Pre-Veterinary Medicine
As a veterinarian, you’ll care for animals, large or small, to help keep them healthy and happy.
WHY STUDY PRE-VETERINARY MEDICINE?
Your first step to becoming a veterinarian is to get a bachelor’s degree. Most students major in biology, which will give you the opportunity to get many hands-on experiences as well as work closely with professors who are passionate teachers and professional scientists.
Getting veterinary-related experience is extremely important, and you’ll get many opportunities to get that hands-on experience. You can get internship credit by shadowing veterinarians at veterinary clinics, farms, zoos, wildlife parks or ranches. You also can intern at conservation-oriented agencies, state parks and other organizations, and volunteer at the local SPCA. You may also take summer field courses at Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology on topics such as wildlife biology and reptiles and amphibians.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
You’ll learn the full range of biological topics from DNA and cells to whole animals and ecosystems. You learn how animals function and interact as well as the illnesses and diseases that can afflict them. Our strong curriculum is designed to prepare you for the rigors of veterinary school.
WHAT CAN I DO WITH A DEGREE IN PRE-VETERINARY MEDICINE?
All of these experiences as well as your coursework will prepare you for veterinary school. Also, our Pre-Health Professions Committee works with students applying to veterinary school, including giving them tips after conducting mock interviews.
Employers:
- Private practice
- Zoos
- Animal shelters
- Private or corporate clinics
- Public health services
- Wildlife protection services
Featured Courses in This Program
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BIOL 1310
Animal PhysiologyThis course provides an introduction to animal structure and function. Basic mechanisms of physiology related to major systems will be covered, including neurobiology, endocrinology, movement, circulation, gas exchange, digestion, and ionic and osmotic balance. The course will use a comparative approach that emphasizes how physiological differences among species have evolved based upon the need for the animal to adapt to the environment. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites BIOL 0101 and 0102. -
BIOL 1301
Animal BehaviorAn advanced study of the mechanisms, development, and functions of animal behaviors. We review the history of the study of animal behavior, and then examine various approaches to studying behavior, including genetics, neurobiology and endocrinology. We then look at animal survival mechanisms, like foraging, detecting prey, and using camouflage. Last, we cover interactions between animals: how they mate, raise their young, communicate, fight, and cooperate. -
BIOL 1306
NeurobiologyThe biology of nervous systems will be studied at various levels, including the cellular and molecular biology of neurons, sensory systems, motor control, and higher cortical functions in humans. All topics are viewed across phyla and from an evolutionary perspective. The course will emphasize scientific reading and oral communication of scientific material. Three hours of lecture and four hours of lab per week. -
BIOL 1302
MicrobiologyPrinciples of microbiology and immunology including the morphology, physiology, taxonomy, genetics and ecology of micro-0rganisms. Viruses, prokaryotes and eukaryotic micro organisms including algae, fungi and protozoa will be studied.
UNIQUE PROGRAM FEATURES
Distinction one:
You’ll have the ability to minor or collaborate with other programs, including exercise science, environmental studies and chemistry.
Distinction two:
We are a member of the Regional Science Consortium at Presque Isle in Erie, PA, which enables students to participate in the consortium’s research projects, interesting and relevant class field trips, and internships.
I was prepared for vet school, and I think a lot of my experiences at Pitt-Bradford helped me get there.Dr. Jennifer Miller ’02, emergency room veterinarian at Dayton (Ohio) CARE Center