Departmental Degree Plan
PACT-8
Jessica Besancon
Degree: Pre-Veterinary Science
Employer: Arkansas Children’s Hospital
Position: Animal Research Assistant
As an animal research assistant, I assist in performing specific tasks such as surgeries, necropsy, data analysis and formulating diets for the animals. My knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology and animal nutrition has helped me excel in my career. My employer was pleased to know that I had a background in animal science because it made the choice of hiring me a no-brainer and I transitioned into the job seamlessly.
Lauren Riemar
Degree: Pre-Veterinary Science
Employer: Magnolia Veterinary Services
Position: Veterinary Technician
The courses I took helped me get the foot in the door to this clinic. I was also a step ahead in my knowledge of anatomical and physiological side of the animal medicine world.
Karleigh Shaffer
Degree: Pre-Veterinary Science
Employer: LSU School of Veterinary Medicine
Position: Student
My degree helped prepare me for the challenges of veterinary school. It also took me out of my comfort zone because I knew nothing about agriculture, so the degree made me more well-rounded. Ultimately the most helpful part of my degree was the professors who mentored me and helped me achieve my goal of being accepted into veterinary school
| Department: | |
| Hours Required: | 127 |
| Categories: | Major, Minor, Pre-Professional, Undergraduate |
| Delivery: | On-Campus |
Today’s veterinarian is a medically trained, scientifically-oriented professional, capable of rendering many services and accepting wide responsibilities in all areas of animal health and in many areas of public health. Such a challenging career stimulates the interest of students; therefore, the competition for vacancies in veterinary medicine is high.
While most of the pre-veterinary medicine curriculum can be completed in two years, many students are finding it advisable to spend three or four years in completing these requirements. During this time, they also take additional courses leading to a degree in agricultural sciences. Many students are completing degrees before they enter a college of veterinary medicine.
Interested students should anticipate spending three to four years at college preparing for admission to any school of veterinary medicine. Students trying for admission need to maintain a high grade point average in college, especially in science courses. After receiving the applications, some schools arrange for interviews with prospective students to gauge their interest and knowledge of veterinary medicine and their likely success as a veterinarian. Students should have previously gained exposure to veterinary medicine, possibly by working with one or more veterinarians.
The Department of Agriculture always stands ready to assist students in fulfilling their pre-veterinary medicine requirements, whether they wish to do it in a two-year span or over three or four years. The supporting departments at the University – including biology, chemistry, and English – offer quality courses that provide students with an excellent background for the pursuit of veterinary medicine.
Learning Goals
- Our graduates communicate effectively
- Our students acquire knowledge of agricultural systems to make ethical and informed decisions relating to food and fiber production
- Our students can assimilate knowledge to develop critical thinking skills related to agriculture production and science
- Our graduates understand the value of technology and its application in Agricultural Communication and Agriculture Production
- Our graduates possess knowledge in the field of Agriculture
