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Oklahoma State University

High School Preparation

You've dreamed of becoming a veterinarian since you were a child...

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Here are some things you can do now.

Gain Experience

Preparation for a career in veterinary medicine includes understanding the profession. Volunteering, shadowing or working with a veterinarian is essential. Students should develop emotional maturity and become aware of how medical decisions include patient, client and financial issues. Professionalism and ethics are fundamental for veterinarians.

Take the Right Classes

Although the vet school does not use your high school grades to determine eligibility, students in high school are strongly encouraged to take coursework heavy in these sciences if offered at the school:

  • Anatomy
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Genetics
  • Microbiology
  • Physics

Learn all you can about Veterinary Careers

Veterinarians can work in many different fields.  Some fields include private practice, teaching at universities or colleges, research, work in large companies who produce medicines and pet food, and work in the military.  For more information about veterinary career opportunities, visit the veterinary career opportunities page.

If you are interested in touring Oklahoma State University’s veterinary medicine facilities, visit the tours page for details.

Vet School Admissions 101

Learn more about what you can do to give yourself the best chance of being admitted to vet school with Vet School Admissions 101.