Veterinary Medicine

The first part of the veterinarian's oath indicates the expectations of the profession:

"Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health, the relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge

(American Veterinary Medical Association)

Veterinarians typically have practices focusing on small animals, large animals, or exotic animals and wildlife. Elective educational areas of concentration at the University of Florida include: comparative medicine, food animal medicine, epidemiology and public health, laboratory animal medicine, aquatic medicine, environmental medicine, equine medicine, urban medicine, and general veterinary practice.

Programs

Admission Requirements

  • At least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA is required but the average for matriculants is about 3.5
  • The GRE is required
  • The required courses for the University of Florida program are:
    • Biology - Introductory Biology I and II, Genetics and Microbiology
    • Chemistry - General Chemistry I and II, Organic Chemistry I and Biochemistry I
    • Physics - College or University Physics I and II
    • Mathematics - a course in Statistics
    • Humanities and Social Sciences- a minimum of 5 courses
    • English - a minimum of 2 courses including two semesters of English Composition
    • Upper Division Electives - a minimum of 3 courses
  • Letters of Evaluation
  • Experience (most successful applicants have more than 500 hours of cumulative experience working with small, large, exotic or other animal species)
  • An application submitted via the Veterinary Medical Colleges Application Service

Timeline

  • The VMCAS application becomes available at the end of January and closes in September
  • The GRE must be completed by the end of October
  • The University of Florida Professional Application also must be completed
  • Interviews generally take place in the spring after the application is complete

Resources