Pre-Veterinary Information

Important Information for Students Interested in Veterinary School

• There are only 33 veterinary schools in the country.
  • Only one of those schools, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, is in New York.
  • Cornell's veterinary program is ranked among the top three in the country.
• Many veterinary schools require more biology courses than most medical schools.
  • This may include microbiology, genetics, and biochemistry.
  • Majoring in biology is not required, although it may be practical given the biology coursework needed.
  • The Psychology Department and Biology Department at Hunter may be able to provide students with animal research experience.
  • Please review the Pre-Veterinary Requirements sheet.
• While many programs will consider applicants who have completed 90 undergraduate credits, the more coursework completed the stronger the application. Finishing your Bachelors Degree is recommended.
• Most veterinary schools give priority to state residents further decreasing the available seats for out of state applicants.
• The average GPA for admitted students is between 3.5-3.7.
• Experience with animals particularly in a veterinary capacity is crucial to your application.
  • Most schools require that students have experience with both small and large animals.
  • Animal experience and veterinary experience may be different depending on the veterinary school.

important links

The American Pre-Veterinary Medical Association—Great information for students interested in veterinary medicine

American Veterinary Medical Association

Pre-Vet Student Resources (AAVMC)

special programs

Long Island Aquarium, Riverhead, New York

An internship at the Long Island Aquarium is a great way for interested students to gain firsthand educational experience in the dynamic, real-world setting of a busy Aquarium.

requirements:

• Applicants must be enrolled in a 2- or 4-year college or university, with a major relevant to the position for which he/she is applying.
• Applicants must be able to work a minimum of 120 hours (8-10 hours per week).
• Applicants are responsible for their own lodging and transportation.

positions

• Aquarist Assistant
• Aquaculture Assistant
• Mammal Department Assistant
• Exotic Bird Assistant

application deadlines

Fall: July 15

Winter: November 15

Spring: December 15

Summer: April 15

Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University

adventures in veterinary medicine program

This unique career exploration program will provide students with the opportunity to attend lectures from Tufts faculty and veterinary students, and discuss the realities of a veterinary education with them. Students will get a first-hand look at the demands of veterinary school as they shadow a fourth year DVM candidate in the clinics as they perform their medicine and surgery rotations. For more information, visit the Adventures in Veterinary Medicine page.

New England Wildlife Center, Massachusetts

wildlife medicine internship for undergraduates and post-baccalaureates

Interns are responsible for foraging for wildlife foods, dietary design and preparation, cleaning, husbandry, administration of medications, assisting with medical and surgical procedures, hospital maintenance, and release of patients into appropriate habitats. For more information, visit the New England Wildlife Center website.

How to Become a Vet Tech

According to the Bureau of Labor Statstics, as of 2022, there were 122,900 vet techs, with an expected growth by 2032 of more than 21% (148,100). “Veterinary technologists and technicians do medical tests that help diagnose animals' injuries and illnesses.” For more information, visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook.