Pathway to Veterinary Nursing

Are you interested in a fast paced, medical science-based profession? A profession that is centered around the health and welfare of animals? A career that provides you the opportunity to interact and educate the animal-owning public and the health science community? If this sounds like your passion, then Veterinary Nursing is the profession for you. The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine offers several educational pathways for you to achieve your goal.

On-Campus Pathway

This option offers a three-year Associate in Applied Science degree and a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary Nursing.  Students may complete the first year requirements at Purdue, or another college that offers the required first year courses.  All students interested in moving to the second year of the Veterinary Nursing program are required to follow a competitive entry process that is based on their completion of the first year courses.  Please click here to view information about the on-campus pathway.

Distance Learning Pathway

This option offers students the flexibility to obtain an Associate in Applied Science degree completely online while remaining in their current place of residence.  Students often are working in a veterinary facility as a veterinary assistant or are looking for a career change.  This is a part-time program that allows students to move through courses in a manner that fits their life style.  Please click here to view information about the distance learning pathway.

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Pathway

Veterinary nursing is career focused on the nursing aspects of veterinary medicine. If your ultimate goal is to be a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), the veterinary nursing courses will not meet the undergraduate requirements for most veterinary school admissions. Please click here to view information about becoming a veterinarian.