Veterinary Medicine

Highlights

The 5th oldest veterinary college in the nation, founded in 1899

Hands-on experience with real-world, case-based exercises caring for companion pets, exotics, wildlife, horses, and agricultural animals at WSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital, the Pacific Northwest’s leading veterinary referral hospital.

Humane Society Alliance education program offers learning opportunities to improve the health and behavior of shelter animals at community-based, primary care facilities.

First simulation-based veterinary medicine program to be accredited in the nation, with simulations covering client communications to emergency room procedures.

Distinguished faculty bring science and medical expertise to give you exceptional learning opportunities.

Choose any major to study as an undergraduate while completing prerequisites for the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.

The Honors Accelerated Pre-Veterinary program allows you to get a Bachelor of Science in one of five majors (Animal Sciences, Neuroscience, Microbiology, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Sciences, or Zoology) and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in just seven years.

Externships

Northwest Bovine Veterinary Experience Program – a 6-week summer experience on a dairy farm or local food animal veterinary practice for first- and second-year veterinary students.

Pacific Northwest Salmonid Veterinary Externship Program – a 2-week rotation focusing on herd health management of aquatic species like salmon and trout.

Clinical microbiology externship – a 2-week rotation focusing on infectious disease and diagnosis in the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and the WSU Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology.

Pathology externship – a 2- to 4-week introduction to the combined anatomic pathology residency/graduate training program offered within the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and the WSU Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology.

Career

With a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, you can work in:  

• Private veterinary practice serving companion pets, large animals, or exotics
• Consulting for private businesses or animal shelters
• Research and diagnostic laboratories
• Public health and regulatory medicine

Transfer Students

WSU accepts credit from Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and CLEP exams, associate degrees, Running Start and more.  

You’re considered a transfer student at WSU if you’ve received college credit post-high school.  

Use our Transfer Course Search Tool to determine what courses you need to take at your current institution to transition to WSU smoothly. 

Admission to WSU and admission to your desired major are two separate processes. Contact your academic department for specific requirements and prerequisites unique to your major.   

Scholarships

Complete the General Scholarship Application to be eligible for 700+ WSU scholarship programs, including ones specifically for a major you’re interested in. Use our search tool to find more scholarships outside WSU.  

Fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) to be considered for scholarships, grants, loans, and other forms of aid. 

Internships, Jobs, and Work-study

Find hundreds of student-friendly jobs, internships, and work-study opportunities with our WSU student job board, Handshake. You can also check with departments for internships specific to a major. 

Get advice and learn more at the Academic Success and Career Center.