Veterinarians play a major role in the health care of pets, livestock, zoo, sporting, and laboratory animals. Some veterinarians use their skills to protect humans against diseases carried by animals or to conduct clinical research on human and animal health problems. Others work in basic research, broadening the scope of fundamental theoretical knowledge, or in applied research, developing new ways to use knowledge.
Prospective veterinarians must graduate with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) degree from a four-year program at an accredited college of veterinary medicine and must obtain a license to practice.
Learn more about veterinary education and careers in veterinary medicine at the American Veterinary Medical Association website.
Careers and Outcomes
Within six months of graduating, 95 percent of Iowa graduates are employed, continuing education, or not seeking work. Our Pomerantz Career Center offers multiple resources to help students find internships and jobs.
Student Opportunities
In addition to more than 600 student organizations, Iowa students choose from more than 100 study abroad programs and multiple undergraduate research opportunities.
Coursework
The University of Iowa does not offer degree programs in veterinary medicine, but does offer course work to help students prepare to enroll in DVM or VMD programs elsewhere.
You will be assigned an advisor from the Academic Advising Center who specializes in pre-veterinary medicine. Your advisor will help you plan your academic program and select courses each semester and will assist you as you complete pre-veterinary medicine requirements and select a major.
Visit the Academic Advising Center website for more information.