Pre-Veterinary Medicine
January 8, 2025 2025-12-09 16:19Pre-Veterinary Medicine
Care for Animals
Pre-Veterinary Medicine
Build a foundation for veterinary school.
Pre-Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine
The Pre-Veterinary Medicine Advising Track is not a major — it’s an additional advising layer that works with any academic program at the University of Lynchburg. Veterinary schools admit applicants from a wide range of majors, but all require rigorous coursework in the biological and chemical sciences, along with hands-on animal experience. This track helps you complete those requirements while building a competitive application profile.
Whether you major in Biology – Biomedical Science, Chemistry, Environmental Studies, or another field entirely, the Pre-Vet Advising Track ensures you understand the prerequisites, entrance exam expectations, clinical and animal experience requirements, and application timelines for Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) programs. You’ll receive individualized guidance from faculty advisors who are familiar with the expectations of veterinary schools and the competencies needed to succeed in the profession.
Our goal is to support you through every stage of preparation — from choosing courses to gaining animal-handling experience to applying to veterinary programs across the country.
How to Declare a Pre-Veterinary Advising Track
To officially join:
- Contact the Office of Academic Advising.
- Request to declare the Pre-Veterinary Medicine Advising Track.
- You will be paired with a faculty advisor who specializes in veterinary preparation.
Declaring ensures you receive course planning support, veterinary experience guidance, and updates that help you stay competitive.
Recommended Majors
Most Lynchburg students interested in veterinary medicine pursue:
- Biology – Biomedical Science (BS)
- Environmental Sciences and Sustainability (with supplemental prerequisites)
- Chemistry (BS)
Students in other majors may also pursue veterinary medicine with careful advising to ensure all requirements are met.
Prerequisite Courses for Veterinary School
Veterinary school prerequisites vary widely between institutions. The AVMA provides a comprehensive overview, but most programs require:
Core Sciences
- General Chemistry (2 semesters with lab)
- Organic Chemistry (2 semesters with lab)
- Biology (2 semesters with lab)
- Physics (2 semesters with lab)
Additional Requirements
- Physiology (1 semester with lab)
- Microbiology (1–2 semesters)
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Animal Nutrition
- Statistics
- Mathematics (1–2 semesters)
- English (2 semesters)
- Economics
- Psychology/Sociology (1–2 semesters)
- Public Speaking or Speech
Your advisor will help you identify exact requirements for the veterinary schools that interest you.
Recommended Lynchburg Courses
Based on institutional recommendations:
- BIOL 113, 114
- CHEM 111, 112, 221, 222
- PHYS 161, 162 or PHYS 141, 142
- ENGL 123W
- Upper-level biology electives, such as:
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Animal-related biology electives
- Genetics
- Independent Research (strongly encouraged)
- Nutrition-related coursework (as applicable)
Animal & Veterinary Experience
Nearly all veterinary schools require extensive hands-on hours with animals. Strong applicants typically pursue:
- Small animal veterinary clinic volunteer work
- Large animal/equine experience
- Wildlife rehabilitation or zoo medicine exposure
- Research involving animals
- Assistant or technician roles (where permitted)
Tracking and documenting hours early will make the application process much easier.
What Jobs Can I Get With Pre-Veterinary Medicine?
Graduates typically continue their education in veterinary school to become veterinarians. Job titles include:
- Veterinarian: $93,000
- Veterinary Technician: $35,000
- Animal Nutritionist: $70,000
- Veterinary Pathologist: $95,000
- Wildlife Veterinarian: $85,000
- Equine Veterinarian: $80,000
- Zoo Veterinarian: $88,000
- Veterinary Surgeon: $110,000
- Veterinary Researcher: $90,000
- Veterinary Practice Manager: $70,000
Salary and job projections come from national averages in the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other sources, including Glassdoor, Indeed, and industry-specific posts and publications. The data is meant to provide you with an idea of career options and salary ranges, not as a guarantee of obtaining these positions after graduation. These represent national averages and may vary by source and time frame collected. Actual salaries vary by region. Some jobs may require additional training or graduate education.
