Skip to main content
A hand holding a turtle.

Preveterinary Medicine

None (none)

Undergraduate Major

Allendale • Face to face • 120 Credits

Preveterinary medicine offers thorough preparation for students aiming to enter veterinary school and pursue careers in animal health and welfare.

Overview

Grand Valley State University equips students with the essential knowledge and skills needed for veterinary school admission. Students receive personalized guidance from experienced advisors who help them navigate the prerequisites and application process for veterinary schools. The program's strong emphasis on academic excellence and practical experience ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the challenges of veterinary education.

The curriculum includes core biology courses along with specialized subjects such as biochemistry, microbiology, organic chemistry, and physics. These courses are designed to provide a solid foundation in the sciences, ensuring that students meet the rigorous requirements of veterinary schools. Additionally, students have opportunities to participate in research projects and gain hands-on experience through laboratory work and field studies.

The university's state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced laboratories, provide an excellent environment for learning and research. You will benefit from the support of a dedicated advising team and the opportunity to join the Grand Valley Preveterinary Club, which offers networking, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.

Biology Department

gvsu.edu/biology
3300a Kindschi Hall of Science
Dr. Joseph J. Jacquot
(616) 331-2470
[email protected]

Admissions and Recruitment Office

gvsu.edu/admissions

 

Career Opportunities

Diagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals. Includes veterinarians who conduct research and development, inspect livestock, or care for pets and companion animals.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Active Learning
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 71,340.34 10%
$ 87,436.20 25%
$ 99,411.28 50%
$130,064.67 75%
$165,911.67 90%

Feed, water, and examine pets and other nonfarm animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury in laboratories and animal hospitals and clinics. Clean and disinfect cages and work areas, and sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment. May provide routine postoperative care, administer medication orally or topically, or prepare samples for laboratory examination under the supervision of veterinary or laboratory animal technologists or technicians, veterinarians, or scientists.

Top skills
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Writing
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Service Orientation
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 29,311.90 10%
$ 31,670.62 25%
$ 35,847.89 50%
$ 37,128.88 75%
$ 45,612.41 90%

Perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases. Prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts. Clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines. May assist a veterinarian during surgery.

Top skills
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking
  • Monitoring
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 35,466.94 10%
$ 39,078.88 25%
$ 46,380.26 50%
$ 48,863.27 75%
$ 57,606.59 90%

Diagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals. Includes veterinarians who conduct research and development, inspect livestock, or care for pets and companion animals.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Active Learning
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 66,968.76 10%
$ 89,761.61 25%
$115,978.35 50%
$157,177.29 75%
$215,291.52 90%

Feed, water, and examine pets and other nonfarm animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury in laboratories and animal hospitals and clinics. Clean and disinfect cages and work areas, and sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment. May provide routine postoperative care, administer medication orally or topically, or prepare samples for laboratory examination under the supervision of veterinary or laboratory animal technologists or technicians, veterinarians, or scientists.

Top skills
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Writing
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Service Orientation
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 28,316.72 10%
$ 30,922.86 25%
$ 36,423.71 50%
$ 42,630.09 75%
$ 47,819.06 90%

Perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases. Prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts. Clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines. May assist a veterinarian during surgery.

Top skills
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking
  • Monitoring
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 29,679.90 10%
$ 35,944.16 25%
$ 43,398.16 50%
$ 48,935.47 75%
$ 60,041.95 90%
#1
University in Michigan by Employers
"One of the Top Public Universities in America"
- Niche.com
A "Best Bang for Your Buck"
By Washington Monthly

Scholarships

Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.

Grand Valley offers myScholarships (a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities. myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you to scholarships for which you might qualify.

Student Organizations

Getting involved and staying engaged with our vibrant campus community help you make the most of your Grand Valley experience. Attending student life events, joining a student organization, or participating in campus recreation opportunities are all fantastic ways to maximize your college years:

You can find biology-specific student organizations here.

Career Advising

Whether you are a first-year student, a transfer student, or a current student thinking about your career options, advising is an important part of your academic journey.

Request Information

Loading...


Page last modified May 5, 2025