Bachelor of Science - Agriculture - Pre-Veterinary Medicine

The Pre-Veterinary Medicine program at APSU prepares students for successful application to veterinary schools at institutions accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, like the University of Tennessee, Auburn University, Lincoln Memorial University, and many others. Students interested in this field typically have a strong background in Math and Science. Most will have a passion for helping animals of all types. Some will have a special interest in animal and even human health, since zoonotic diseases and livestock health and wellbeing directly affect humans. Successful Pre-Vet students are motivated to maintain a high gpa and gain many hours of veterinary guided animal experience which will aid in making them a competitive candidate for vet school admission. Future veterinarians should possess these traits: Communication skills: Strong communication skills are essential for veterinarians, who must be able to discuss their recommendations and explain treatment options to animal owners and give instructions to their staff. Compassion: Veterinarians must be compassionate when working with animals and their owners. They must treat animals with kindness and respect, and they must be sensitive when dealing with the animal owners. Decision-making skills: Veterinarians must decide the correct method for treating the injuries and illnesses of animals. Manual dexterity: Veterinarians must control their hand movements and be precise when treating injuries and performing surgery. Problem-solving skills: Veterinarians need strong problem-solving skills because they must figure out what is ailing animals. Those who test animals to determine the effects of drug therapies also need excellent diagnostic skills. Agriculture courses are delivered in small class settings with individual attention from faculty with experience and expertise in agriculture and veterinary science. Students have an opportunity for hands-on learning at the 440-acre University Farm and Environmental Education Center to study livestock, companion animals and wildlife. This Pre-Veterinary concentration will prepare students to work with a wide variety of animal patients—everything from livestock to exotic pets. Students have the opportunity to be advised by a veterinarian that is also an Austin Peay Pre-Vet concentration alum, providing them with a unique perspective as they complete the curriculum and prepare for applying to veterinary schools.