Pre-veterinary programs prepare people to attend veterinary school. Students learn science and mathematics. During their undergraduate years, students often seek some form of practical experience with animals or in labs or clinics.

Often, we consider our pets as an equal member of our family. Many people put the dog and the cat (if they can get the cat to sit still) in the family portrait, or even in their weddings! Even for people who farm and ranch for a living, the animals in their lives are very important. Therefore, people who can provide high quality medical care for animals will always be in demand. If you think you'd like to become a veterinarian, you could consider attending a pre-veterinary program.

Many schools in the U.S. offer pre-veterinary programs. Often this means that you major in a field such as biology or chemistry, but take specific courses selected by your school to prepare you for veterinary school. For instance, you take math and science courses that teach fundamental concepts but also teach you about animal biology and organ systems. In fact, you're unlikely to take a course called "Pre-veterinary Medicine 100." Instead, you take courses in biology, zoology, anatomy, and chemistry. If your school offers specific veterinary courses, such as disease management of animals or animal genetics, you should take them. However, it's unlikely you'll take specific veterinary medicine courses while studying for your bachelor's degree.

Many four-year colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in pre-veterinary medicine. These programs typically take four years to complete. Most often you'll receive a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree.