Veterinary Medicine

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, D.V.M.

The science and art that deals with the maintenance of health in and the prevention, alleviation, and cure of disease and injury in animals and especially domestic animals

For descriptions of this profession, see: Students, Applicants and Advisors section of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges or Veterinary Careers section of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Length of Program

Veterinary School: 4 years
Internship (Optional): 1 year
Residency (Optional): 2-3 years

Course Requirements

Schools may require humanities, biology, social sciences and/or other courses. Check directly with those schools and the Veterinary Medical School Admission Requirements (VMSAR).

Suggested Courses
1 Year of General Biology	Biology 101 Molecules, Genes and Cells	Biology 102 Evolution, Organisms & Ecology
1 Year of General Chemistry	Chemistry 130 Structure & Properties of Inorganic Compounds w/ Lab	Chemistry 170 Stoichiometric Calculations	Chemistry 260 Thermodynamics, Equilibrium & Kinetics w/ Lab
1 Year Organic Chemistry	Chemistry 120 Structure & Properties of Organic Molecules w/ Lab	Chemistry 310 Enzyme Mechanics
1 Year Physics	Physics 120 Principles of Physics I w/ Lab	Physics 130 Principles of Physics II w/ Lab

Application Timeline

For admittance directly after DePauw: Prerequisite courses completed by the end of senior year; Apply summer before senior year.

Application Service

Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS)

Available early June
Some schools do not participate in VMCAS; apply directly to those schools.
Deadline for application is typically September, but check with each school.
Apply early! Do not wait until the application deadline.

Standardized Test

Graduate Record Exam (GRE): Is typically required of all applicants to veterinary school. Some schools also accept the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) in place of the GRE

The GRE has three sections: Verbal Reasoning (Score 130-170), Quantitative Reasoning (130-170), and Analytical Writing (Score 0-6). The test takes approximately 4 hours to complete and is offered year-round at computer based test centers. You can register online. Unofficial scores are give on test day, with official scores available in 10-15 days.

The MCAT has four sections (Scale 118-132): Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems, Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems; Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior, and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills. The test takes approximately 7.5 hours to complete and is offered about 25 times throughout the year. See the website for the schedule and registration dates. Fee assistance my be available, so check with the Hubbard Center. You receive your scores 30-35 days after the test.

Free and low-cost preparation materials for GRE: