Pre-Veterinary Medicine Mentoring Center

 

So you want to become a veterinarian.  We're here to help.

The UW Pre-Veterinary Mentoring Center links veterinarians with students at the University of Wyoming. Our mission is to provide professional mentorship and support to all students at UW interested in pursuing careers in veterinary medicine.  All of our mentors are graduates of veterinary schools accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, are knowledgeable about successful preparation for and application to veterinary schools, and are enthusiastic about helping UW students achieve their goal of joining this rewarding and diverse profession.

Career Options in Veterinary Medicine

Most people think of veterinarians in private practice when discussing this career. Clinical veterinarians may treat any number of animal species including small animals, food animals, horses, companion exotics, zoo animals, and free-ranging wildlife. However, there are a multitude of other options within the field of veterinary medicine. With a veterinary degree you can choose among varying career paths including Private Practice, Public Health, Regulatory Medicine, Teaching & Research, Uniformed Services, and Industry. Veterinarians care for and treat all animals, but they also continuously work to keep people safe, too. Few careers can offer you as much variety or as many challenges as veterinary medicine.

How does the Mentoring Center Work?

Students are provided with a checklist of activities to complete during their mentoring program. This include meeting with their designated faculty mentor at least once per semester to discuss course academic preparedness, veterinary experience, leadership opportunities, and community service. The will develop a portfolio that includes elements of the veterinary school application as well as supporting activities (e.g. diagnostic case reports, internship/experience journals, research documents). Students completing all elements of the mentoring program will be provided a certificate from the UW Mentoring Program which will appear on their academic transcript and be provided to prospective veterinary schools.

Becoming a veterinarian is challenging, are you ready?

You care about animals—livestock, horses, companion animals, wildlife—now you are thinking of taking care of their health as your career. That is quite a commitment, requiring years of hard work and dedication. However, there are few professions as rewarding and fulfilling as veterinary medicine. It IS worth it.
As you begin on your path towards veterinary medicine, we are here to guide and assist you. The process can be a little intimidating, but it can be fun as well. And in the end, you will be ready.