Veterinary medicine is truly a diverse profession. The nature of this diversity however has been changing for quite some time. Fewer veterinarians today practice what is referred to as a "mixed" practitioner; a clinician who diagnoses and treats a wide variety of species. The James Herriott style clinician who sees rabbits, dogs, cats, horses and livestock is uncommon today. Fewer people own livestock and a growing majority of our population own dogs and cats. Veterinary medicine is also rapidly advancing with an unprecedented growth of knowledge making it more difficult for a veterinarian to remain competent in treating a diverse number of species. More veterinarians are also becoming highly specialized, working with only a single species (e.g. cats only) as well as pursuing advanced clinical training (internships and residencies) to become board certified in a specialty such as neurology, surgery, oncology, or internal medicine. Some veterinarians choose careers in teaching and even pursue PhDs, JDs, MBAs or even MDs.

Admission to veterinary school is very competitive. About 30 percent of current students were unsuccessful and have applied more than once. Some apply for two, three, or more years to become accepted. And, as we have discussed elsewhere in this series, about 70 percent of students graduating this academic year are female.

The number of applicants is rising. There are about 2,300 positions available each year at our nation's 27 schools of veterinary medicine. In 1991 7,848 applications were submitted. In 1997 this number rose to almost 24,000.

Current financial aid is available through the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges at http://www.aavmc.org/students_admissions/scholarships.htm.

1. Get to know the profession. Aside from being a mandated requirement for admission to veterinary school, work experience in the field is essential to assess your long-term commitment to pursue veterinary medicine as a career. Working with animals is extremely rewarding, however it also requires an ability to work well with people and be empathetic to both clients and their pets. It takes about 8 years of college to obtain a veterinary degree. Most veterinarians work long hours and the annual income of new graduates is only about $34,000. Working as an assistant in a veterinary hospital to gain practical experience as well as a greater appreciation of the many roles is critical.

2. Diversify your background. A diverse background yields a stronger applicant and probably a better veterinarian. You may or may not know whether you wish to be a veterinary technician, a veterinarian specializing in surgery or being a mobile equine veterinarian. You should keep your mind open and explore all facets of the profession. Gain experience working with wildlife, doing research, working at a variety of veterinary hospitals for example. This will build a better foundation and appreciation as well as an applicant most admission committees feel better understands the profession than someone who has a more limited background.

3. Get good grades. It seems obvious. Admission to veterinary school is highly competitive and admissions committees use grades (as well as GRE, MCAT, or VAT scores, letters of recommendation, personal interviews, personal letters, and experience) as a their major criterion.

4. Enjoy college. All veterinary schools require a standard set of required undergraduate course work prior to application such as biology, chemistry, etc. However it isn't required to pursue a biology related major to apply. Certainly if you are interested in genetics or physiology for example, a degree in these fields will prepare you well. But liberal arts is also a good background if that is your interest. Don't make college only a step toward vet school. Take a variety of courses. Participate in different activities. Don't spend your undergraduate years confined to the library.

5. Talk to pre-veterinary advisors. Seek the advice of advisors or counselors at your college or university who are well versed in professional curriculums. You can also join pre-professional student health organizations to get to know other students who share your interest.

6. Visit veterinary schools. If you have the opportunity you should visit a variety of veterinary schools. Tour their teaching hospitals or participate in their annual open-house events.

7. Carefully prepare your application. A veterinary application is comprised of many parts. Be sure your application is complete and well prepared. Keep track of deadlines and get your applicaiton submitted as early as possible.

For more information, go to the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges website at http://www.aavmc.org/.

Stuart Turner, DVM