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Veterinary Nursing

Purdue University in West Lafayette

A Purdue Veterinary Nursing degree prepares graduates to be integral members of the veterinary healthcare team. The program encompasses the nursing care and handling of pets, livestock and exotic animals. From medical nursing of veterinary patients to laboratory procedures and from cats to cattle, learn how to care for patients in your neighborhood and the world. The Veterinary Nursing Program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and boasts excellent pass rates on the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). Students in the Program receive more than 1,200 clinical hours in the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital.

If your goal is to be a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), learn more about pre-vet opportunities at Purdue.

Purdue Veterinary Nursing offers multiple options for students including a traditional on-campus bachelor degree with entry in the fall semester only. There is also a distance learning (online) associate's degree offering admission three times each year. Students with an associate's degree in veterinary technology from an AVMA-accredited institution can pursue a bachelor's degree completion program at Purdue with entry in the summer semester only. For information, visit Veterinary Nursing.

NOTE:  The first year of Veterinary Nursing is the entry point for all first-time freshman students at Purdue. The Veterinary Nursing Clinical Years (2-4) allow for a maximum of 30 students. Entry into the Clinical Years, beginning in year two of the curriculum, is a competitive entry process. For detailed information, visit Veterinary Nursing.

Applying

Application Process for On-Campus Programs

  • Future Freshmen (on-campus program) - November 1 is the priority deadline for the freshman application for fall enrollment. Priority means we will continue accepting applications after this date only if space allows. 
    • As part of the Purdue questions on the application, students interested in veterinary nursing will answer questions related to experience in a veterinary setting. 
  • Transfer Students - The application for transfer students for fall enrollment becomes available on January 15th. March 1st is the deadline to apply.

Application Process for Distance Learning Program


Plan of Study

Veterinary Nursing, BS

Veterinary Nursing, AAS

Veterinary Nursing Distance Learning, AAS

Veterinary Nursing Bachelor Completion, BS

Veterinary Nursing Webpage

Transfer to Veterinary Nursing

Purdue admits to individual majors. Transfer students must meet Purdue's overall transfer criteria, as well as any major-specific requirements. Before you apply, check the closed programs page to confirm this major is open to transfer students. If it is, refer to the information below for major-specific transfer criteria.

Associate in Applied Science and Bachelor of Science applicants:

Minimum GPA: 2.5

Program availability: Available for Fall enrollment only.

Additional Requirements:  Transfer students all begin in the second, or clinical year, of the BSVN degree program. Completion of first-year coursework increases the student’s competitiveness for admission. The Veterinary Nursing Admissions Committee reviews applications in February.  Top applicants are invited to interview.  Interviews take place in early March. Applicants selected for admission to the program will be notified by the end of April.

Applicants who have a degree from an AVMA-accredited program and want to apply for the Bachelor of Science completion option:

Minimum GPA: 2.5

Program availability: Available for Summer enrollment only

Additional Requirements: The Veterinary Nursing Admissions Committee reviews applications in February.  Top applicants are invited to interview.  Interviews take place in early March. Applicants selected for admission to the program will be notified by the end of April.


Contact Information

Veterinary Nursing Office
(765) 496-6579
vetnurse@purdue.edu

College of Veterinary Medicine
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Careers in Veterinary Nursing

Bachelor of Science 

  • Animal housing managers
  • Biomedical research technologists
  • Clinical team leaders
  • Pharmaceutical sales representative
  • Specialty practice technologist
  • Teaching technologist

Associate of Science 

  • Clinical technologists
  • Anesthesia
  • Dental care
  • Laboratory sample collection and analysis
  • Radiology
  • Surgical/Operating room technician
  • Nursing

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