DVM Students
Students who wish to become a veterinarian must demonstrate several key qualities, including a love of science, a strong desire to study and learn and evidence of an extended commitment to a career that most graduates find to be a challenging, respected and highly-rewarding profession. Successful candidates who apply to enter our program must meet high standards of ethics and academic performance as well as showing profound dedication to this rewarding career path. While many graduates of US veterinary colleges enter private clinical practice, a significant number pursue careers in a wide range of other arenas, including public health, educational institutions, research, industry, laboratory animal medicine, regulatory medicine (governmental agencies), zoo animal practice, or food safety.
The professional DVM curriculum at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine is a four-year program that provides our students with a broad knowledge in basic sciences and comparative medicine as well as diagnostic and clinical skills that are critical for treating and preventing animal diseases. Pre-veterinary medical students can pursue any undergraduate major they choose, and the required pre-professional courses can be obtained through the curricula of a number of fields of study. In general, prospective students are encouraged to obtain a well-rounded undergraduate education in any area that interests them. It is important for students to recognize that they are required to obtain a minimum grade of C (2.0 grade points) in all required pre-requisite courses and that all such courses (excluding Animal Science and Animal Nutrition) must be completed by the end of the spring term in the year when you plan to enroll in the College of Veterinary Medicine. Popular majors for pre-professional students include animal science, zoology, biology, biochemistry, and microbiology. Undergraduate candidates should be pursuing a baccalaureate degree and meeting all of the requirements and course stipulations of that program.
The criteria for admission to the College of Veterinary Medicine are determined and reviewed periodically by the Dean and the College Admissions Committee. The Admissions Committee is comprised of faculty from the College of Veterinary Medicine with representatives from the Florida Veterinary Medical Association, the college Alumni Council, and faculty from other universities in the state of Florida. Applicants are evaluated on their academic performance, their understanding of the veterinary medical profession, their experiences and achievements both within and beyond veterinary medicine, and their professional potential. The University of Florida complies with all Federal and State statutes regarding nondiscrimination.