Veterinary science

Veterinary Science
Undergraduate Certificate

You’ve pictured a career nursing animals of all types back to health — pets, livestock and exotic species. To get there, veterinary school not only transforms your dreams into practical skills but also delivers key experiences and scientific knowledge in preparation for exams and professional licensure.

Toward this goal, you may have entered a pre-veterinary program or undergraduate major that helps you fulfill relevant prerequisites. Yet, this approach often delivers a selective snapshot of what you’ll do in the real world and the rigors of your future training. An undergraduate certificate in veterinary science from Mizzou Online will take you a step further.

Mizzou Online's course of study complements your undergraduate efforts, connecting general anatomy, physiology and other scientific concepts with the terminology and animal health framework you’ll acquire as you pursue a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM). This pathway helps enhance your application, gives you the tools to excel once accepted and adds an occupation-specific perspective of biomedical science. Additionally, the program’s 16 credit hours enrich the core skills of veterinary technicians holding an associate degree.

Please note: The undergraduate certificate in veterinary science is not a professional program in veterinary medicine and does not supplant professional training in veterinary medicine or veterinary technology.

About the Online Undergraduate Certificate in Veterinary Science

Following your undergraduate studies, the journey to a DVM involves multiple stages. Courses in animal anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, nutrition, immunology and surgical techniques introduce you to a broad spectrum of health concerns affecting animals, from cats and dogs to lizards and livestock.

Starting in the classroom and then out in the field, you’ll participate in various clinical rotations — experiences that allow you to not only put techniques into practice but handle and care for a range of species. You’ll also get a glimpse of what veterinarians do, from ensuring owners keep on top of their pets’ vaccinations and seasonal tick prevention to supporting the health of horses and cattle in the agriculture industry.

As a third factor, you’ll study diseases and other animal health concerns in a laboratory environment under the guidance of respected researchers.

To get here, you’ll begin applying to veterinary schools as you wrap up your undergraduate degree. Applications generally show you took prerequisite courses in anatomy, physiology, zoology, nutrition, immunobiology and histology. At the same time, veterinary schools assess engagement and readiness — in this case, volunteer opportunities placing you in direct contact with animals illustrate your commitment and exposure to this career path.

Mizzou Online's undergraduate certificate program in veterinary science ties these elements together:

• You explore the overlap between biomedical, health and veterinary science, particularly in regard to disease, treatments and other interventions.
• You develop the vocabulary and ethical foundation to surge ahead in veterinary school — from understanding the names of instruments and tools to the significance of animal welfare in agriculture.
• You strengthen your problem-solving and critical thinking skills — essential for making discoveries in the lab and cultivating your expertise during clinical placements.
• A focus on veterinary-specific scientific knowledge highlights your drive to enter and succeed in this challenging occupation and further bolsters your application.