Pre-Vet

Pre-Veterinary

Veterinarians diagnose medical problems, dress wounds, set broken bones, perform surgery, prescribe medicines, vaccinate animals against disease, and counsel owners about the care and feeding of animals, among other duties.

Veterinarians care for the health of animals and work to improve public health.

They diagnose, treat, and research medical conditions and diseases of pets, livestock, and other animals. Most veterinarians work in private clinics and hospitals while others travel to farms, work in laboratories or classrooms, or work for the government.

Veterinarians must have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited veterinary college, as well as a state license.

Veterinary Schools Centre Grads Attend*

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

*A Sampling of Recent Graduates

Alumni Voices

“Centre has helped prepare me for a career in veterinary medicine by challenging me academically and teaching me how to think critically to make interdisciplinary connections. Centre has also provided me with opportunities, such as research and summer shadowing jobs, that I would not have otherwise had. Finally, as a pre-veterinary student I feel supported by not only faculty members but also by a network of peers who I can turn to at any time for advice.”

KATE SARKAN • Centre Class of 2019 • Biology Major

Faculty Advisor


Pre-veterinary students should consult with faculty advisor Professor Amanda Falk and can reach her by email here. She is also the faculty advisor for the pre-vet club.

What Courses Will I Take?

Although it is not necessary to major in a specific discipline to gain admission to veterinary school, most students major in one of the life sciences as excellent preparation for veterinary studies.

Centre College offers all of the courses necessary to gain admission to veterinary school. In general, students applying to veterinary school are expected to have completed at least two semesters of biology with lab, two semesters of physics with lab, and four semesters of chemistry with lab, including inorganic and organic chemistry.

Students are encouraged to contact the veterinary schools in their home states to gain a better understanding of specific course requirements of these institutions. Because Kentucky does not have a veterinary school, the state has a contract arrangement with the College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University that reserves a specific portion of each entering class to Kentucky residents.

There is a pre-veterinary club on campus. The club is a great resource to help you get internships, gain contact hours with a veterinarian, and get help from older students on the VMCAS application portal and process. 

Recommended in Your First Semester

Suggested Courses

See the Course Requirements for Vet Schools for more information about when each course is offered at Centre College.

Useful Links