Love animals? Become a veterinarian with the help of Concordia’s Pre-Veterinary program

Many of Concordia Nebraska’s pre-professional programs are classified as “pre-health” programs, and the pre-veterinary program is one of these. However, unlike most other pre-health programs, the pre-veterinary program isn’t preparing students to care for the health of other human beings! Instead, undergraduates who are passionate about caring for animals of any shape and size can follow their calling in this field of study focused on animal healthcare.  

Although “companion animal veterinarians” -- those who care for household pets like cats and dogs – are likely the first veterinarians that most people think of when they picture a vet, there are jobs for students who are interested in caring for larger animals. Therefore, the field of veterinary medicine is closely aligned with various agricultural careers; farmers and ranchers must pay close attention to the health of their animals, especially if they intend to use them or their products for consumption purposes.  

At Concordia Nebraska, the pre-veterinary program can prepare you for a career working with animals of any kind. You’ll take courses in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology and more to gain broad knowledge of life processes essential to animals. You’ll also have the opportunity to declare a major of your choice in conjunction with taking these pre-vet courses to prepare you for veterinary school. Most often, pre-vet students choose to major in a natural sciences field – chemistry, biology, agriculture or physics – but a major that aligns with your passions and interests is best. 

Prospective veterinarians must complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program after their undergraduate coursework. DVM (or VMD) programs are competitive and typically last four years, with clinical rotations taking place during the final year. Some programs emphasize livestock or large-animal vet medicine and prefer applicants who’ve studied agriculture at the undergraduate level. At the graduate level, vet students will study animal anatomy and physiology as well as the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of various zoological illnesses.  

Students interested in veterinary medicine must possess several critical skills. First, they must be strong communicators who have good decision-making skills. Just like in the healthcare industry, doctors of veterinary medicine often need to make quick decisions that hold much weight. They are also responsible for effective communication with animal owners. Furthermore, they must have the physical skills – especially dexterity – necessary to work closely with animals, even performing surgeries and administering treatments. Plus, if you’re not prepared to see the “gross” parts of animal medical care, veterinary medicine might not be right for you! 

Students who study in the pre-vet program at Concordia Nebraska do not need to go on to earn their DVM; another viable option for students who may desire a shorter or less intense course of education is a career as a veterinary technician (or vet tech). Although vet techs only need an associate’s (two-year) degree, earning a bachelor’s degree may improve their employment opportunities and salary outcomes. Their job duties may include providing first aid to animals, monitoring anesthesia, performing laboratory tests, preparing surgical devices and more. With less training, they can only perform limited duties, but this job is perfect for students with an interest in animal care but who don’t want to attend veterinary school.  

Both veterinarians and veterinary technicians are required to take a credentialing or licensing exam. For veterinarians, this exam is the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination. For vet techs, requirements vary by state, but often include the Veterinary Technician National Examination. Both careers are also projected to experience significant job growth – around 19% -- in the next decade. For prospective veterinarians and vet techs, this is great news! 

The pre-veterinary program at Concordia University, Nebraska is designed to allow students to pursue a major of their choice while completing undergraduate prerequisites for accredited U.S. veterinary schools. Whether you want to be a vet or vet tech working with animals large or small, Concordia’s pre-veterinary program is the place for you. Learn more about it here.