If you have a strong interest in science and want to work in the animal industry, a career in veterinary medicine might be for you. There is a saying that veterinarians are medical doctors who are not limited to one species of animal. This is very true. In training to become a veterinarian, you will learn about cattle, horses, sheep, pigs, poultry, dogs, cats, and other animals, including wildlife. So what is involved in the long road to becoming a veterinarian?

University of Kentucky offers the Certificate of Pre-Veterinary Science as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in Lexington, United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 1 year, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for pre-veterinary science and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on August 21, 2027.
About Certificate in Pre-Veterinary Science
Disciplines
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Certificate in Pre-Veterinary Science at University of Kentucky
Entry Requirements
- Freshman Admission: Applicants who have not attended a college or university upon completion of secondary school AND who have met all requirements including English proficiency as noted below.
- Transfer Admission : Applicants who have attended a college or university upon completion of secondary school AND met all requirements including English proficiency as noted below.
- Non-degree Admission: Applicants who are exchange or visiting students.
- Conditional Admission: Applicants who meet UK’s academic requirements for admission but do not meet the minimum language proficiency requirement or the departmental specific requirements (such as certain SAT/ACT math scores for Engineering and Nursing).
- Students who are offered conditional admission because of English may either resubmit a higher TOEFL/IELTS score or enroll in UK's Center for English as a Second Language program. The duration of these courses will depend on placement test results and individual student progress. Upon successful completion of the English language course(s), the student will move seamlessly into a degree program at UK. This means no TOEFL/IELTS scores will be required if students complete CESL.
- Students who require a higher math score for Engineering may submit a higher score or switch their intended major to a program that does not have specific requirements.
- No additional application is required for Conditional Admission.
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6
- TOEFLMin 71
Career Opportunities after Completing Certificate in Pre-Veterinary Science
The Path to Becoming a Veterinarian
One year prior to completing all of the required courses, you should apply for admission to veterinary schools. Approximately one in three students is accepted into veterinary schools as an in-state or contract student. Acceptance rates steeply drop and tuition fees steeply rise for out-of-state students. If you are accepted, you will have a rigorous four years of study ahead.
Veterinarians can plan careers in many areas:
- practice veterinary medicine in private clinics
- enter an internship or residency program to become a specialist in an area such as reproduction, surgery, or zoo animal medicine
- become a teacher or researcher, usually with an additional degree of Masters or Ph.D.
- work for private industry or public health departments or
- join the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps or the U.S. Air Force as veterinary officers
Tuition and Fee Information for Certificate in Pre-Veterinary Science at University of Kentucky
How to Apply for Certificate in Pre-Veterinary Science at University of Kentucky
1. Complete UK International Application for Undergraduate Admission or Common Application
2. $60 Application processing fee (non-refundable)
3. Official transcripts in English
4. English proficiency directly from testing center:
- TOEFL: 71 iBT, 543 IPT (UK administered)
- TOEFL Essentials: 7.5
- IELTS: 6.0
- Duolingo: 105
5. Optional tests: ACT / SAT (M+CR) Scores
- ACT school code: 1554 | SAT school code - 1837
- Required for engineering programs and scholarships
Priority Deadline:
- December 1 for Fall semester (August start)
- October 15 for Spring semester (January start)
*Scholarship deadline for freshmen international undergraduate students is December 1.

United States of America, Lexington