Veterinary Medicine

Post-baccalaureate degree: DVM

Veterinarians provide medical care for pets, domestic food animals, zoo animals, and wild animals. Part of their activities are also providing for the health of the human population by controlling animal diseases such as rabies and mad cow disease. In addition they inspect our meats, fish and milk to keep these foods safe for us.

Academic and Career Information - updated 2020 (PDF)

Minimum Prerequisites for Admission

The following prerequisites must be completed prior to matriculation in a veterinary medicine program:

  • baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
  • each program has its own prerequisites: check specific school for prerequisites details
  • general course prerequisites:
    • general biology with lab, one year
    • biochemistry, one course
    • general chemistry with lab, one year
    • organic chemistry with lab, one year
    • general physics with lab, one year
    • English, one year
    • college mathematics, one year
    • anatomy and physiology
    • animal physiology
    • cell biology
    • genetics
    • microbiology
    • molecular biology
  • veterinary-related experience through internship and/or externship, minimum 300 hours

Tests Needed

Professional Associations

Application Service

California Veterinary Medicine Schools

General Education

We recommend that all pre-health students enroll in courses that meet the particular general education requirements to help develop a broad understanding of the health professions in relation to other disciplines of study. Review our General Education Recommendations (PDF) for additional information.