Employment of veterinarians is expected to grow 36 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Job opportunities are particularly good in government, farm animal care, research, and in farm animal care. Veterinary education and training takes four to eight years after the completion of four years of college.
UWM offers all of the prerequisite coursework necessary for competitive application to schools of veterinary medicine. There are only 30 veterinary schools in the United States. The application process is extremely competitive so it is important that students interested in this career path begin careful planning of their academic career during the freshman year. Requirements vary significantly from one veterinary school to another, making early planning in consultation with a pre-vet advisor all the more vital. Some veterinary schools will accept highly-qualified students who have completed only three years of college and the necessary science and math prerequisites.
Hands-on experience is essential for students interested in veterinary school whether through volunteer opportunities or paid work at a veterinary clinic, research lab, hospital, zoo, farm, or other animal care setting. Diversity of experience (e.g. large animal, small animal, exotics, etc.) is particularly valued. Applicants to veterinary school also should have demonstrated leadership skills through extracurricular activities during college, jobs, or other opportunities.
Please review the Pre-Veterinary Fact Sheet at the right for information about suggested undergraduate courses to prepare for veterinary school, experiential opportunities available to UWM students, options for your major, and the career outlook for veterinarians. Pre-Vet is not a major at UWM, and students must still choose a major. Since most of the pre-requisites necessary for application to veterinary school are in the sciences, many students choose a science major, though it is not required. Our specialized pre-vet advisor works with students to ensure they understand all of the milestones that must be met in college in order to be a competitive applicant to medical school. A significant number of volunteer or work hours is often a requirement for application to vet school so it is important to work with this advisor beginning in freshman year in order to plan all needed activities into your college career.
A suggested timeline is also available to help you plan preparatory activities throughout your four years in college.