Veterinary Technology
It is recommended that students interested in pursuing Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary careers complete their Bachelor’s degrees. Requirements for veterinary studies are similar to those of medical students except that Biology courses should be directed towards a Zoology specialty. There are no Veterinary Schools in Puerto Rico.
There is a Veterinary Technology School at the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences campus which could provide the students with further training prior to application to a Veterinary School. It is important to know each particular school's admission criteria before graduating from the Veterinary Technology program in order to be able to fulfill all of the academic requirements.
Veterinary technologists can:
- assist a veterinarian in animal clinics,
- work in animal research centers at university facilities such as those in different UPR campuses or the Primates Center,
- assist in food-related industries such as those involved in milk, meat or other products,
- work in veterinary clinical analysis laboratories in environmental conservation of animal and natural resources,
- work in government agencies, for example the Health or Agricultural Departments.
Information on the different schools in the United States and Canada, application requirements and other information on the veterinary profession can be obtained at the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) website.
Curriculum
The University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras campus offers the minimum 64 credits required to apply to the Veterinary Technology School at the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences campus.
| Courses | Credits |
| English | 6 |
| Spanish | 6 |
| Social Sciences (SOCI 3121-3122) | 6 |
| Pre-Calculus MATH 3018 or 3023-3024 | 4 |
| General Biology BIOL 3101-3102 | 6 |
| General Chemistry CHEM 3001-3002) | 8 |
| Organic Chemistry CHEM 3031-3032 | 8 |
| College Physics (PHYS 3011-3012-3013-3014) | 8 |
| Statistics 1 (MATH 3026) | 3 |
| Electives | 9 |
1. Statistics courses can be from other Colleges, for example the Colleges of Social Sciences or Business Administration.
Additional information:
School of Health Professions
Central Office of Admissions
University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus
Phone: (787) 758-2525 ext. 4001