A degree in food technology for companion animals can be an excellent pre-professional program preceding a professional program in veterinary medicine. As a Food Technology for Companion Animals student at NEBRASKA, you have the opportunity to succeed.  Food Technology for Companion Animals has ...

1. Small class sizes
2. Research opportunities for every student
3. Classes taught by renowned faculty members
4. Thousands of dollars in scholarships available
5. One-on-one student advising by faculty members
6. National and international travel opportunities
7. Opportunities to shadow or intern with numerous pet food companies
8. Four jobs available per graduate nationwide with companies like Nestle Purina, IAMS and more

To learn more about these opportunities, explore our web site or schedule a campus visit.

Tips to making the cut into veterinary school …

Select an undergraduate program in which you will succeed.
Veterinary schools are not particular about the major you choose but do look for academic success and a few specific courses.  Opt for a program that excites you and one that will help your application stand out amongst the competition.

Develop a relationship with a faculty mentor.
Faculty members that know you help guide you and open doors of opportunity for you.  They also write great letters of recommendation.  University faculty have broad connections with colleagues, competitors and former students that can help their students make connections.

Conduct real research in a laboratory.
Having a research project in a health-related area is like gravy on your professional school application.  It shows you can solve problems like veterinarians need to do everyday.  Success in the laboratory also shows perseverance, reliability, ingenuity and dedication … all traits valuable to a health professional.

Access as many scholarships as possible.
Professional school is expensive.  Having someone else pay for your undergraduate degree reduces the cost to you and the student loan payments you get to make later.

Get involved.
Veterinarians are leaders in their communities.  Start developing these skills in college through any number of clubs and organizations.  In any profession, networking with others often leads to the next internship or job.  Clubs are a great way to connect with your peers outside of the classroom.

Have a back-up plan.
Unfortunately, far more applicants do not get accepted to regional veterinary schools than do.  A degree that can lead to a successful career is a good “just in case”. Life shouldn’t end if you have to change course along the way, and planning ahead can make the trip a little smoother. A science background can lead to many rewarding careers focused on impacting people’s and pets’ lives everyday.