Pre-Veterinary Medicine
Do you love animals and enjoy science? Then veterinary medicine might be just right for you.
It’s a career that encompasses a great variety and number of job options. Many veterinarians work in private practice, diagnosing and treating illnesses in dogs, cats, birds, and other household pets. Other vets work in the field, traveling to treat horses, cows, and other farm or ranch animals. Still others work in the lab, conducting research on diseases and their cures. Veterinarians also work in public health, investigating animal and human disease outbreaks or helping ensure the safety of food processing plants and water supplies. As a vet, your career opportunities will be limitless—and your impact on society will be great.
Yes, you will need to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at an accredited veterinary program. The degree program typically takes four years to complete. For students interested in the Elmhurst University affiliation with the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign College of Veterinary Medicine 3 year + 4 year option, please visit our academic affiliations page to learn more.
As a pre-vet student, you may choose any major, but you must complete the course requirements when applying to any veterinary school. Students interested in applying to our affiliation with the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign must be biology majors.
The admission requirements vary from one school to another. Admission typically requires a minimum number of hours of relevant animal experiences in activities that give applicants an appreciation and understanding of the profession of veterinary medicine.
Recommended courses include:
- BIO 200, 201, 315, 321, 330, 442
- CHM 211, 212, 311, 312, 315, 316
- ENG 105, 106
- MTH 345 or PSY 355
- PHY 111, 112 or 121, 122
- ENG 105, 106
You will meet with the health professions advisor to discuss your specific academic and professional interests. Your advisor will work with you throughout your Elmhurst career, clearing obstacles and giving expert guidance.
You can start by visiting these useful websites: