Pre-Veterinary Experience

It is important to gain experience working with veterinarians, animal owners and a wide range of large, small, food, and exotic animals. 

You can begin by arranging brief informational interviews with veterinarians listed in the yellow pages, asking them what they do, what they like about their jobs, what they don't like about their jobs, and what advice they have for people interested in entering the profession. You may also want to arrange to job shadow for a few days.

Dr. James Bresnahan, 864-4267, jbresnahan@ku.edu, the Director of the Animal Care Administration program for research animals is a veterinarian on campus who has offered to talk with interested students.

Most of our candidates gain additional experience by working as an assistant in a veterinary practice. The folks in University Career & Employment Services, 864-3624, 110 Burge Union, www.kucareerhawk.com, can help you put together a resume. Then, look up all the local vet clinics in a phone book. Introduce yourself, and leave a resume that they can keep on file. Check back every month or two to let offices know you are still interested. Also, let your friends and family know  you're looking for a job as a vet assistant. 

There are many other ways to gain experience. You can look for work in pet stores and stables. You can also volunteer with organizations like the Humane Society, 864-6835, and THRIL-Therapuetic Horseback Riding Instruction of Lawrence, 841-9740.

In addition to fossils and stuffed displays, the KU Natural History Museum maintains a small collection of live animals. For information on work and volunteer opportunities, call 864-4540.

Part of veterinary medicine is applied science, and it is helpful to know how this knowledge is developed. Working on a research project is also a good way to earn a substantial recommendation letter from a faculty member who knows you well. Most students volunteer their help, some earn directed study credit, and a very few are paid for their assistance. Demonstrate your aptitude in basic science courses, then let faculty members know you are interested in conducting research.

For the Biological Sciences Division, you can find some information posted at www.ku.edu/cgiwrap/kuub/uro.php. The folks in the main office, 2045 Haworth, have also helped students arrange summer internships, including an internship at the Kansas City Zoo