So, you want to be a Vet?

As a junior high or high school student, it is never too early to begin preparing. So what can you do now to prepare for vet school?

High School & Junior High Students

Becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medince involves a program of academic preparation, usually 8 years after high school.  Applicants typically complete 3 to 4 years of undergraduate coursework and the majority earn a bachelor's degree.  The professional school is 4 years of education in basic sciences andclinical prodecures. It is important to know that the foundation for veterinary medicine is science.  Make sure you take as many science courses as you can, however, we also look for students who are well-rounded, with various interests. 

Your guidance counselor will be able to assist you in arranging your schedule in high school.  Your course selection will also be dependent upon the college/university you wish to attend to complete your pre-vet courses. 

Here is a list of courses you should consider:

• 4 years mathematics - algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus
• 4 years laboratory sciences - biology, chemistry, physics
• 4 years English composition

Shadow a local veterinarian or volunteer at a local clinic.  Keep a journal that includes hours you worked, types of animals you worked with, contact information of the veterinarian(s) you worked with, and unique experiences. 

Get involved in activities that will help develop your interpersonal, leadership and communication skills.  Veterinary medicine is not only a science and animal profession, but is also a people profession as well.  Keep a log that lists all your extracurricular activities, awards, honors or any special accomplishments.  

It is also important to think about where you want to go to college to complete your pre-veterinary courses and your major.  For information about Ohio State University undergraduate programs, click here!

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs for High School Students

FAQs for Middle School Students

PreVet Brochure

Prevet Courses

Overview of Career Opportunities

Job Outlook

Website - So, you want to be a vet?

Want to learn more about veterinarians and play cool veterinary games? Check out our website "So, you want to be a Vet," click here.

This website is designed to help those who are interested in veterinary medicine become familiar with what a veterinarian does, the examination process, different businesses that employ veterinarians, learning about animals and anatomy and, of course, let you play some really cool veterinary games!

Open House

The college hosts an Open House for the community in April.  This event is only held once a year.  You can find details about our Open House at vet.osu.edu. If you would like to be placed on our mailing list to receive an Open House brochure, please email students@cvm.osu.edu.

Pre-Vet Day for High School Students

Prospective high school students should plan to visit The College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences for Pre-Vet Day.  This event is also held once a year in April (typically the same day as our Open House). High school students can attend both the Pre-Vet Day and Open House as both events have morning and afternoon sessions.  At Pre-Vet Day students will have the opportunity to attend important educational sessions about undergraduate programs at Ohio State.  For more information,  go to cfaes.osu.edu/visit or call (614) 688-4659.