MouseDoctor
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If you're a non-traditional or second-career applicant like me, you're likely sitting on a bunch of old coursework from undergrad wondering what the prerequisite expiration policies are like at the different vet schools. I'm posting this thread to share the information I have in one convenient spot.
The information below is for AVMA CoE accredited vet schools in the continental United States only and is up to date as of January 2024. Most of the information is sourced from the school websites, but a few are from conversations I've had with admissions counselors.
I did my best to post the source of the information provided below. I highly recommend e-mailing the admissions team for the vet school you're interested to confirm their policies. They're busy with the current admissions cycle so give them some time to write you back. Those I've reached out to have always written me back eventually.
I couldn't find policies for every school. If anyone has information on the schools with missing info, let me know and I'll update the OP. Same if you find any corrections.
Good luck you guys. It's never too late to give it a shot!
The information below is for AVMA CoE accredited vet schools in the continental United States only and is up to date as of January 2024. Most of the information is sourced from the school websites, but a few are from conversations I've had with admissions counselors.
I did my best to post the source of the information provided below. I highly recommend e-mailing the admissions team for the vet school you're interested to confirm their policies. They're busy with the current admissions cycle so give them some time to write you back. Those I've reached out to have always written me back eventually.
I couldn't find policies for every school. If anyone has information on the schools with missing info, let me know and I'll update the OP. Same if you find any corrections.
Good luck you guys. It's never too late to give it a shot!
Institution | Older coursework expiration | Older coursework policy | Source |
Auburn University | |||
Colorado State | 10 years | Biochemistry, cell biology, genetics and systems physiology must be taken within the last 10 years. Other courses are recommended within 10 years. |
![]() Admission Requirements - Doctor of Veterinary Medicine - D.V.M. ProgramReview admission requirements for the D.V.M. Program, which include prerequisite courses and letters of recommendation.
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Cornell University | None | Science courses taken more than 10 years ago are acceptable, but not preferred. |
Prerequisite Credits and CoursesCredit Requirements 60 completed semester credits (no bachelor's degree required) At least 30 of the 60 credits must be completed at the upper-division level (300- and 400-levels) at a four-year institution. You may apply with up to 12 semester credits (18 quarter credits) of prerequisite course...
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Iowa State | 8 years | Required courses must be completed within the past 8 years. |
College of Veterinary Medicine | Iowa State University Catalog |
Kansas State | 6 years | All required science courses must be taken within the last 6 years. Questions regarding exceptions may be directed to admissions. | |
Lincoln Memorial University | 10 years | Courses for all science prerequisites must have been completed within the last 10 years of application. |
Requirements to Apply |
Long Island University | | ||
Louisiana State | 10 years | Prerequisites will be accepted for up to 10 years from the time of completion to DVM matriculation. |
Prerequisites | LSU Vet Med![]() |
Michigan State | 8 years | Biology coursework expires after 8 years. If any ONE biology prerequisite is completed within the time limit, all other courses beyond the limit will be accepted. | E-mail from admissions counselor |
Midwestern University | |||
Mississippi State | 5 years | The student must update their coursework by completing 6 semester hours of upper-level science or math course work within the previous 5 years. |
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North Carolina State | | ||
Ohio State | 10 years | Science prerequisites expire after 10 years. Letter and resume may be provided to admissions committee to prove mastery in the field and waive expiration. | E-mail from admissions counselor |
Oklahoma State | 8 years | Math and science based courses have to be taken within eight years of the year of application. |
Frequently Asked Questions - Oklahoma State UniversityApplying to veterinary school can be a challenge, but we have resources available for you. Check out some frequently asked questions.
![]() |
Oregon State | None | No expiration date. |
Academic Requirements for AdmissionNo specific undergraduate program is preferred at Oregon State University, but students must complete the prerequisite courses listed below. Many students choose an animal science or biological science major because these bachelor's degree programs generally include most of the pre-veterinary...
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Purdue University | None | Non-traditional applicants apply via VMCAS and are considered equally to all other applicants. |
![]() Frequently Asked QuestionsAnswers to frequently asked questions about the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine.
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Texas A&M University | 10 years | Any required coursework taken more than 10 years ago will need to be retaken. |
![]() PrerequisitesThe prerequisites required for entry into the DVM Professional Program are selected to best prepare applicants for the rigorous curriculum. Applicants are
vetmed.tamu.edu
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Texas Tech University | 10 years | Exceptions to the 10 year requirement may be considered on a case by case basis based on a holistic review of other coursework or experiences by the Admissions Committee. | |
Tufts University | |||
Tuskegee University | 6 years | Only science courses completed within six (6) academic years of the date of application will be considered. |
CVM-Course Requirements | Tuskegee University![]() |
University of Arizona | |||
University of California Davis | None | No expiration date. |
Academic Preparation & Prerequisite CoursesAcademic Preparation & Prerequisites Courses No specific undergraduate program or major is required or preferred for admission into the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. Applicants may select majors and schools on the basis of interest and aptitude as long as prerequisites are...
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University of Florida | | ||
University of Georgia | 10 years | All required science courses must be taken within the last 10 years. |
![]() The Application Process - DVM AdmissionsYou’ve decided to take the next step and apply. Make sure you read through and understand all of the requirements.
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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | None | Applicants who completed a BS/BA degree 6 years or more prior to matriculation for DVM studies at Illinois may petition to have all course work related to the BS/BA studies ignored in the admission decision process. |
Special Considerations - Veterinary Medicine at IllinoisRESIDENCY CONSIDERATIONS IN ADMISSION DEFERRAL OF ADMISSION PETITION FOR DELETION OF FIRST YEAR UNDERGRADUATE GRADES (OPTIONAL) Please contact our office if you have any questions regarding this information. PETITION TO IGNORE ACADEMIC RECORD COMPLETED OVER 6 YEARS AGO... Read More >
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University of Minnesota | 10 years | All math and science prerequisite courses must be recent within 10 years of the application deadline. |
Prerequisite coursesInformation on the prerequisite courses for the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine.
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University of Missouri | |||
University of Pennsylvania | |||
University of Tennessee | |||
University of Wisconsin | |||
Virginia-Maryland | 5 years | Must show at least one current science course OR work experience in the biological or physical sciences, clinical investigation or working as a licensed healthcare provider |
2023-2024 Requirements and Prerequisites |
Washington State | | ||
Western University of Health Sciences | None | No expiration date. | E-mail from admissions counselor |