(Preparing for) Veterinary Medicine
Program Description
The Associate in Science Transfer (AS-T) degree is designed to prepare students for entrance into a bachelor degree program in the sciences. The primary focus of the AS-T degree is completion of the necessary math and science requirements for junior standing at Washington state baccalaureate institutions. Students are required to take additional general education courses after transfer to fulfill university requirements. In addition, specific courses are designated within the AS-T degree to prepare students for Veterinary Medicine. While a bachelor’s degree is not required for admissions into all Veterinary Medicine programs, most applicants have a B.A. or B.S. degree.
Veterinary Medicine — What is it?
Veterinary Medicine is a branch of medicine involving the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of illness and disease in animals to include household pets, livestock and wildlife.
Areas of study in Veterinary Medicine:
Animal anatomy and physiology, animal pathology, pharmacology and toxicology, epidemiology, parasitology, radiology, reproductive medicine, surgery, animal behavior, public health, professional ethics, clinical practice and management.
Career Opportunities — What can I do with a Graduate Degree in Veterinary Medicine?
The majority of veterinarians work in a private medical practice treating household pets, while others extend their practice to farm animals, livestock and wild animals. Veterinarians develop the knowledge and skills to work in a variety of careers fields to include: private practice, food and safety inspection, livestock inspection, public health, global health, research and development, and education. Veterinarians must be licensed by a state in order to practice.
Potential employers include:
Private Veterinary Practice, Department of Agriculture, U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other Government agencies, Colleges and Universities, Public Health Clinics, and Animal Shelters. For more information, please visit the Career Center.
Transfer Possibilities — Where can I transfer?
The AS-T makes it possible for students to transfer to a number of public and private colleges and universities in the U.S. with junior standing. Students can transfer to any college/university to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Washington State University is the only university in Washington State offering a Veterinary Medicine program.