Essential Courses

Course # Title
BI 101 General Biology I
BI 102 General Biology II
BI 340 Medical Microbiology
CH 142 Integrated Chemistry Principles I
CH 143 Integrated Chemistry Principles I Lab
CH 144 Integrated Chemistry Principles II
CH 145 Integrated Chemistry Principles II Lab
CH 232 Organic Chemistry I
CH 233 Organic Chemistry I Lab
CH 332 Organic Chemistry II (with lab)
CH 312 Biochemistry
PC 200 General Physics I
OR  
PC 202 Introductory Physics I
PC 202L Introductory Physics Lab I
PC 201 General Physics II
OR  
PC 203 Introductory Physics II
PC 203L Physics Lab II
BI 305 Biostatistics*
EN___ English Course (in addition to CWS)

*MA 220 Introduction to Probability and Statistics is an acceptable substitute

Important Notes

  • These courses reflect most but not all program requirements for veterinary schools in the U.S. Check the specific schools that you are considering. Strongly recommend physiology, genetics, psychology/behavioral sciences. Also recommend comparative anatomy, vertebrate zoology, comparative animal behavior, environmental science, developmental biology, immunology, invertebrate zoology, statistics, foreign language (especially Spanish), sociology, ecology, evolution, economics, accounting and business courses, communication courses, and ethics.
  • This course list does NOT represent a POE, nor does it cover College requirements. Design a POE in consultation with your advisor.
  • Make sure to have an advisor on the Health Professions Committee, preferably Dr. Kathy Jones (jones@juniata.edu) or Dr. Jay Hosler (hosler@juniata.edu).
  • In addition to your course work you are urged to gain some experience in veterinary medicine either during the school year or over the summer.

Competitive credentials: Science and overall GPA of 3.5 or better; GRE scores in the 70th percentile.
Note: Take admission exams no later than October of the senior year

Helpful Websites

Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges - http://aavmc.org
American Veterinary Medical Association - http://www.avma.org

Comprehensive resource site through the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association- http://www.projectpennsylvania.com/links.aspx

List of all pre-vet requirements http://aavmc.org/College-Specific-Requirements/College-Specific-Requirements_College-Specifications.aspx

VMCAS Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Veterinary-Medical-College-Application-Service-VMCAS/119971444705528?fref=ts

General Information: http://explorehealthcareers.org/en/home

Suggested Core Progression for Pre-Veterinary Medicine

Bolded courses are offered only in the indicated semester and/or require a specific sequence due to Juniata prerequisites. Non-bolded courses are either offered in both semesters or represent open-ended choices, making them more flexible in when they can be taken.

  FALL SPRING
Freshman Year General Biology I General Biology II
  Integrated Chemistry Principles I Integrated Chemistry Principles II
  Integrated Chemistry Principles I Lab Integrated Chemistry Princ II Lab
    Calculus I (any semester)
  FALL SPRING
Sophomore Year Organic Chemistry I (with Lab) Organic Chemistry II (with lab)
     
     
     
  FALL SPRING
Junior Year Physics I and Lab Physics II and Lab
  Biostatistics Biochemistry
  Health Careers Seminar  
  GRE Exam Preparation* GRE Exam Preparation
Senior Year Microbiology  
     
     

*Both semesters of the year that you plan to take the exam.

If you study abroad the SAFEST strategy is to take ALL prerequisite courses for professional school in the U.S., which may require you to take courses in the U.S. over the summer, preferably at a 4 year institution. However, if this is extremely difficult for your situation, check with the professional schools you wish to attend to see if they will accept courses taken abroad and if so, get their response in writing

Be mindful of your POE courses, which are NOT indicated here. Always work with both your POE and Health Professions Advisor to ensure proper academic progress towards meeting both POE requirements and prerequisites for medical school.