Veterinary Medicine
Overview:
Veterinarians play a major role in the healthcare of pets, livestock, and zoo, sporting,
and laboratory animals. Some veterinarians use their skills to protect humans against
diseases carried by animals and conduct clinical research on human and animal health
problems. Others work in basic research, broadening the scope of fundamental theoretical
knowledge, and in applied research, developing new ways to use knowledge. Earning
acceptance into a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program requires not only good
metrics (college GPA, GRE score etc.), but also a high level of dedication, passion,
and focus. A variety of animal experience is essential. This includes many hours shadowing
veterinarians, as well as other animal contact hours (for example farm, shelter, wildlife,
and ranch work). Demand for veterinarians is projected to grow 9% up to 2024, this
is faster than the average for all other occupations.
Recent graduates of PennWest Clarion have been accepted to the following Veterinary Medicine programs:
Iowa State University | Kansas State University |
Lincoln Memorial University - Tennessee | Massey University - New Zealand |
Ohio State University | Ross University |
University of Missouri | Virginia - Maryland Regional Veterinary College |
Typical admission requirements for veterinary medical programs:
Required Coursework: | Semesters: |
Biology w/Labs | 2 |
General Chemistry w/Labs | 2 |
Organic Chemistry w/Labs | 2 |
Biochemistry | 1 |
Anatomy & Physiology w/Labs | 2 |
Physics w/Labs | 2 |
Math | 2 Calculus |
English | 2 |
Public Speaking | 1 |
Recommended Coursework: | |
Social and Behavior Science | 2 |
Medical Terminology | 1 |
Humanities (i.e. Ethics, Bioethics, Critical Thinking) |
2 |
Genetics | 1 |
General Microbiology | 1 |
Upper division Animal related course: (i.e. Zoology, Animal Physiology, Animal Behavior, Wildlife Management) |
|
Animal Nutrition | 1 |
Program Requirements: | |
GPA | Minimum: 3.3; Average: 3.7 |
Average GRE | 305 |
Average Job Shadow Hours | 1000+ |
Average Animal Experience/Volunteer Hours | 1000+ |
TYPICAL CLARION DEGREE PROGRAMS ASSOCIATED WITH PRE-VETERINARY MEDICINE CONCENTRATIONS: |
|
While it is required to be awarded a four year undergraduate degree, there is no specific degree associated for any veterinary program admissions. Therefore, a student may seek any four year degree program as long as they obtained the required coursework listed above. However, below are the most common degree programs associated with a pre-veterinary medicine concentration. Click on the link to view a typical four year plan that schedules the degree as well as the medical program requirements. | |
BS Biology | BS Chemistry |
BS Molecular Biology | BS Chemistry - Biochemistry Concentration |
BA Sociology | BA Psychology |
BS Psychology |
RESOURCES |
Professional Organizations: |
Common Application Service: |
Entrance Exam: |
Financial Aid Programs: |
For a list of individual school requirements, please see: |
For a list of careers involving animals, the following links maybe useful: |

Cecelia Harmon
"Biology and chemistry are the foundation of medicine, and my studies at Clarion have given me the framework to understand the pathogenesis of diseases and mechanisms of action of medicines that I am learning now."