Connect with Veterinary Programs at the 2012 AAVMC College Fair

If you’re a high school student considering pre-professional programs in veterinary medicine or if you’re simply curious about what it takes to become a veterinarian, consider attending the eighth annual Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) Veterinary Medical Career Fair and Information Sessions scheduled for Sunday, March 11, from 2:30 to 5 p.m., at the Westin Hotel in Alexandria.

Representatives from national and international colleges of veterinary medicine will be on hand to offer advice and answer questions about veterinary medical careers and the credentials necessary to attend any of the AAVMC member institutions.

“This continues to be the largest recruiting event in the nation for students interested in veterinary medicine,” explained Lisa Greenhill, AAVMC associate executive director for institutional research and diversity. “Hundreds of students, parents, and advisors attend each year to make important connections to colleges. And this year’s event is shaping up to be the biggest yet!”

Veterinary medical careers can range from companion animal care to military veterinary medicine, shelter practice or options in public health where there are shortages of veterinarians. And some of the best-known programs in the country are expanding to meet these needs—28 accredited vet colleges have increased their class size in recent years, some by up to 50 percent according to Inside Higher Ed.

For high school students, the choice of undergraduate school could possibly fast track acceptance to many of these veterinary medical colleges as opportunities exist for early admission to DVM programs by bypassing completion of the BS.

This year’s AAVMC event will offer five information sessions in addition to the college fair. The first session will feature an overview of the veterinary profession followed by a workshop for high school students focusing on things to consider when choosing an undergraduate institution. In addition, a coaching session will be held for undergraduate/graduate students applying to veterinary school in the next one to two years. The program will conclude with workshops focusing on careers in companion animal medicine and Vet Corps/military service.

Colleges participating in this year’s fair include

• Auburn University
• Cornell University
• Drexel University
• Iowa State University
• Kansas State University
• North Carolina State University
• Northern Virginia Community College (Vet Tech Program)
• Oklahoma State University
• Purdue University
• Royal Veterinary College
• St. George’s University
• St. Matthew’s University
• University of Georgia
• University of Glasgow
• University of Tennessee
• University of Wisconsin
• Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
• Western University of Health Sciences

“Visitors to the college fair should be sure to ask about summer programs and how to get meaningful veterinary-related experiences while still in high school,” said Ms. Greenhill. “Young researcher programs are also available with undergraduate ‘feeder’ opportunities at some vet schools.”

Students are strongly encouraged to register in advance. Last year’s event was extremely well attended, and registration helps conference organizers do a better job. More information and the schedule of information sessions may be found on the AAVMC website.

By the way if you can't attend the fair, you can find some amazing information on how to become a veterinarian on the AAVMC website, including tips on how to finance a veterinary education. Check it out!