Oregon State University VETERINARY School (USA)

How Much Does Vet School Cost at Oregon State University?

If you are ready to join the Beaver Nation, you can achieve your dream of becoming a veterinarian at Oregon State University Veterinary School.

Tuition fees for a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree are a top concern when applying to a university. The DVM program expenses at Oregon State Vet School for a resident can be around $47,311.00, and for a non-resident, the costs are about $72,615.00.

Cost Breakdown for Oregon State Vet School

The table below contains a breakdown of expected costs estimated by the university.

Description	Resident / WICHE*	Non-resident
Tuition and Fees	$27,355.00	$52,659.00
Room and Board	$13,200.00	$13,200.00
Books and Supplies	$1,200.00	$1,200.00
Miscellaneous / Personal	$2,166.00	$2,166.00
Health insurance	$2,814.00	$2,814.00
Transportation	$576.00	$576.00
Loan fees	$90.00	$90.00
TOTAL	$47 311.00	$72 615.00

*Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education

A Historical Overview of the Oregon State University Veterinary School

Until 1975 there was no veterinary college in the state of Oregon. However, there was a great need for veterinarians. The College of Veterinary Medicine establishment at Oregon State University started at Magruder Hall. The veterinary teaching facility included a large animal clinical service built in 1979.

In 1979, the first class of veterinary students entered the College and earned their DVM degrees at the Oregon State University in 1983. Students at the time were required to spend a year at Washington State University in Pullman to train in small animal medicine and surgery.

The expansion of Magruder Hall in 2001 included adding a small animal clinical service to the veterinary teaching hospital. The program then provided all four years of instruction for the DVM in the Oregon state of Oregon.

Magruder Hall underwent more alterations in 2004, and the university opened the small animal clinic in May 2005. The Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and clinic opened up the doors for public health services to expand diagnostic testing for zoonotic diseases in state and national disease surveillance programs.

All the Offerings of Veterinary School at Oregon State

The Veterinary school is named the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine in honor of Dr. Gary R. Carlson’s parents. Dr. Carlson was a Portland native and Oregon State University alumnus, who became a veterinary dermatologist in California.

Dr. Carlson gifted OSU with a $50 million donation in 2018, which made the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine the first named college at Oregon State University and the second named veterinary school in the nation.

Location

Oregon State University in Corvallis is home to the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine.

How Many Students Get Accepted Per Year?

Any veterinary student loves to know the odds. Approximately forty Oregon residents and thirty-two non-residents get admission each year into the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine at OSU. Listed below are the application statistics for OSU.

Description	Total Applications	Positions
Residents	114	40
Non-residents	971	35
WICHE*	83	4
Total	1,168	79

*Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education

Admission Criteria for US Students

The admission criteria for any veterinary degree are daunting. It takes a significant amount of commitment and effort to meet the expected high standards. The Oregon State University vet school prerequisites include academic, leadership, and practical skills.

The academic profile for students attending Oregon State Vet School consists of the following:

An average cumulative GPA of 3.53.
An average Science GPA of 3.47.
An average prerequisite GPA of 3.46.
An average last 45 Credit hour GPA of 3.67.

Students may complete the prerequisite coursework at a four-year institution, community college (for lower-division prerequisites), or an accredited online program. Animal Science or Biological Science majors include most of the pre-veterinary requirements.

Some programs will benefit students accepted into the DVM degree after their junior year as credits earned in their first year of vet school qualify for credits towards a bachelor’s degree.

Completing the following prerequisite undergraduate courses is a requirement for admission consideration into the OSU Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine.

Science Degree Prerequisites:

Introductory Biology – A course sequence in biology (two semester or three-quarter courses). OSU BI 221, 222, and 223 or BI 204, 205, and 206 (restricted to degree-seeking e-campus students)
Advanced Biological Sciences – At least four additional semesters or six additional quarter credits of upper-division biological science courses with at least one laboratory.
Physics – A course sequence in physics for science majors (two-semester or two quarter courses). OSU PH 201 and 202 (PH 203 is optional).
General Chemistry – A course sequence in general chemistry with laboratories (2 semester or three-quarter courses). OSU CH 121, 122, 123 or CH 231, 232, and 233.
Organic Chemistry – A minimum of one semester or two quarters of organic chemistry. OSU CH 331 and 332.
Biochemistry – A minimum of one semester or two quarter courses of upper-division biochemistry. OSU BB 450 and 451.
Genetics – A course in general genetics that includes both Mendelian and molecular genetics (one semester or one quarter course). OSU ANS 378, BI 311, or FW 370.
Mathematics – A course or course sequence in college-level algebra and trigonometry, or higher-level math such as calculus.
Physiology – A course in animal or human physiology (one semester or one quarter course). OSU ANS 314, Z 431, or Z 423.
Statistics – A course in statistics (one semester or one quarter course). OSU ST 201 or ST 351.

General Education Prerequisites

English – At least four semester or six quarter English writing credits,including English composition and technical writing.
Public Speaking – At least one semester or one-quarter course of public speaking.
Humanities/Social Sciences – At least eight semester or twelve quarter credits of humanities or social sciences courses.

Elective courses that can prepare prospective DVM students for a science degree include animal science, business, embryology, and microbiology courses.

Step-by-Step Application Process for Oregon State University Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine:

VMCAS application process completed online. VMCAS applications for 2022/23 open on January 22, 2022, and close on September 15, 2022.
You must request all official transcripts and send them directly to VMCAS by September 15, 2022.
Each transcript must be in an institutional letterhead envelope and sealed by the Registrar’s Office. Sealed envelopes and transcripts marked “Issued to Student” are acceptable.
Include all institutions you have attended, even if the courses you took do not seem relevant to veterinary medicine.

Applicants can submit any college credit transcripts earned in high school from the college granting the credit. They should also submit grade conversions for schools using grading systems other than the 4.0 letter-grade scale.

Applicants must complete electronic letters of recommendation with a minimum of three letters. Completion of at least one of the letters must be by a DVM to process an application.
Establish and ensure that you complete the required prerequisite courses or complete them by August 2023.
The completion of the Oregon State University supplemental application questions through VMCAS is required.
Applicants must make the online supplemental application fee of $50.00. However, payments by mail are not accepted.

Interviews

OSU admissions committee reviews all eligible Oregon resident applications and selects candidates that qualify for interviews. Members of the veterinary community, as well as faculty staff, participate in the interview process. Candidates are informed of interviews 3-4 weeks before the interview date, usually in January.

The Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format consist of a series of short, structured interview stations to assess the non-cognitive qualities of applicants. These qualities include cultural sensitivity, maturity, teamwork, empathy, reliability, and communication skills.

Candidates receive a question or scenario and have two minutes to prepare an answer. Each candidate spends six minutes with the assessor. The candidate’s performance receives an evaluation, and then they move on to the next station.

The situational questions posed in an MMI may touch on the following areas:

Ethical Decision Making.
Critical Thinking.
Communication Skills.
Leadership/Management Skills.
Self-Awareness.

The MMI does not test veterinary knowledge. It evaluates thought processes and critical thinking ability.

Non-resident applicants do not qualify for interviews.

Applicants invited for interviews will be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement before the MMI.

Residency Requirements

Oregon residents require certification as in-state residents by September 1, 2023. Residents should address any concerns regarding residency certification to the OSU Office of Admissions Residency Classification Officer.

WICHE Applicants

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) is a contract between the states of Arizona, Hawaii, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Wyoming. The WICHE Compact selects the top-ranked certified students to be sponsored by their home state.

Students from WICHE states must apply to their home state for certification no later than October 15.

Notification of Admission Status

Admission notification appears on the Application Portal between December and February. The admission office also sends an admission email notification to all applicants.

Student Selection Criteria

The Oregon State University Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine Admissions Committee aims to select applicants with the following strengths:

A high probability of academic success in completing the professional program

Assessment of an applicant’s academic history helps establish if they would be able to cope and succeed in the veterinary curriculum. Several factors considered include:

GPA: The evaluation of both undergraduate and graduate grades. On average most students with a GPA of 3.5-3.7 gain admission into the program.
Course composition: Consideration of the performance and the quantity and quality of upper-division science courses.
Academic credit load: Students that perform well when taking on heavy course loads (15 or more credits per term) are more likely to cope with the veterinary curriculum.
Work or family demands during school.
Obstacles overcome: This factor includes circumstances, disadvantages, and adverse situations that an applicant has overcome during their lifetime.

Possession of the qualities deemed valuable in a veterinarian

The admissions committee is more likely to select students with the following qualities:

Interpersonal skills
Communication skills
Compassion
Integrity
Maturity
Motivation
Civic and community-mindedness
Diversity of interests and activities
Leadership in student or community organizations
Scientific curiosity and analytical skills

Evaluation of VMCAS and supplemental applications combined with the applicant’s letters of recommendation occurs during the interview process.

The Admissions Committee reserves the right to view and consider any publicly available information, which may include, but is not limited to, social networking sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn.

Knowledge of the veterinary profession

Applicants must have exposure to the veterinary profession to understand the demands and intricacies of the career and industry.

Veterinary experience includes working or volunteering in research laboratories, clinical practice, animal shelters, zoos, animal rehabilitation facilities, public health, regulatory, or industrial settings. The quantity, quality, and diversity of experiences are important.

Contributions to the student body and the profession’s cultural, geographic, professional, and economic diversity

The Admissions Committee and faculty recognize the value of a diverse student body. Applicants from diverse backgrounds introduce unique perspectives and enrich the veterinary educational experience and the profession.

Applicants from various ethnic, educational, or social backgrounds will receive special consideration. This initiative enables the university to address inequalities of underrepresented demographics in the veterinary profession. The Admissions Committee is wholly committed to the non-discrimination policy of Oregon State University in all of its admissions procedures.

Admission Criteria for Foreign Students

International students follow the same application steps listed above but do not qualify for the interview process.

All foreign applicants affiliated with a university not connected to a U.S. education abroad program must submit all transcripts. A professional evaluation service must evaluate transcripts if they do not use the U.S. grading system (a 4.0-grade scale).

Transcripts must be translated or articulated in English if students are not from an English-speaking country. The university requires the submission of a TOEFL test with an application.

Educational Opportunities

The DVM degree focuses on training students in fundamental topics such as comparative biology and medicine. It offers opportunities for elective training in zoo medicine, exotics, wildlife medicine, marine sciences, clinical nutrition, and various clinical specialties (cardiology, oncology, theriogenology, anesthesiology, internal medicine, and surgery).

Comparative Health Sciences

The Department of Comparative Health Sciences offers Masters and Ph.D. degrees. The multi-disciplinary program offers graduate training to promote interest in complex contemporaneous issues requiring novel multidimensional approaches.

Members of the faculty share interests in microbiology, ecology, immunology, nutrition, food science, bio-engineering, veterinary medicine, public health, human health, bioinformatics, mathematical modeling, microbiome, neuroscience, and others.

Co-mentorship from different disciplines facilitates collaborations with students working in traditional fields. The program has an international component with student involvement policies.

The program includes innovative research, classes, outreach activities, teaching, and direct participation in a seminar series supported by graduate teaching, graduate assistantships, and scholarships. Graduate students are significant contributors to the program’s scientific output.

Other Educational Opportunities

Residencies and Internships

OSU uses the Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program to allocate residency and internship openings.

Small and Large Animal Rotating Internships

The internship programs at the Oregon State Vet School provide successful candidates with a broad spectrum of intensive learning opportunities. Both large and small animal programs rotate through respective medicine and surgical departments.

The design of the internships prepares students for residency training programs, but the program also suits graduates who seek advanced training and experience prior to private practice.

Interns can expect to advance their technical skills, clinical decision-making, critical evaluation of scientific literature, and clinical teaching abilities.

Biomedical Sciences Residency Program – Veterinary Pathology

The Department of Biomedical Sciences offers a three-year residency program in anatomic and clinical pathology. The design of the training programs aims to prepare trainees to become board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Pathology.

Clinical pathology trainee residents receive training in cytology diagnostic investigation, hematology, clinical chemistry, and urinalysis. Anatomic pathology trainees receive training in surgical biopsy and necropsy.

Laboratory Animal Resources Center Residency Program

One residency position is available at Oregon State University (OSU) through the Oregon State Laboratory Animal Medicine Residency Consortium (OSLAMRC).

The ACLAM-recognized residency program prepares veterinarians for a career in laboratory animal medicine and prepares students for ACLAM board certification.

Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Residency Program

The partnership between the OSU Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine and the Oregon Humane Society (OHS) offers the Maddie’s Shelter Residency Program. The three-year program enables students to achieve a Master’s in Comparative Health Sciences degree and complete the requirements for board certification.

Clinical and specialty rotations in shelter medicine occur at the OSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital and the OHS Animal Medical Learning Center. Students partake in national shelter medicine visits, activities, training, and education.

Maddie’s Fund funds the residency. It is a family foundation endowed by the founder of Worday and PeopleSoft, Dave Duffield, and his wife, Cheryl. Its purpose is to achieve a no-kill nation and provide solutions to challenging issues facing the animal welfare community.

Clinical Sciences Residency Program

The Department of Clinical Sciences offers three-year residency programs in the following fields:

Small Animal Internal Medicine Residency program.
Small Animal Surgery Residency program.
Cardiology Residency program.
Oncology Residency program.
Large Animal Internal Medicine Residency program.
Large Animal Surgery Residency program.
Theriogenology Residency program.

Biomedical Sciences Summer Program For Students

The program objective is to provide students enrolled in years one and two in the professional veterinary program with a faculty-guided, positive, and rewarding research experience. The 12-week program culminates with a presentation at the Annual Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine Research Day.

The program also offers a stipend of around $3000.

Boehringer Veterinary Scholar Program (BIVSP)

The program allows students enrolled in the professional veterinary program (designated as Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars) to have faculty-guided, positive, and rewarding research experience in the basic or clinical sciences.

Also an introduction to research issues, facilities, opportunities, and current research topics occurs in summer. The literature search, proposal writing, and project planning occur prior to summer. The program’s goal is to increase the number of DVMs that choose a research-related career.

What Else Do They Offer Other Than Education

The Lois Bates Acheson Veterinary Teaching Hospital provides clinical training for all veterinary undergraduate and post-graduate students. The hospital prides itself on the highest standards in patient-focused care and develops industry-leading professionals.

Also, it focuses on research and the practice of evidence-based medicine that supports the local, regional and global community.

Small Animal Services

The Small Animal department specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of complex medical issues in companion animals, primarily dogs and cats. A team of dedicated professionals works with referring veterinarians to provide compassionate care in state-of-the-art facilities.

The following specialties are available:

Clinical Services.
Anesthesiology & Pain Management.
Cardiology.
Critical Care.
Diagnostic Imaging.
Internal Medicine.
Interventional Radiology & Endoscopy.
Minimally Invasive Surgery.
Oncology.
Rehabilitation.
Reproductive Medicine.
Surgery.

Large Animal Services

The Large Animal department specializes in managing and diagnosing intricate medical issues in horses, sheep, cattle, camelids, goats, and pigs. The large animal experts provide the best care for animals in an advanced facility. There is also a mobile vet service operating through the Rural Veterinary Program.

Clinical Services offered include:

Anesthesiology & Pain Management.
Camelid Medicine.
Cardiology.
Clinical Pathology.
Diagnostic Imaging.
Internal Medicine.
Minimally Invasive Surgery.
Reproductive Medicine.
Sports Animal Medicine.
Surgery.
Mobile Veterinary Services.
Equine Medicine.
Food Animal Practice.
Reproductive Medicine.

The Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (OVDL)

The fully accredited lab provides a full range of animal disease diagnostic services to veterinarians, livestock producers, and pet owners. The OVDL works with local, state, and federal agencies to support public health and agricultural biosecurity through diagnostic testing and surveillance for zoonotic and foreign animal diseases.

The laboratory is a member of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, which provides disease response testing in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture.

Departments/Centers/Institutes

Research at Oregon State University Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine is committed to addressing some of the globe’s most challenging animal and human health issues.

CCVM focuses research efforts on studying animal diseases to understand the pathogenesis and aid in the efficient diagnosis and treatment thereof. An interdisciplinary approach involves collaboration with other colleges on campus.

The college provides research laboratory experiences for doctoral students, professional veterinary students, and undergraduate students from other colleges on campus.

The university is home to groundbreaking research departments in the following fields:

Cardiology Research.
Neuroscience.
Infectious Disease.
Regeneration Medicine.
Nutrition, Metabolism, and Inflammation.
Oncology.

Student Activities to Do in Oregon

Corvallis in Oregon is home to 58,000 people. The city is energetic and offers more than just being a college town. Corvallis boasts an array of vibrant restaurants, eclectic shopping experiences, and live music or art shows.

Off-Campus Highlights

Bald Hill Natural Area

The Bald Hill natural area has over five miles of dirt and gravel trails. Whether it is an easy-going stroll or a rigorous hike, Bald Hill has a variety of trails.

Darkside Cinema

Head to the Darkside cinema to catch award-winning, classic indie films from a host of different genres at the independent neighborhood theater.

Escape Corvallis

The escape room is a great way to spend time with a group of friends and get a brain workout at the same time. Escape Corvallis is a 60-minute physical and mental adventure!

Highland Bowl

If your idea of a great night out is throwing down the gauntlet or just burning off some steam bowling then the Highland Bowl is the place to be.

Majestic Theater

Theater lovers can book a show at the Majestic Theater and enjoy live musicals, ballets, modern dance, theater productions, and concerts.

Mary’s Peak

Mary’s Peak is the highest point of Oregon’s Coast Range. At 4,097 feet (1248 meters), on a clear day, one can enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean to the west or the Cascade peaks to the east over the Willamette Valley.

OSU McDonald-Dunn Research Forest

Explore diverse forest types, including oak woodlands, forest plantations, riparian areas, and old-growth reserves at the McDonald-Dunn Research Forest. The Peavy Arboretum, a forest favorite, includes ancient preserved native American sites.

Saturday Corvallis Farmers Market

Take a stroll through the Corvallis Farmers Market on the weekend and browse artwork, flowers, fresh produce, meats, cheese, and more.

William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge

The unique boardwalk trails at the wildlife refuge offer great walks where patrons can watch wildlife through observation. It offers a perfect opportunity to sit quietly and look closely at birds, turtles, and elk.

Campus Activities

OSU has seven cultural centers for students to enjoy. Cultural holiday celebrations or cooking demonstrations are a few of the experiences offered. The OSU Craft Center is a community art studio that offers various artistic media, like woodworking, glass, fiber arts, digital art, and ceramics.

There is a range of sporting events for sports fanatics, including football, basketball, baseball, and gymnastics. Go, Beavers!

Intramural sports are also available to students. There are over 40 leagues and tournaments offered during the academic year.

Additional experiences include art festivals, signing competitions, drop-in meditation sessions, social justice events, stimulating lectures, and more!.

Conclusion

Oregon State University Veterinary School has the vision to advance the health of animals, people, and the environment through inclusive and equitable education, research, and services to the public.

With state-of-the-art facilities and groundbreaking research teams, the superb Oregon State University Veterinary School reputation upholds high academic standards. OSU selects only the best-suited students for their DVM degree. If being a part of the Beaver nation is what you are after, then OSU is the university for you.