Vet program accepts first applications
USU’s new doctor of veterinary medicine program, has already seen 42 submitted applications after Monday’s national application deadline. The program holds 30 open positions — 20 spots for Utah residents and 10 for out-of-state students.
Following the application process, the partner program with Washington State University will be one step closer to opening in the fall of 2012.
“It’s starting,” said Skyler Di Stefano, College of Agriculture public relations specialist. “The ball is rolling, and next fall will begin the first actual classes.”
Although applications were due Oct. 3, the process is not yet complete. Some schools still require a supplemental application in addition to the national application, as in the case of USU-Washington State. Supplemental applications for USU are due Monday, Oct. 10, said Pre-Vet Club Supervisor Rusty Stott, a clinical assistant professor.
Admission into the program involves multiple components, all of which are evaluated in the student’s application. Criteria include a student’s overall GPA, specifically looking at how the student did in the sciences as well as the individual’s GRE score. Students must submit three letters of recommendation, one of which has to come from a practicing veterinarian, Stott said. In January, applicants chosen will receive an interview, which will determine acceptance into the program. If accepted, notification will come in the first couple weeks of February.
Audrey Raby, a senior majoring in animal, dairy and veterinary science with an animal and dairy emphasis, is applying to the new vet program.
“For me the application wasn’t too bad,” Raby said. “If you have put in the time and effort into doing well in school and getting your hours with a vet, its really only a matter of putting it on paper. It’s working up toward applying that’s the big deal.”
Continual high grades, involvement since high school and following the footsteps of those she admired were steps Raby said she has taken toward to build a solid application.
The program is what is commonly known as a 2-plus-2 program, meaning students admitted to the program will spend the first two years studying at USU and the next two at Washington State, Di Stefano said.
The first two years of the program include regular classes such as anatomy, pathology and immunology, said Alexis Sweat, another applicant. In the third year students begin doing surgery labs, followed by clinical rotations and then working in a teaching hospital in the fourth year.
“Now that we have the program, it gives the opportunity for students to receive a great education at a much less cost,” Di Stefano said.
“I would definitely prefer to go here, because it’s closer to home and more financially viable, because we get in-state tuition, which helps with a lot of debt after school,” Sweat said.
A few years ago students were prepared themselves for large amounts of debt that come with a doctor of veterinary medicine degree, Raby said.
“Programs such as this broaden the scope in reach of opportunities for students who want to pursue vet degrees,” Di Stefano said.
“Being a vet kind of encompasses everything that I love,” Sweat said. “I love science, I love animals, I love being outdoors, I love people in the agricultural community, I love being a part of that lifestyle, and this is one way that I’ve chosen to do that throughout my lifetime.”
Further progress continues as program developers continue to seek out faculty members. With only one committed faculty member at this time, the program’s faculty should be different from other graduate programs, Stott said.
“Most classes have a main coordinator, but we will be recruiting faculty from other places to lecture in their specialty areas,” Stott said.
– allie.jeppson3@gmail.com