Information for Students Interested in Veterinary School

Marist offers a challenging curriculum that gives students a strong scientific background for veterinary school. We also offer internships with local veterinary clinics and specialized advising for pre-veterinary students. Please visit the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges for even more information about going to veterinary school. You can also contact Pre-Health Program Co-Coordinators, Prof. Kristin Dragos or Dr. Michael Powers for information regarding resources for preparing to attend veterinary school. 

Marist has a strong record of placement of students into veterinary school. In the last decade, 90 percent of all Marist applicants were accepted to at least one veterinary school. Over the years, alumni of the School of Science have gained admission to schools throughout the world. Some of these institutions include, but are not limited to Ohio State University, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Prince Edward Island Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine (Canada), Louisiana State University, Ross University, and Virginia Tech School of Veterinary Medicine.

Requirements for Applying to Veterinary School

When applying to veterinary school, the admissions committee will be considering a variety of factors, including academic grades, exam scores, extracurricular activities, veterinary-related experience, and overall passion for the field.

Marist can help you prepare yourself in a variety of ways. The course-work will give you a solid science background and the chance to demonstrate your abilities to the admissions committees; you can join a pre-health fraternity (Delta Epsilon Mu) and a pre-veterinary club; and there are opportunities for shadowing and interning with veterinarians.

Coursework

Most veterinary schools have the same basic requirements. These include:

• General Chemistry I and II plus labs (CHEM 111 & 112 plus 115 & 116)
• Organic Chemistry I and II plus labs (CHEM 211 & 212 plus 215 & 216)
• Biochemistry I (CHEM 420) or Principles of Biochemistry (CHEM 301)
• General Biology I and II plus labs (BIOL 130 & 131)
• General or College Physics I and II plus labs (PHYS 201 & 202 or 211 & 212 plus 213 & 214)

Other courses often recommended and sometimes required by veterinary schools include:

• Biochemistry II
• Statistics
• English
• Courses in the Social Sciences
• Genetics
• Microbiology

Please see your advisor to obtain a flow chart and pre-requisite course checklist to aid in your course planning.