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Todd O'Hara, D.V.M., Ph.D., Diplomate ABVT*
*American Board of Veterinary Toxicology
Associate Professor of Wildlife Wildlife Toxicology Laboratory Alaskan INBRE program Institute of Arctic Biology University of Alaska Fairbanks P.O. Box 757000 Fairbanks, AK 99775-7000 Phone: 907-474-1838 Fax: 907-474-2799 E-mail: fftmo@uaf.edu
The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers a pre-veterinary medicine focus for students interested in applying to a College of Veterinary Medicine in the United States. Students generally enter the Bachelor of Science in Biology Program but declaring a major is not required. Pre-veterinary courses can usually be completed in 3 years with students applying to a veterinary school in the fall of their junior year. You do not need a degree prior to going to veterinary school.
Alaska residents interested in a career in veterinary medicine must eventually apply to a veterinary medicine program at a university outside of Alaska. All pre-veterinary requirements may be completed at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. However, you need to address residency requirements to avoid the costly out-of-state tuition rate at most veterinary schools.
High School is an important place to get the background courses needed to enroll in the necessary pre-veterinary courses. It is crucial that you obtain a well rounded education in high school!
Recommendations for High School:
English: A good, strong background is essential for university level English classes but you must also be able to write and communicate if you hope to do well in science courses. This is especially true for biology! SAT scores must be 450 or higher or else remedial courses will be required.
Math: You need to have a good background in algebra and trigonometry. Some calculus will be beneficial if offered at your school. SAT scores to enter 200 level math (calculus) are 620 or higher. SAT of 460-600 will put you into 100 level courses and you lose time in your pre-veterinary training. SAT of 440 or below means you must start in remedial courses and you should seek counsel on whether you should pursue a professional degree.
Physics: YES Physics! It is well worth your time to take this in high school. Veterinary schools require at least 1 or 2 semesters of University level physics.
Chemistry: There is a heavy chemistry requirement in pre-veterinary medicine. Be prepared or you will have to take remedial courses.
Biology: This is obvious and everyone knows you must take high school biology. Do not be disappointed when you discover that your first few years of university have few biology courses. The veterinary curriculum is mostly biology so the veterinary schools do not require many courses in the pre-veterinary years.
Other courses: Anything that will give you a well rounded education but DO NOT SKIMP ON THE BASICS LISTED ABOVE!
What else can you do? Obtaining experience (volunteer or employment) in any animal related job is crucial. Veterinary clinics, horse farms, raising domestic animals, wildlife work, dog mushing, etc. Ownership of pets is nice but the veterinary schools do not consider this important animal-related experience.
Questions? Call, write or e-mail the UAF Pre-Veterinary Medicine Adviser.