Current students and alumni: click here to learn how to schedule an appointment with a pre-veterinary advisor, learn more about applications, and information on veterinary and veterinary technician programs.

Advising Information

Pre-veterinary advising is available to any current MSU student as well as alumni. We provide guidance to students seeking admission to professional veterinary and vet technician programs. Pre-veterinary advisors work alongside academic advisors in assisting with program selection, pre-requisite course selection, application and interview preparation, and internship and experience guidance. Students are encouraged to meet with a pre-vet advisor at least once a semester. Pre-veterinary advising is currently offered by Dr. Jamie Arndt in Linfield 105.

Book an Appointment

Current MSU Students: Students are encouraged to book through NavMSU. Select General Advising as the care unit, Pre-Veterinary as the location and major/minor exploration if no other options are available. Bear in mind that during peak advising times appointments may be several weeks out. Appointments can be in person at 105 Linfield Hall, virtual via Microsoft Teams or over the phone.

MSU Alumni: Students who are no longer attending MSU may contact Dr. Jamie Arndt at jamie.arndt@montana.edu to book an appointment. Appointments can be in person at 105 Linfield Hall, virtual via Microsoft Teams or over the phone.

Application Information

Application for American Veterinary Medical Association accredited programs is done through the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS). Students must have at least 75% of their pre-requisite courses completed prior to applying. The application cycle begins in January and runs until mid-September and is an 18-month cycle. Students apply for entry to the following academic year, therefore it is not uncommon for students to apply during their junior year. Interviews generally commence during the following year with most admittance decisions made mid April.

For more information regarding the application process, check out: How to Apply - AAVMC.

Application and Interview Assistance

Application and interview assistance is available! Click here to view upcoming clinic dates.

Veterinary Technician Programs and Pathway

To become a licensed veterinary technician, students are required to complete a 2-3 year associate degree and then complete the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). There are a variety of technician programs nationwide, with in person, hybrid and online options available.

Explore the links below to learn more about the career of veterinary technician and AVMA accredited programs.

Veterinarian Programs

To become a doctor of veterinary medicine, students must first complete all pre-requisites required for their programs of choice and then gain admittance into a professional veterinary college. Students who graduate from an accredited program will earn a doctorate of veterinary medicine (DVM). Graduates have the option to work in private practice or go on for more specialty training. For an overview on programs accredited by the AVMA, check out this page: AAVMC | American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges.

To find out more about programs by state and overseas, click this link.

Montana Residents

Montana residents have excellent choices for pursuing a DVM. The Montana Veterinary Program is a cooperative with Washington State University where students complete their first year at MSU and their last three years at WSU. More information about the WA-MT Regional Program in Veterinary Medicine is available here.

Montana residents can apply for veterinary programs and receive tuition savings through the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) through their Professional Student Exchange Program (PSEP). Learn more about that program here!

Have more questions or want to learn more? Contact us at jamie.arndt@montana.edu or set up an appointment through NavMSU!