Pre-Veterinary Medicine
Introduction
Students interested in a career in veterinary medicine may pursue any major along with completing specific prerequisites. Due to the significant biology requirements, most students pursue a major in this field. Veterinary medicine prerequisites vary significantly from school to school. Students should work with the Pre-Health advisor to identify schools of interest and meet appropriate requirements. In addition to specific coursework, Pre-Vet students must gain significant experience with animals and shadow veterinarians extensively as part of their co-curricular experiences. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the local Vet and Animal Science Explorers Post which is hosted at Canisius. Many schools require a competitive score on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). In addition to the information in this section, please check the general information at the pre-medical and pre-health section of the catalog.
Recommended Pre-Veterinary Courses
Academic admission requirements vary by school, but usually include the following courses. Students should check current prerequisite courses for schools of interest using their individual websites and resources provided by the American Association of Veterinary Colleges.
English
One year of English composition or the Honors Program equivalent:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Option 1: | ||
| ENG 111 | Academic Writing | 3 |
| ENG 112 | Writing about Literature | 3 |
| Option 2: | ||
| HON 101 | Honors English | 3 |
| and an Honors Literature course | 3 | |
Biology
At least one year of general biology with laboratory is required by all schools. Many schools also require genetics and microbiology.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 111 & 111L | Introductory Biology I and Introductory Biology Laboratory I | 4 |
| BIO 112 & 112L | Introductory Biology II and Introductory Biology Laboratory II | 4 |
| BIO 307 & 307L | Microbiology and Microbiology Laboratory | 4 |
| BIO 404 & 404L | Genetics and Genetics Laboratory | 4 |
Chemistry
One year of general chemistry and one year of organic chemistry with laboratories:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHM 111 & 111L | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory | 4 |
| CHM 112 & 112L | General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Laboratory | 4 |
| CHM 227 & 227L | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Laboratory | 4 |
| CHM 228 & 228L | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | 4 |
Biochemistry
Students should work with the Pre-Health advisor regarding specific biochemistry requirements, including number of credits, lab, and organic chemistry prerequisite requirements. Students may take biochemistry in either the Biology Department (BIO 211-BIO 212) or the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department (BCH 301-BCH 302). Note that BIO 211-BIO 212 meet both the biochemistry and cell biology requirements for some schools. For schools that require biochemistry to have organic chemistry as a prerequisite, students taking BIO 211-BIO 212 must also take BIO 430. BCH 301-BCH 302 meet this requirement. BCH 302 may not be required for all schools.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Option 1: | ||
| BIO 211 & BIO 212L | Biochemistry and Cell Biology I and Biochemistry and Cell Biology Lab II | 4 |
| BIO 212 & 212L | Biochemistry and Cell Biology II and Biochemistry and Cell Biology Lab II | 4 |
| Option 2: | ||
| BCH 301 & 301L | Introduction to Biochemistry and Introduction to Biochemistry Laboratory | 4 |
| BCH 302 | Cellular Biochemistry | 3 |
Physics
One year of introductory physics with laboratory. A student's major may dictate the option they should select:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Option 1: | ||
| PHY 201 & 201L | College Physics I and College Physics I Laboratory | 4 |
| PHY 202 & 202L | College Physics II and College Physics II Laboratory | 4 |
| Option 2: | ||
| PHY 223 & 223L | General Physics for Physical Science Majors I and General Physics for Physical Science Majors I Laboratory | 4 |
| PHY 224 & 224L | General Physics for Physical Science Majors II and General Physics for Physical Science Majors I Laboratory | 4 |
Mathematics
One semester of statistics (MAT 141 or PSY 201) is required. Some veterinary schools require more math such as calculus (MAT 111). One semester of calculus is also recommended as a prerequisite for physics.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Calculus | ||
| MAT 111 | Calculus I | 4 |
| Statistics | ||
| MAT 141 | Inferential Statistics and Computers for Science | 4 or 3 |
| or PSY 102 | Introduction to Psychology II | |
Additional Pre-Vet Courses
Coursework in animal behavior or anthrozoology are encouraged. (ABEC 101) or (ANZ 101) are good introductions to these disciplines. Some schools require additional science coursework. Please check with the Pre-Health advisor for assistance selecting courses. The AAVMC Prerequisite Chart is a useful resource. It is important to refer directly to each individual school's website for the most up-to-date information.
Elective Courses
HRP 101 allows students to explore different health professions.
HRP 111 introduces students to medical terminology.
HRP 201 and HRP 202 allow students to explore areas of medicine in more depth.
HRP 498 is an internship in medical informatics. A medical scribe internship is also available.
HRP 498A is a medical and veterinary medical service learning trip.
