Veterinarians touch the lives of individuals and families through caring animal health practices. Although requirements vary at professional schools, a strong foundation in the natural and social sciences as part of a well-rounded liberal arts education is considered excellent preparation for a career in veterinary medicine.
Central students are successful on entrance exams and in securing acceptance into professional schools with the assistance of an on-campus pre-health advisor, internship coordinator and academic advisors to ensure that you complete the required courses, maintain a GPA of 3.6 or higher and take advantage of the many on-and off-campus opportunities for research and professional development. Central’s pre-veterinary program prepares you to pursue veterinary education in graduate school. With the help of your advisor, you will choose a major that best prepares you for further study.
Thanks to Central's small class and laboratory section size, faculty can provide each student with individualized attention and the opportunity to develop skills necessary for graduate school. Our faculty members also provide personalized advising that ensures students meet the coursework requirements for graduate school. And to help students get into graduate school, faculty provide letters of recommendation that make a vital difference in the decision process for acceptance into medical programs.
Central's Health Professions Club also provides mentoring, informs students about opportunities related to healthcare, and coordinates visits to and from various graduate programs. The club's faculty advisor also provides free workshops to address a range of interests, from career exploration to preparing for graduate entrance exams and applications.
Central College is a founding member of the Heartland Global Health Consortium whose mission is to establish and expand multidisciplinary educational, research and service opportunities to inspire and equip students to become leaders in global public health. The consortium provides additional opportunities for students to participate in educational, global research and global medical service experiences.
Central faculty provide students with many research and professional development opportunities, of which students are encouraged to take full advantage while on campus. Opportunities include undergraduate research and presentations at scientific meetings, internships, shadowing programs, targeted service-learning opportunities related to career goals and much more.
Central students can study off-campus — both internationally or domestically in the United States. These opportunities give students the chance to prepare to be global citizens, equipped to compete in the global job market. Students can check out experiences led by Central faculty or attend select academic programs across the world that provide opportunities for study, service, internships and other types of experiential learning. Options include experiences in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Central America, Ghana, England, the Scottish Highlands and more.
Central’s Vermeer Science Center was awarded the silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating from the United States Green Building Council, the first LEED-rated building in the state. Students have direct access to classrooms and laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation and presentation technology.
Central students have attended a variety of graduate institutions including the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University.
Students interested in veterinary medicine are able to intern with local businesses. Opportunities are available across the state including the Knoxville Veterinary Clinic. Also, pre-veterinary students who studied abroad in Merida, Mexico, have interned with a veterinary clinic in Merida, working with small animals.
Students may major in any area that fits with personal and professional life goals. Regardless of major choice, students are required to successfully complete a series of courses in biology, chemistry, physics, English, speaking and arts/humanities. Students are also required to gain exposure to veterinary medicine/animal care (both large and small animals) and complete the GRE.
The Central College Career Center provides the following activities to help pre-health students narrow career options: individual appointments to identify career options in the health field, job shadowing opportunities with local professionals or Central alumni, assistance with finding and applying for internships and summer opportunities, help with graduate school applications and much more.
Learn more about this discipline in the course catalog.
Want to find out more about Pre-Veterinary Medicine at Central? Contact us to learn more about this discipline and our other strong academic programs.
Visit campus to observe classes and experience The Central Difference firsthand.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.