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Veterinarians play a critical role in safeguarding animal health, protecting public health, and enhancing the bond between people and animals. The Pre-Professional Pre-Veterinary program at Alvernia University prepares students for veterinary school through personalized advising, rigorous coursework, and experiential learning opportunities. With a strong foundation in the sciences and guidance on meeting prerequisite requirements, students are well equipped to pursue admission to veterinary schools and to build a career dedicated to the health and well-being of animals and the communities they serve.


Students who are working toward acceptance to veterinary school enjoy a wide range of opportunities at Alvernia. With hundreds of community connections in Greater Reading and beyond, pre-veterinary students get valuable real-world experience in the field before graduation. Most students who are planning to attend medical or professional school choose to major in the sciences (most often biology or biochemistry), since these majors allow them to meet the necessary prerequisite courses.


It is possible to choose other majors if desired, but additional coursework will be needed to meet the prerequisites. Students are encouraged to join the Pre-Health Professions Club, which offers opportunities to connect with peers who share similar interests, explore different health professions, engage in community service, and build leadership skills.

In This Section
Pre-Professional Programs

Getting Started

Application Instructions


Through a rolling admission process, prospective undergraduate students — including first-year, transfer, and international students — may apply via the Alvernia web portal or The Common Application. To learn more about how to complete your application, please visit our application page.
 

Financing Your Education


There are options to assist in financing your education and making the tuition affordable. Visit our Student Financial Services page for a detailed overview of the process, including a link to complete the FAFSA application, as well as more information about tuition, the tuition payment plan and the tuition deferment program we offer. Alvernia’s Title IV code for the FAFSA is 003233. The Office of Student Financial Services is available to help with any questions you may have. Call 610-796-8201 or email sfs@alvernia.edu.
 

Kaylie Rowe
Program helps land spot at one of world's top veterinary schools
While an undergraduate student majoring in biology, Kaylie Rowe took advantage of Alvernia’s Pre-Veterinary program. Today, Rowe is enrolled in the doctorate program for Veterinary Medicine at the Royal Veterinary College in London, one of the top-ranked veterinary schools in the world.
Read Kaylie's Story
Alvernia Veterinary
Learn More
For more information about the pre-veterinary program, contact the Admissions Office (1-888-ALVERNIA or admissions@alvernia.edu) or reach out directly to:

Ondra Kielbasa, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biology
610-230-5701
Ondra.kielbasa@alvernia.edu

 


Graduate School Application Details

Graduate School Admission Requirements


Specific admission requirements vary per veterinary school. You should consult with schools of interest to determine their specific admission requirements. However, most veterinary schools require the following coursework for admission:


Chemistry: 2 Semesters

  • General Chemistry I
  • General Chemistry II


Organic Chemistry: 2 Semesters

  • Organic Chemistry I
  • Organic Chemistry II


Biology: 2 Semesters

  • Principles of Biology I
  • Principles of Biology II


Physics: 2 Semesters

  • Physics I
  • Physics II


Math: 2 Semesters

  • Calculus I
  • Calculus II


English: 2 Semesters

Biochemistry: 1 Semester


Some veterinary schools require the following coursework for admission to a graduate program:


Humanities/Social Sciences

  • Requirements vary


Upper-Level Sciences

  • Genetics
  • Cell Biology


Suggested Academic Preparation

  • Bachelor's degree: A bachelor's degree plus prerequisite courses in the sciences are the required for some veterinary schools, but most schools require fulfillment of school specific pre-requisite courses that can be found here.
  • Competitive academic record: Heavy course loads (17-18 credit hours by junior year), multiple science courses with labs in the same semester, and high grades in all courses, especially the sciences, are recommended.

 

VMCAS (Centralized Application Services)

The Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) is the centralized application system for most veterinary schools. It processes all required materials, including letters of recommendation, and forwards applications to the schools of interest. Some schools may require additional supplemental applications. Students typically apply in the fall of their senior year to meet the September 15 deadline.
 

Entrance Examination

  • Most veterinary programs require GRE schools, though requirements vary by school. More information is available on the individual’s program’s website.
     

Resources


Pennsylvania Professional Schools

Career Outlook


There is no greater time than now to become a veterinarian. While most veterinarians work in private practice, veterinary professionals work in many settings including laboratories, zoos and farms. Veterinarians are in demand in many areas. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for veterinarians is expected to increase 10 percent from 2023 to 2033 which is much faster than average. The median salary for a veterinarian in 2024 was $125,510.
 

Experiential Learning


With hundreds of community connections in Greater Reading and beyond, pre-professional students can complete internships in a variety of healthcare settings. Recently, pre-professional students have completed internships with:

  • Lehigh Valley Zoo
  • Lehigh Valley Animal Hospital
  • Philadelphia Zoo
  • Berks Animal Emergency and Referral Center
  • Humane Society of Berks County
  • Red Creek Wildlife Center
  • SPCA Brandywine


Note: The observational hours/shadowing requirement varies from school to school. Refer to individual program admission requirements for details.