Accelerated honors program for future veternarians

Emily Austin, a WSU sophomore and zoology major, says the accelerated Honors Veterinary Medicine program was one of the main factors that drew her to WSU.

The College of Veterinary Medicine and the Honors College have partnered up to provide an exceptional opportunity for motivated undergraduate students who are dedicated to a profession in veterinary medicine: through early admission to the DVM  program, students can become a veterinarian in just seven years.

“It was exciting to think that I could start vet school a year early because I felt I would be ready before four years of undergrad,” Austin said. “And even if I had not gotten in, the experience of going through the application process early in my undergrad career was a great opportunity,” she explained.

Students who are interested in this program must apply to WSU and the Honors College as a high school senior. During their first year, interested students select must one of five undergraduate majors: animal sciences, microbiology, neuroscience, wildlife ecology, or zoology.

The following summer, Honors College students who have successfully completed their first year and have indicated an interest in attending veterinary school are invited to apply for early admission to the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine DVM professional program.

Claire Stein, another zoology major admitted to the program, says that the WSU School of Biological Sciences excells in preparing students for veterinary school.

“The faculty in the School of Biological Sciences really care about individual students and their success,” Stein says. “It is really nice to be able to have so many faculty members on your side, rooting for you. It’s been a great experience and the professors have all been incredible,” she explained.

Austin tells students who are interested in becoming a veterinarian and want to be admitted into this program to, “go outside of your comfort zone to get involved in the veterinary world. It’s so critical to get experience and exposure as early as possible.” She also recommends being “involved in something other than school and vet med. Stay focused on your career goals but also find things you’re passionate about.”

For more information about the application process, visit the WSU Honors Veterinary Medicine program website.

Top photo: Emily Austin (left) and Claire Stein

By Hailey Meyer for the School of Biological Sciences