Pre-Veterinary Science

Name: Salinas, Victor
Telephone: 830-792-7436
Price range: $$

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Admissions Pathway

Veterinary science is a medical field dedicated to the health and well-being of animals, encompassing a wide range of practices and specializations. Veterinarians diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases in animals, working with pets, livestock, wildlife, and exotic species. This field integrates knowledge from various scientific disciplines, including biology, pathology, pharmacology, and surgery, to provide comprehensive care. Veterinary science also plays a crucial role in public health, food safety, and research, contributing to the understanding and control of zoonotic diseases—those transmissible between animals and humans.

Journey to Veterinary Science

Schreiner University does not offer a DVM degree. However, students can complete their prerequisite coursework for veterinary school through the completion of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology (Pre-Veterinary Track) from Schreiner University. Other degrees are possible as long as the veterinary school prerequisites are met. Students are encouraged to research the specific requirements of veterinary schools of interest by visiting their websites for information on admission requirements.

Degree Plan: BS Biology (Pre-Vet)

Texas Veterinary School Coursework Requirements
Biology (4 hours)	BIOL 1301, BIOL 1102
General Chemistry (8 hours)	CHEM 1301, CHEM 1101, CHEM 1302, CHEM 1102
Organic Chemistry (8 hours)	CHEM 2311, CHEM 2111, CHEM 2312, CHEM 2112
Biochemistry (4 hours)	CHEM 3305, CHEM 3105
Physics (4 hours)	PHYS 1301, PHYS 1101
English (3 hours)	ENG 1301
Statistics (3 hours)	MATH 2330
Microbiology (4 hours)	BIOL 3314, BIOL 3114
Genetics (4 hours)	BIOL 2305, BIOL 2105
Animal Nutrition (3 hours)	BIOL 3331
Communication (3 hours)	COMM 2301

Pre-veterinary students should maintain a comprehensive log of their healthcare experiences and volunteering opportunities throughout their undergraduate studies. This documentation will be invaluable when applying to veterinary school, as it showcases commitment to the field, hands-on experience, and dedication to serving others.

Pre-Health Starter Kit

Pre-veterinary students traditionally take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) in the spring or summer of their junior year. However, neither of the two veterinary schools in Texas currently require the GRE for admission. Students are advised to verify application requirements for the program of interest prior to the start of the application process.

Applications for veterinary school are usually submitted in the summer between junior and senior year, around June, through the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS). Veterinary schools require supplemental applications for their specific program as well.

Application Success Tools

Application Services

Schreiner offers a dedicated Health Professions Coordinator who provides support for pre-health professions students throughout the application process for medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy, and other health-related schools and programs. This resource is intended to guide students through developing compelling applications, crafting strong personal statements, securing meaningful recommendations, and navigating interview and exam preparation for highly-competitive programs. With tailored one-on-one advising and a network of professional resources, the Health Professions Coordinator helps ensure that students present their strongest possible candidacy to achieve their career aspirations in the health professions.

Exam Prep Library

At Schreiner University, we support our pre-health students’ success every step of the way. Located within the Schreiner Library, our Health Professions Exam Prep Library offers a comprehensive selection of preparation books for essential entrance exams, including the MCAT, OAT, DAT, and GRE. These resources provide focused support and study tools tailored to help students excel. Whether you’re preparing for medical, dental, optometry, veterinary, or graduate school, our library is here to help you achieve your goals.

Kerrville Pets Alive! Partnership

Schreiner University is excited to partner with Kerrville Pets Alive! to enhance our Pre-Veterinary Medicine program. This collaboration offers students hands-on experiences, service hours, and opportunities to work with local veterinary clinics. The program will provide valuable learning experiences, such as shadowing veterinarians and participating in community service initiatives like animal care and education. Located on Schreiner’s campus, the program gives students unique opportunities to engage with animals while preparing for a rewarding career in veterinary medicine.

Mock Interviews

The Health Professions program offers pre-veterinary students a unique opportunity to participate in mock interviews designed to prepare them for veterinary school applications. Through this initiative, students engage in simulated interviews conducted by experienced faculty and./or professionals in the veterinary field. The program provides personalized feedback, helping students refine their communication skills, articulate their motivations, and effectively present their qualifications. This hands-on experience aims to boost students’ confidence and readiness, ensuring they are well-prepared for the competitive veterinary school interview process. Contact the program coordinator about scheduling a mock interview.

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