Pre-Veterinary Medicine

Veterinarians are dedicated professionals whose job is caring for the health and well-being of animals. Their work is widely varied and may include such activities as biomedical research, clinical practice, and safeguarding our nation's food supply. Whatever their specialty, veterinarians are dedicated to maintaining and promoting animal health. They understand the importance of animal welfare and the interdependent relationships between animals and humans. 

Veterinary schools require that applicants successfully complete a specific set of prerequisite courses prior to enrollment. Portland State offers a pre-veterinary medicine program whereby students complete their prerequisite coursework, earn a baccalaureate degree, and obtain assistance with the preparation and application process.  

No specific undergraduate major is preferred by Oregon State University’s veterinary school, however students must complete the required prerequisite courses. A bachelor’s degree is not required for admission to Oregon State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Nonetheless, the vast majority of students admitted to OSU’s veterinary medicine program have earned a bachelor’s degree. 

Most veterinary schools require that an A, B, or C be earned in all required preparatory courses. Admission to veterinary medical school is limited and extremely competitive. Many school require a 3.0 minimum GPA to apply, however average GPAs for accepted students are typically much higher. 

Portland State University Pre-Veterinary Medicine Course List 

Below is an outline of prerequisite courses for OSU, which is subject to change. Check directly with OSU or other Veterinary Medicine schools of interest for current requirements. OSU requires that an A, B, or C be earned in all prerequisite courses.

Additional Required Courses for Students NOT Intending to Complete a Bachelor's Degree

(Not required for students who will complete a Bachelor's degree by July 1 of the year in which they would be starting OSU's Veterinary program)

Oregon State University DVM Admissions Requirements Information: 

• Program details can be found on the OSU website
• Completion of prerequisite courses with a “C-” or better prior to the start of the program 
• Submission of three letters of recommendation through VMCAS. At least one letter must be from a veterinarian with whom you have had significant contact 
• Completion of VMCAS application by the deadline 
• Completion of OSU supplemental application by the deadline 

Oregon State University/PSU Bachelor’s Degree Agreement: Students are not required to hold a bachelor’s degree prior to entry into the DVM program at OSU. PSU students have the option of transferring back up to 48 credits of the first year’s work in the professional phase of the DVM program to complete the PSU requirements for a bachelor’s degree with a major in biology or science. Students choosing this option must already have all general education requirements met through PSU. Students also have the option to receive a bachelor’s degree through OSU by transferring DVM courses work towards a bachelor’s degree at OSU. In this case students must meet OSU’s general education requirements/ Baccalaureate Core Requirements and it is the student’s responsibility to understand these requirements. 

Additional Information: 

VMCAS: Students apply to U.S. Colleges of Veterinary Medicine by completing and submitting a primary application though VMCAS. All U.S. programs, as well as select Canadian and International Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, use this service.

GRE: Some veterinary programs require that students take the GRE. The GRE General Test measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills that have been acquired over a long period of time and that are not related to any specific field of study. The General Test is offered year-round at computer-based test centers.  

Experience: Applicants should have exposure to and an understanding of the veterinary profession. Many schools prefer that applicants receive substantial exposure to multiple disciplines within the veterinary field. These include clinical practice with large and/or small animals, research, industry, zoological or exotic animal medicine, public health and food safety. 

Helpful Websites: 

• Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges
• American Veterinary Medical Association
• Oregon Veterinary Medical Association