Pre-Veterinary Medicine
North Park University’s pre-professional track for veterinary science is a sequence of courses and advising that will give you a solid foundation for your applications to competitive veterinary schools around the country. The pre-veterinary science track should accompany a major—most often biology or chemistry—where you’ll gain a foundation in life sciences and how the human body works.
Advising
Pre-veterinary students are advised by the director of health professions advising, Kristine Aronsson. Drawing from over 25 years experience and established relationships within the health industry, Kristine advises students in utilizing Chicago as a resource for their education and career. Kristine will speak with you about your particular interests in veterinary medicine, and help you stay on track throughout your program at North Park. Our Pre-Professional Committee— a group of faculty in the Division of Life and Physical Science and the director of health professions advising —will work with you to make sure you are prepared for your applications and interviews for veterinary school.
Course Sequences and Activities
We recommend you take the following courses alongside your major and Core Curriculum requirements to prepare for veterinary medicine school and a career in healthcare. These courses meet the prerequisite requirements for most veterinary medicine programs. However, you should investigate programs you’re interested in to make sure you complete any other specific requirements. Some courses may also meet major/Core Curriculum requirements. For full course descriptions and major requirements review the academic catalog.
Pre-Veterinary Medicine Admission Prerequisites
- Introduction to Human Anatomy
- Introduction to Cell Biology
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Introduction to Chemistry I
- Introduction to Chemistry II
- Organic Chemistry I
- Organic Chemistry II
- Biochemistry
- Introductory Physics I
- Introductory Physics II
- Introductory Statistics
- Concepts and Structures or a math course above MATH 1030
- Public Speaking
- Social & Behavior Sciences
Other Recommendations
- Take the GRE during the summer following your third year.
- You should complete your veterinary school applications during the summer prior to your fourth year.
Alumni Profile
A childhood spent on a large horse farm along with strong support from North Park biology faculty inspired Dayle Dillon C’07 to participate in the pre-vet track and pursue a career in veterinary medicine.