The Pre-Veterinary Medicine (Pre-Vet) path at FGCU is part of the OneHealth Pre-Professional Studies program. It is not a single course, but a structured course plan and advising track that prepares students for admission to Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) programs. Please remember to reach out the OneHealth Pre-Professional Program Coordinator at prehealth@fgcu.edu for the most personalized support.
BEYOND CLASSROOM
Veterinary Experience (Required)
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Shadow licensed veterinarians in multiple settings:
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Small animal clinics
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Large animal or equine practices
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Wildlife or zoo medicine
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Most veterinary schools require hundreds of hours of experience under a veterinarian's supervision.
Animal Care Experience (Highly Recommended)
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Work or volunteer with animals not under a vet’s supervision, such as:
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Animal shelters or rescues
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Farms or ranches
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Wildlife rehab centers
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This helps demonstrate your comfort and competence with animals in varied environments.
Undergraduate Research (Optional but Valuable)
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Join a research lab in biology, ecology, animal behavior, or microbiology.
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Capstone options like BSC 4910C (Research) or BSC 4944C (Internship) let you gain intensive, mentored experience.
Leadership & Campus Involvement
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Join a pre-vet or pre-health club.
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Take leadership roles in student organizations, especially those related to animals, science, or service.
Community Service
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Volunteer regularly—especially in ways that reflect compassion, responsibility, and communication (core vet values).
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This can be animal-related or broader community work.
Seminar in Medicine Courses (Helpful for Pre-Vet Too)
BSC 1930L / BSC 2930L offer training on:
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Personal statement writing
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Interview prep
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Selecting references and communicating with schools
