Pre-Veterinary Track
Click each job title below to read more!
These are the employment opportunities that we recommend to students pursuing medical school! These positions will provide insight on patient care and may help you develop skills that you can use later as a physician.
**Although we recommend these positions, any medical experience will help you to gain a more complete picture of the medical field.
1
Veterinary Assistant
Description: A veterinary assistant supports veterinarians and veterinary technicians by restraining animals during exams, cleaning and preparing exam rooms, feeding and exercising animals, and maintaining equipment.
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Required Experience/Certifications: Typically requires only a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Some employers prefer candidates with completion of a veterinary assistant training program or certification such as Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) from NAVTA.
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How to get that experience/certification:
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Apply to local veterinary clinics or animal hospitals for entry-level assistant roles.
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Complete a veterinary assistant training program online or through a vocational school if you want to stand out.
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Volunteer at animal shelters to build handling experience.
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Establishments we recommend you explore:
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University Animal Hospital (Norman)
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Westwood Veterinary Hospital (Norman)
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Banfield Pet Hospital (multiple OKC metro locations)
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BluePearl Specialty + Emergency Pet Hospital (OKC)
2
Animal Shelter or Humane Society Volunteer/Employee
Description: Animal shelter workers care for shelter animals by feeding, cleaning enclosures, providing enrichment, and assisting with basic health checks under the supervision of shelter staff or veterinarians.
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Required Experience/Certifications: No formal certifications required; training is provided on the job. Comfort with handling animals of varying temperaments is essential.
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How to get that experience/certification:
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Apply for part-time or volunteer positions at local animal shelters or humane societies.
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Complete shelter-provided handling and safety training.
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Learn basic animal health and behavior observation through hands-on work.
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Establishments we recommend you explore:
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Norman Animal Welfare
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OK Humane (Oklahoma Humane Society)
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Central Oklahoma Humane Society
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Second Chance Animal Rescue (Norman)
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3
Large Animal / Equine Assistant
Description: A large animal or equine assistant helps veterinarians who treat farm animals or horses by restraining animals, cleaning stalls, assisting during farm calls, and preparing medical supplies.
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Required Experience/Certifications: High school diploma and prior experience handling large animals. No certification required, but agricultural or equine background is highly valued.
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How to get that experience/certification:
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Work or volunteer at farms, ranches, or equine facilities.
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Join 4-H or FFA programs to build skills with livestock handling.
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Seek internships with large animal vets for direct experience.
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Establishments we recommend you explore:
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Oklahoma State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (large animal services)
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Local equine veterinary practices (e.g., McKinley & Peters Equine Hospital)
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Ranches or horse boarding facilities in the Norman/OKC area