Veterinarians ensure the well-being of animals and play a crucial role in protecting public health through the prevention of animal-borne diseases and viruses. Veterinary education trains students in academic and practical knowledge to help them on their journey to becoming a veterinarian.

To get into a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program, you need to fulfill certain veterinary school admission requirements that vary from one school to another. However, there are several standard criteria followed by all veterinary schools such as the pre-med coursework, scores in Graduate Record Examination (GRE), English proficiency, document verification, and an interview.

Here is a detailed breakdown of each of the admission requirements to make the procedure clearer for you.

Pre-requisite coursework

Completing the pre-requisite coursework is mandatory in all Caribbean veterinary schools. This is to ensure that you have a basic understanding of concepts and will be able to pick up the veterinary school curriculum easily. Most of this coursework revolves around science subjects that you may have covered in undergraduate studies or high school including:

• One academic year of General Biology.
• One academic year of General Chemistry.
• Six months of biochemistry.
• Six months of organic chemistry.
• Six months of college-level computer science or math.
• Six months of any language arts course (English).

The general biology and organic chemistry coursework must include laboratory components to ensure practical experience. The language arts course can be replaced by anything with a written component like term papers or research projects.

Graduate Record Examination

There is no standard admission test for entry into DVM programs. Most schools recommend that applicants take the GRE test and submit the scores to conduct admission based on academic merit. 

GRE tests the analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning skills of students and dictates whether they have the academic readiness to attend graduate school. 

English proficiency certificate

Medical schools follow English as their medium of instruction. So, having good communication skills in English is mandatory to understand the curriculum and converse well with teachers and peers. 

Every student who is a non-native is required to submit a certificate that proves their English proficiency. You can submit the scores of language examinations such as TOEFL or IELTS.

Document verification

Submitting the necessary documents is an important step in the admissions process. You must submit official transcripts, a personal statement, an updated resume, and two letters of recommendation, along with a TOEFL certificate. 

The personal statement must not exceed 500 words and should detail your interest in choosing veterinary medicine, your accomplishments, and why you would be an asset to the institution. Any previous experience in the medical field through voluntary work will be a great boost to your application.

Interview

After reviewing the documents, you will receive a call for an interview if your application is being favorably considered by the admission committee. 

If you fulfill all these requirements, it is likely that you will be selected for a DVM program. Study these criteria carefully and fill out the application form without any errors to start your veterinary medicine journey.