Veterinary Medicine (Pre)
Why choose pre-veterinary medicine at North Central College?
Veterinarians specialize in providing healthcare for animals such as routine examinations, the diagnosis and treatment of illness, and surgical procedures. There are only 33 schools in the country accredited to award a doctor of veterinary medicine (D.V.M) degree. Your liberal arts education at North Central College can give you a competitive edge. At North Central, not only will you complete the prerequisite courses in biology and biochemistry, you will refine your writing and communication skills that veterinarians must possess to work with animal owners.
In addition, North Central College allows you to pursue your passions while preparing for a career in veterinary medicine. Explore your interest in business or psychology, participate in theatre productions, and spend a semester studying abroad. Veterinary schools, other graduate programs, and employers are looking for well-rounded applicants who not only excel academically but also bring diverse perspectives and skills to the table. That’s why at North Central we encourage you to pursue both your passions and your prerequisites.
You can also:
- Job shadow or volunteer with local veterinary professionals or local animal care facilities like the Naperville Area Humane Society.
- Conduct research with faculty, independently or with other students during North Central’s Summer Undergraduate Research Colloquium and present your findings at the Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research or the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.
- Study abroad or apply for a Richter Independent Study Fellowship grant to conduct health-related research in a foreign country.
- Get personalized attention in small classes from professors who know you and can write letters of recommendation to graduate schools on your behalf.
- Work with a dedicated health programs advisor who will help you develop a personalized plan for college and beyond.
- Gain valuable experience with our student Pre-Health Organization.
Healthcare done differently
North Central College is a leader in healthcare education, with more than 38 undergraduate and graduate healthcare programs. Our focus is on developing excellent clinicians, educators, scholars and leaders who are driven not just by optimistic career outcomes, but also by a desire to serve. This is what makes North Central stand apart.
Explore our healthcare programs
Wentz Science Center
Take a virtual tour of the state-of-the-art Wentz Science Center, home to the lab science classes, labs and faculty offices
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Pre-Veterinary Medicine Internships and Jobs
A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead. Our goal is to prepare veterinary students to become successful, certified veterinary professionals.
Graduate schools (or veterinary schools)
Graduates have been accepted at:
- University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Champaign-Urbana, IL
- University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Science, Madison, WI
- The Ohio State University, Galbreath Equine Center, Columbus, OH
- Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Fort Collins, CO
- Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL
- Purdue University, College of Veterinary Medicine, West Lafayette, IN
Careers
Graduates include:
- Doctor of veterinary medicine/owner, Shirkey Veterinary Clinic, Coal City, IL
- Veterinary technician, Chicago Veterinary Emergency Service, Chicago
- Veterinarian, The Dairy Authority, Denver, CO
- Veterinarian, Green Trails Animal Clinic, Lisle, IL
- Professional dog trainer, animal behavior counselor and director of training, Fine Canine Dog Training & Animal Rentals, Elmhurst, IL
Internships
- Intern in equine medicine and surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
- Sport horse intern, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Lexington, KY
What major should I choose at North Central College?
A degree in biology, biochemistry or neuroscience is recommended unless you have a strong interest in another major. Regardless of your major, veterinary schools require a set of prerequisite courses for each degree program (see list below).
Will I need graduate education?
Yes, after earning your bachelor’s degree at North Central becoming a veterinarian requires an additional four-years of veterinary school leading to a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. Animal science specialties can require advanced training beyond the DVM. Admission to veterinary programs is very competitive, and real-world veterinary experience is of great importance in addition to excellent grades and test scores. The average GPA for students accepted to veterinary school is about 3.6 or higher.
What prerequisite courses do veterinary schools require?
Minimum course requirements for veterinary school admission are:
- One year of General Biology with lab
- One year of General Chemistry with lab
- One year of Organic Chemistry with lab
- One year of Physics with lab
- Biochemistry
Many veterinary schools in Illinois also require or recommend:
- Calculus
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Psychology
- Statistics
What else should I consider?
Veterinary schools in Illinois look for experience in the veterinary field to demonstrate that you are comfortable working with animals and understand the role of the veterinarian. Direct experience in the veterinary field is extremely important to a successful application, including both small-animal and large-animal experience. A job as a vet tech or assistant is a good way to gain this experience. Paid or volunteer work or internships with animal shelters, zoos, veterinary clinics or even in farm or ranch settings can all contribute to meeting this requirement.
While a student at North Central, you will participate in activities that will help you develop into a competitive applicant for veterinary school. These include: observing veterinary professionals; research experience to understand how new knowledge is generated; leadership activities like being an animal-lab assistant, serving as an officer in a student organization, or tutoring; and volunteer service. The Pre-Professional Health Program Coordinator will guide you in these activities, connect you with alums who have pursued this path, and advise you throughout the application process to veterinary school.
Invest in your future
Choosing the right college is a big decision. Don’t make it alone. North Central’s admission and financial aid team is here to help you design a financial aid solution that works best for you and your family so you can become a certified veterinary professional today.
Merit scholarships, grants, loans, campus employment - these are just some of the resources available to you at Illinois veterinary school. Over 95 percent of students and 100 percent of all eligible students receive aid. Let our team partner with you in finding the best value for your education.
Learn more about financial aid and tuition costs for North Central College
Apply to North Central College
Discover which vet tech program is right for you so you can become a certified veterinary technician today! The first step to becoming a North Central student is reading the application instructions specific to you. Find out everything you need to know about applying by selecting the group you belong to below.