College of Science and Health
Pre-Veterinary Medicine

Why Choose Benedictine University’s Pre-Veterinary Program?

Rigorous Academic Preparation: Benedictine University’s pre-veterinary program provides a strong foundation in the science and healthcare principles necessary for success in veterinary school. The curriculum covers essential topics such as biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology, ensuring that you are well-equipped for the rigors of veterinary education.

Dedicated Mentorship and Guidance: Benedictine University’s pre-health advisors are committed to providing personalized mentorship and guidance to pre-veterinary students. They will help you navigate the application process, choose the right veterinary school for you, and develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your veterinary career.

Hands-on Opportunities and Experiential Learning: Benedictine University encourages pre-veterinary students to seek out hands-on experiences and participate in experiential learning opportunities. This could include shadowing veterinarians, volunteering at animal shelters, or working in animal research labs. These experiences will give you valuable insights into the veterinary profession and help you develop the practical skills you need to succeed.

Small Class Sizes and Personalized Attention: Benedictine University’s pre-veterinary program offers small class sizes, allowing for personalized attention and interaction with faculty. This intimate setting fosters a sense of community and provides ample opportunity for mentorship and guidance.

Commitment to Animal Welfare: Benedictine University has a strong commitment to animal welfare, and this ethos is reflected in the pre-veterinary program. Students are encouraged to develop a deep understanding of animal ethics and responsible animal care practices.

Diverse Veterinary Community: Benedictine University is located in the Chicago metropolitan area, which is home to a vibrant and diverse veterinary community. Students have access to a wide range of opportunities to network with veterinarians, animal care professionals, and potential employers.

In addition to these reasons, Benedictine University’s pre-veterinary program is also unique in its emphasis on holistic development. The program encourages students to explore their passions outside of the classroom, whether through extracurricular activities, community service, or leadership opportunities. This well-rounded approach to education helps students develop the skills and attributes they need to become successful and compassionate veterinarians.

What Should My Major Be?

While most veterinary schools do not mandate a specific undergraduate major, many students opt for Biology, Chemistry, or Biochemistry/Molecular Biology due to the substantial overlap between these majors and the required pre-veterinary courses. However, we encourage you to pursue a major that aligns with your interests and passions.

Your undergraduate major doesn’t define your career path in veterinary medicine. Instead, it provides a solid foundation in the scientific principles and critical thinking skills essential for success in veterinary school and beyond. Choose a major that inspires you and allows you to explore your academic interests while preparing for your future in veterinary medicine.

Remember, veterinary schools seek well-rounded individuals with a diverse range of experiences and perspectives. A non-science major can enrich your application and demonstrate your ability to think creatively and apply your knowledge across different disciplines. Embrace your passions and pursue a major that ignites your curiosity and fuels your pursuit of a fulfilling career in veterinary medicine.

University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine

Most state veterinary schools prioritize applicants from their own state. Illinois residents commonly apply to the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine after having earned a bachelor’s degree. This means that if you are not a resident of the state where you are applying, your chances of admission may be lower. However, there are a few private veterinary schools that do not give priority to in-state applicants.

To be competitive for admission to veterinary school, you will need to have a strong academic record and a wide variety of experience with animals. This includes experience working with both large and small animals, as well as experience working for several veterinarians. You should also have a strong understanding of animal science and be able to demonstrate your commitment to a career in veterinary medicine.

The specific requirements for admission to veterinary school vary from school to school. However, most schools require a bachelor’s degree with a strong science background. They will also require you to have completed a certain number of prerequisite courses, such as biology, chemistry, and physics.

If you are interested in attending veterinary school, it is important to start researching schools early and to make sure that you are meeting the requirements for admission. You should also start gaining as much experience with animals as possible. The more experience you have, the more competitive you will be for admission to veterinary school.

Completing a pre-veterinary program can open up a variety of rewarding career opportunities

Here are some of the top career options to consider after completing a pre-veterinary program:

• Veterinarian: Veterinarians are licensed medical professionals who diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases, disorders, and injuries in animals. They work with a wide range of animals, from domesticated pets to exotic wildlife.
• Veterinary Technician: Veterinary technicians, also known as veterinary technologists, provide support to veterinarians in the care of animals. They perform tasks such as preparing patients for surgery, administering medications, and assisting with laboratory procedures.
• Animal Researcher: Animal researchers design and conduct studies to improve the health and well-being of animals. They work in a variety of settings, including universities, government agencies, and private companies.
• Animal Nutritionist: Animal nutritionists develop and implement feeding plans for animals to ensure they receive the proper nutrients for optimal health. They work with a variety of animals, including livestock, pets, and zoo animals.
• Animal Welfare Specialist: Animal welfare specialists work to promote the well-being of animals through education, advocacy, and policy development. They may work in a variety of settings, such as animal shelters, animal advocacy organizations, or government agencies.

Here is an example of some courses you may take in the Pre-Veterinary program:

Core Science Courses

• General Biology: These courses provide a foundational understanding of the principles of biology, including cell biology, genetics, and evolution.
• General Chemistry: These courses cover the fundamental concepts of chemistry, including atomic structure, chemical bonding, and chemical reactions.
• Organic Chemistry: These courses delve into the structure and reactivity of organic molecules, which are essential for understanding the chemistry of living organisms.
• Physics: These courses explore the principles of physics, including mechanics, electricity, and magnetism, which are important for understanding the physical processes involved in animal life.

Biology-Related Courses

• Anatomy and Physiology: These courses provide a detailed understanding of the structure and function of the various organ systems in animals.
• Biochemistry: This course focuses on the chemical processes that occur within living organisms, including metabolism, enzyme function, and hormone signaling.
• Microbiology: This course introduces the study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and their impact on animal health.
• Genetics: This course explores the principles of heredity and gene expression, which are crucial for understanding animal traits and diseases.
• Zoology: This course provides an overview of the animal kingdom, including the diversity, classification, and evolution of animal species.

Additional Electives

• Animal Science: This course covers the principles of animal production, nutrition, and reproduction, which are relevant for the care of domesticated animals.
• Veterinary Terminology: This course introduces the specialized vocabulary used in veterinary medicine, enabling effective communication with veterinarians and animal care professionals.
• Comparative Anatomy: This course explores the similarities and differences in the anatomy of different animal species, providing insights into animal adaptations and evolution.
• Animal Behavior: This course investigates the behavior of animals, including their instincts, learning, and social interactions, which are important for understanding animal welfare and handling.
• Veterinary Ethics: This course explores the ethical considerations involved in the care and treatment of animals, helping future veterinarians make informed decisions regarding animal welfare.

These are just a few examples of the courses you may encounter in a pre-veterinary program. The specific courses required will vary depending on your major. However, these examples provide a general overview of the types of courses you can expect to take as you prepare for a career in veterinary medicine.

Veterinary Medicine Resources

• What to Know Before You Apply to Veterinary School
• Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC)
• Veterinary Medical School Admission Requirements (VMSAR)
• Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS)