Veterinary School Prep Program
Ready to launch your veterinary career? Ross Vet’s one-semester Vet Prep program is your springboard. Gain essential knowledge, skills, and terminology to excel in our Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. Students who are offered the program and pass are guaranteed a spot in the next first-semester class.
Vet Prep Admissions Requirements
Academic Requirements
- Completion of prerequisites, a minimum of 48 credits of college work and we strongly recommend that you complete your undergraduate program
- Completion of the equivalent of 150 hours of veterinary professional experience
- Proof of English proficiency, if English is not your first language
Supporting Documents
- Personal essay
- Official undergraduate transcripts
- Official GRE scores (optional)
- Two signed letters of recommendation (one academic and one professional)
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume
Prerequisite Coursework
- You must have a minimum of 48 credits of college work that includes all vet school prerequisites. We also strongly recommend you complete your undergraduate program.
- We require grades of C minus (-) or better for all prerequisite courses. Prerequisite coursework completed within 10 years of your application year is preferred but not required. Review all our prerequisite coursework requirements here.
Not sure if your previous coursework meets the requirements? Contact our admissions department today to get clarification.
Get Ready For Prep
You're one-stop shop. Our Coursework and Supplies page is your go-to resource. From in-depth course descriptions to recommended textbooks and surgical supplies, we've got you covered.
*Statistically representative of students admitted into Vet Prep program for the 2023-2024 academic year (Sept '23, Jan '24, May'24).
Ross Vet Prep Program: Maximize Your Potential
- Guaranteed Success: Pass Vet Prep and secure your DVM spot. Vet Prep students have gone on to do great things on campus and beyond, including serving as president of the Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA) president.
- Early Advantage: Gain essential skills and knowledge before starting your DVM. Get familiar with block exams and professor teaching styles.
- Hands-On Experience: Learn through practical work and wet labs. Join student clubs and find research opportunities for added experience.
- Holistic Development: Explore, network, and build confidence throughout the program. Explore the beautiful island of St. Kitts and experience new cultures and new friends on our diverse campus.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are two ways applicants are considered for the Vet Prep program:
1) There are three possible decision outcomes for a DVM applicant: accept, deny and Vet Prep. The Admissions Committee may offer a Vet Prep decision after the holistic review of a DVM application.
2) Prospective students can apply directly to the Vet Prep program using the following link.
Vet Prep is a 14-week program designed to provide aspiring veterinary medical students with a strong foundation in the basic sciences. Courses include introductions to microbiology, animal structural biology, and cellular biology and homeostasis. Introduction to clinical reasoning is a separate course, though its principles are used throughout the Vet Prep program. You may also benefit from a transitional course that introduces you to the academic veterinary medicine program and promotes and study skills.
Vet Prep instructors hold either a DVM, PhD or both in their field and have experience teaching medical, undergraduate or graduate-level students.
Vet Prep mimics a similar structure to the DVM program. Each week, you will participate in a combination of lectures and labs.
Individual instructors will determine the requirements and consequences for attendance, which will be approved by Curriculum Committee and described, in writing, at the beginning of each course in the course syllabi.
RUSVM is non-sectarian and does not close for the religious holidays of any specific denomination or group. Students who miss classes or laboratories without an approved excused absence will be responsible for the content of all missed course work. Examinations scheduled to occur on religious holidays will not be rescheduled.
As specified in the course syllabus at the beginning of a course, attending examinations and other required exercises is mandatory, except in the case an approved excused absence.
Students who do not successfully complete the Vet Prep program will not be admitted to the Ross Vet DVM program.
Vet Prep is offered in-person on our St. Kitts campus in the Caribbean.
Like our DVM students, Vet Prep students live in off-campus housing in St. Kitts. Our Housing Department provides housing assistance to students and will work with you to find affordable and secure housing that meets your needs prior to your arrival on island.
No, please note that the Vet Prep program is not eligible for Title IV funds through FAFSA® and you will be required to pay tuition out of pocket or by private loan. You can apply for financial aid before you begin Semester 1 of the DVM program via the FAFSA® form at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. If you need any assistance or have any questions, please email or finaid@rossu.edu call us at 732-509-3051.
