Pre-veterinary Medicine

Undergraduate prerequisite courses for Texas veterinary schools:

• 4 hours General Biology w/ Lab
• 4 hours General Microbiology w/ Lab
• 3 hours Genetics
• 3 hours Animal Nutrition
• 8 hours general chemistry
• 8 hours organic chemistry
• 3 hours biochemistry
• 8 hours physics
• 4 hours statistics
• 6 hours of English
• 3 hours Speech Communication
• Additional advanced courses in STEM and social/behavioral science are recommended
  
  Note:
• Prerequisite courses are courses that will count toward a science degree.
• Out-of-state veterinary schools may have different prerequisite requirements.

Within the College of Science and Mathematics, a degree in Biomedical Science is the most direct path for completing prerequisite coursework in the context of a 120-hour degree. Other degrees outside of these are perfectly acceptable, however, be aware that you will likely need to complete some prerequisite coursework in addition to all other requirements for your major.

Currently, no admissions exam is required to apply to either school.

In addition to a strong academic record, the successful applicant to veterinary school will demonstrate a passion for veterinary medicine as evidenced by experience and skills. This experience should include a minimum of 100 hours of experience related to animal handling and caretaking, as well as 100 hours working or shadowing under the direct supervision of a veterinarian. A student should begin early developing core competencies of the entering medical student as identified by the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC). Although these core competencies state “medical student”, they are fully applicable to any health pre-professional student including pre-vet.

Veterinary school applicants in Texas will apply using the Texas Medical and Dental School Application Service (TMDSAS). The link to TMDSAS contains valuable information you need to become very familiar with long before ever applying to veterinary school.

Early Assurance Programs are alternative pathways to professional school to which students apply early in their college career or even while still in high school. Although not a guarantee of admission, these programs are designed in such a way that if the student meets all program requirements, then admission will be granted. Although there are no early assurance programs for veterinary school in Texas, Tarleton State University, along with several other A&M System schools, presently maintains a MOU with Texas A&M Veterinary School to admit up to an additional 5 students each year from Tarleton who are not otherwise accepted through the standard application process. Students considered for admission under the MOU are identified and selected after typical and full application to A&M Veterinary School through TMDSAS.