If you have a passion for animals and are interested in a career in veterinary medicine, you may be wondering what major you need to pursue. A veterinarian is a medical professional who diagnoses, treats, and prevents diseases, injuries, and illnesses in animals. They may also perform surgeries, prescribe medications, and provide advice on animal care and nutrition.
To become a veterinarian, you will need to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. The DVM program is a four-year graduate degree that includes coursework in a variety of subjects, including animal anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and surgery.
Pre-Veterinary Medicine Programs
Most students who want to become veterinarians complete a pre-veterinary medicine program as undergraduates. These programs are designed to provide students with the necessary coursework and experience to prepare them for veterinary school.
Pre-veterinary medicine programs typically include coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. They may also include courses in animal science, nutrition, and animal behavior. Many pre-veterinary medicine programs also require students to complete a certain number of hours of volunteer or paid work experience in a veterinary clinic or animal shelter.
Veterinary School
Once you have completed a pre-veterinary medicine program, you can apply to veterinary school. The application process is competitive, and only a small percentage of applicants are accepted into veterinary school each year.
To be eligible for veterinary school, you will need to have a strong academic record and a high score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). You will also need to have completed all of the required prerequisite coursework.
The DVM program is a rigorous academic program that will challenge you both academically and emotionally. However, if you have a passion for animals and are dedicated to becoming a veterinarian, the rewards of this career can be immeasurable.
Career Options for Veterinarians
Veterinarians can pursue a variety of career paths. Some veterinarians work in private practice, while others work in research, academia, or government. Veterinarians can also work with a variety of animal species, including companion animals, livestock, and exotic animals.
Veterinarians earn a median annual salary of $99,250. The top 10% of earners make more than $161,940 per year.
Job Outlook for Veterinarians
The job outlook for veterinarians is expected to be positive over the next several years. The demand for veterinarians is expected to grow as the population of pets and livestock increases. Additionally, veterinarians are increasingly being used to help protect public health by preventing the spread of diseases from animals to humans.
Popular Majors for Pre-Veterinary Medicine
- Biology: This is the most popular major for pre-veterinary medicine students. Biology courses will provide you with a strong foundation in the sciences, which is essential for success in veterinary school.
- Animal Science: This major is a good choice for students who are interested in working with animals. Animal science courses will provide you with a broad understanding of animal care and management.
- Chemistry: Chemistry courses will help you develop strong problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in veterinary school.
- Physics: Physics courses will help you develop a strong understanding of the physical world, which is essential for understanding animal physiology.
- Mathematics: Mathematics courses will help you develop strong analytical skills, which are essential for success in veterinary school.
Tips for Choosing a Pre-Veterinary Medicine Major
- Consider your interests. What are you passionate about? What do you enjoy learning about? Choose a major that will allow you to explore your interests and develop the skills you need to be a successful veterinarian.
- Research different majors. Learn about the different majors that are available and the coursework that is required for each major. Talk to your advisor and to students who are majoring in different fields.
- Visit different schools. Once you have narrowed down your choices, visit different schools that offer pre-veterinary medicine programs. Talk to faculty and students and get a feel for the different programs.
- Make a decision. Once you have all of the information you need, make a decision about which major is right for you. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best major for you is the one that will allow you to achieve your goals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Pre-Veterinary Medicine Major
- Not considering your interests. Don’t choose a major just because it is popular or because your friends are majoring in it. Choose a major that you are passionate about and that will allow you to develop the skills you need to be a successful veterinarian.
- Not researching different majors. Don’t just choose the first major that you come across. Take the time to research different majors and to talk to people who are majoring in different fields. This will help you make an informed decision about which major is right for you.
- Not visiting different schools. Don’t just apply to the first school that you hear about. Visit different schools and talk to faculty and students. This will help you get a feel for the different programs and make an informed decision about which school is right for you.
- Not making a decision. Don’t wait until the last minute to make a decision about which major is right for you. Make a decision early on so that you can start taking the necessary steps to prepare for veterinary school.
Helpful Resources for Pre-Veterinary Medicine Students
- The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): The AVMA is a professional organization for veterinarians. The AVMA website has a wealth of information for pre-veterinary medicine students, including information about different majors, veterinary school admissions requirements, and career opportunities.
- The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC): The AAVMC is an organization of veterinary schools. The AAVMC website has a wealth of information for pre-veterinary medicine students, including information about different majors, veterinary school admissions requirements, and career opportunities.
- Your pre-veterinary medicine advisor: Your pre-veterinary medicine advisor can provide you with valuable guidance and support. Talk to your advisor about your interests, your goals, and your plans for veterinary school.
