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Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

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View Requirements

The first step in the admissions process is to ensure you're on track to complete both the course prerequisites and application requirements in time to apply for your preferred year of entry.

Prerequisite Courses
Move your mouse over each prerequisite below to read details regarding the requirement.

Biochemistry Qualifiers

Must be a course designed or specified for science majors
Must have been completed no more than 8 years prior to matriculation at WesternU
Preferably with lab

Upper Division Biological and Life Sciences Qualifiers

May not be an introductory, survey or fundamental course
Must have been completed no more than 8 years prior to matriculation at WesternU
Highly recommended areas: zoology, endocrinology, cell biology, molecular biology, reproduction, parasitology, histology, toxicology, nutrition and pharmacology.
Preferably a course in anatomy, immunology and/or embryology
May only have two of the following prerequisites in progress after fall term immediately prior to matriculation at WesternU:
o Upper Division Biological and Life Sciences (one course)
o Microbiology
o Physiology
o Genetics or Molecular Biology
Must include one Upper Division lab course

Microbiology Qualifiers

Must have been completed no more than 8 years prior to matriculation at WesternU
May not be a cell biology or molecular biology course
May only have two of the following prerequisites in progress after fall term immediately prior to matriculation at WesternU:
o Upper Division Biological and Life Sciences (one course)
o Microbiology
o Physiology
o Genetics or Molecular Biology

Physiology Qualifiers

Must have been completed no more than 8 years prior to matriculation at WesternU
Must be designated for science majors
May only have two of the following prerequisites in progress after fall term immediately prior to matriculation at WesternU:
o Upper Division Biological and Life Sciences (one course)
o Microbiology
o Physiology
o Genetics or Molecular Biology
Must be an upper division course in animal, human or comparative physiology

Genetics or Molecular Biology Qualifiers

Must have been completed no more than 8 years prior to matriculation at WesternU
May only have two of the following prerequisites in progress after fall term immediately prior to matriculation at WesternU:
o Upper Division Biological and Life Sciences (one course)
o Microbiology
o Physiology
o Genetics or Molecular Biology

Statistics Qualifiers

Must be a course designed or specified for science majors
Biostatistics course may be accepted on a case-by-case basis, must submit syllabus for review.

General Physics Qualifier

2 semesters or 2 quarters of Physics AND
2 semesters or 2 quarters of Physics Labs

English Composition Qualifier

May not be an English as a Second Language (ESL) or English as a Foreign Language (EFL) course

Public Speaking or Small Group Communication Qualifier

May not be an interpersonal course unless there is significant emphasis on oral presentation skills. If so, submit your course syllabus for review.
On-line courses are not acceptable.
May not be courses from the theater or acting department
May not be a foreign language course
At least 33% of your final grade must be based on public speaking/small group communication

Humanities/Social Sciences Qualifier

This may include art, ethnic studies, foreign language, history, humanities, liberal studies, music, philosophy, political science, religious studies, social sciences, theater and behavior
May only list one course from any one of the listed disciplines to satisfy the three prerequisites

Prerequisite Updated for Class Entering Fall 2012	Semester Units	Quarter Units	All prerequisites must be completed at a regionally accredited U.S. institution (exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis) or its equivalent abroad All prerequisites must be completed with a grade of "C" or better (a grade of "C-" or lower is not acceptable) All prerequisites must be completed by the end of the spring term of the planned year of matriculation. Prerequisites may be taken on an advanced-placement or CLEP credit basis. These credits must be listed on the official university transcript at which the credit was received. If not, submit a letter from the registrar detailing for what each credit was received. Beginning Fall 2013 speech and communication courses in a language other than English will not be accepted. All coursework taken from non-US institutions (including Canada) must be submitted to an approved service for evaluation
Organic Chemistry w/ Lab	3	4
Biochemistry	3	4
Upper Division Biological & Life Sciences w/ Lab	9	12
Microbiology	3	4
Physiology	3	4
Genetics or Molecular Biology	3	4
General Physics w/ Labs	6	8
Statistics	3	4
English Composition	6	8
Public Speaking or Small Group Communication	3	4
Psychology or Sociology	3	4
Humanities/Social Sciences	9	12

If you’d like to find out whether the courses you’ve taken or plan to take will satisfy the DVM prerequisites you can:

search the prerequisite database by institution.
if your courses aren’t listed in the database and you have a few courses in question, you may submit a prerequisite verification form.
if your courses aren't listed in the database and you have numerous courses in question, or simply wish to lay out your coursework, you may instead print and submit an academic worksheet.
- Note: academic worksheets are available April - August and will be reviewed during this time only

Admission Requirements
In order to be eligible for admissions to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program you will need to satisfy the following criteria:

General Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)

GRE or MCAT scores are valid for 5 years prior to the planned year of matriculation
If taking GRE – Only General GRE test scores are accepted

Letters of Recommendation

Three (3) letters of recommendation are required
Letters may be from anyone who can speak to your anticipated success as a student and/or future veterinarian and should include behavioral examples
Letters must be submitted directly to VMCAS as a portion of your primary application

Minimum Overall, Prerequisite Science and Prerequisite (All) GPAs of 2.75

GPA must meet minimum requirement at the time of application
You must maintain the minimum required GPA through matriculation into the program

500 hours of hands-on animal-related experience

Must go beyond observation effort.
Supervisors should be able to assess applicant’s interest in animal well-being, work habits and personal integrity
Appropriate venues include but are not limited to: veterinary practices, animal medical environments, commercial animal production operations, regulatory animal control and humane shelters, animal entertainment (zoos, etc.), or animal research institutions
Hours may be in progress at time of application and must be completed by July of the planned matriculation year.

Although not required, having earned a BS or BA will likely strengthen your application

BS or BA in any field is acceptable

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - If Required

Required if you are not a US citizen and English is not your primary spoken language
EXCEPTION: The TOEFL exam will be waived if you have or will graduate with a confirmed baccalaureate or higher degree from a United States institution at the time of application.
Minimum score requirements
- 550 paper-based
- 213 computer-based
- 79 internet-based
TOEFL scores are valid for 3 years prior to the planned year of matriculation

Proof of Legal US Residency - If Required

If you are an international applicant or any other applicant who is not U.S. citizen and is living in the U.S., you should be prepared to provide proof of legal U.S. residency at the time of interview
Proof of legal U.S. residency is required prior to any offer of acceptance.

Make Yourself a Competitive Candidate
Admission to the program is extremely competitive so you should strive to not only meet, but exceed the minimum requirements. To get a feel for the competitiveness of the applicant pool we recommend that you review last year's entering class statistics and read what the admissions committee recommends you do to make yourself a competitive candidate.

Preparing and Submitting Your Application
Applying to the College of Veterinary Medicine is a two-step process. You must submit both a primary application and a secondary application in order to be considered for admission.

The apply now page will provide you with step-by-step instructions guiding you through the application process. There are a number of supporting materials that make up your completed application and it is essential that you print and carefully follow the application checklist to ensure that you properly submit these pieces by the deadline.

We are happy to answer your questions as you navigate through the application process,
so please do not hesitate to contact us if we can help.