environment is a rain forest, a desert or even the ocean.

Outside of companion animal practice, the largest employer of veterinarians in the United States is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, but veterinarians are found throughout government in roles where they contribute to public health, the environment, and even homeland security, as well as working in research and public policy.

What does a Veterinarian do? (Courtesy of BLS)

Examine animals to assess their health and diagnose problems
Treat and dress wounds
Perform surgery on animals
Test for and vaccinate against diseases
Operate medical equipment, such as x-ray machines
Advise animal owners about general care, medical conditions, and treatments
Prescribe medication
Euthanize animals

Ready to Learn more about Veterinary Medicine? Check out these resources:

Explore Veterinary Career Options
Check out this video from a UCCS alumna now pursuing veterinary medicine
American Veterinary Medical Association's Admissions 101
Veterinary School Directory
Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Check out the websites of other veterinary schools you are interested in

Ready to Pursue Veterinary School?

Contact your advisor to add the Pre-Veterinary Medicine Advising Guide (able to add to any major, based on the requirements at CSU, not a major or minor)
Join the Pre-Health Society on campus to meet other students interested in health careers (they also have admissions reps from different professional schools come in, host a MCAT prep session, and do volunteer work)
Start reaching out to veterinary providers for shadowing. Look at different specialties (there are several, but you are strongly encouraged to shadow at least a small animal and a large animal provider) and different environments (corporate practice, private practice, etc.). Keep a log/journal of your shadowing including the date/time, provider, a brief summary of what you experienced, and any reflections. This will be useful when filling out your application and writing personal statements and application essays.
Get veterinary experience. Do you have the bandwidth to become a tech, or can you find a job in a vet's office? If so, this a great way to get experience and get paid! If not, look for webinars from the schools you are interested in, attend events/webinars from AVMA and AAVMC, watch relevant videos on YouTube, and follow related social media accounts. Keep track of what you do. You'll need it for your application.
Review the requirements for the veterinary schools you want to apply to and meet with your advisor early to make sure these courses are in your degree plan or can get worked in.
Community service is crucial as it shows your commitment to service and veterinary medicine is a service-focused profession. Choose an interest you are passionate about and look for opportunities to volunteer. Veterinary schools look for longevity, not one-off experiences. Focused on your academics during the school year? Use your summers! Keep track of what you do. You'll need it for your application.
Is the GRE required for the schools you want to apply to? Check the Veterinary School Directory to find out. Figure out when you're going to study and take the exam. Make sure it aligns with the application deadlines for the schools. The UCCS Graduate School hosts GRE prep sessions several times during the fall and spring semesters; check their website or Mountain Lion Connect for more information.
Connect with the Pre-Health Career Coach in the Career Center. Interviews are a common piece of the application process. The Career Center can facilitate a mock interview and give you feedback.
Have the Writing Excel Center review your personal statement and any additional application essays.

We wish you the best on your pursuit and look forward to working with you on this journey!