College of Veterinary Medicine draws one of nation's largest applicant pools
College of Veterinary Medicine student Cierra Smith assists in giving a lion a CT scan at the Denver Zoo during a recent clinical year placement. Third-year students at the college work in clinical settings across the nation to hone their skills and reinforce classroom learning before graduation. The college was recently recognized as the third most popular choice among incoming students.
College of Veterinary Medicine
More than 2,500 prospective students sought a spot in the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine's incoming class, placing it among the most competitive programs in the nation.
The college received 2,541 applications for the class of 2029, which begins next fall. The American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges lists the program as the third-most popular choice in the United States among up-and-coming veterinarians. The only schools to receive more applications were Colorado State and Ohio State universities.
First-year student Bryce Bauckman Wallace at the HoofsnHorns Farm Sanctuary in Tucson.
Photo courtesy of Bryce Bauckman Wallace
Applicants to the college ranged in age from 18 to 54 years old. Among them were 667 first-generation students and 225 Arizona residents, and more than 530 reapplications. With a cohort size limited to 110 students, just over 4% of applicants will be selected.
Located in Oro Valley, Arizona, north of the U of A's main campus, the college began enrolling students in 2019 and graduated its first class in 2023. With the state's first and only public veterinary medicine program, the college is recognized for its accelerated three-year curriculum, which eliminates summer breaks to promote year-round learning and allows students to graduate more quickly than in traditional, four-year programs. The college also distinguishes itself by allowing students to work with live animals in the first two weeks of class – a privilege many programs reserve until the second or third year.
During their first two years at the college, students must complete foundational courses in subjects like immunology, anatomy and vital organ systems, along with advanced coursework in clinical management and surgery. In their third year, students gain additional hands-on experience in clinics and vets' offices across the country, completing rotations in specialties such as surgery and internal medicine.
"The University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine is at the forefront of evidence-based teaching and learning, and I am very proud of that," said Dr. Julie Funk, dean of the college. "When you spend time in our classrooms, you're not just listening to someone talk to you, you work alongside faculty to understand clinical cases and apply the knowledge you're learning. I think the large number of applications to our program is a testament to our commitment to academic excellence and to preparing day-one-ready veterinarians."
From applicant to VetCat
One of the "VetCats" currently pursuing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree is 27-year-old Bryce Bauckman Wallace, a first-year student from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Bauckman Wallace earned her Bachelor of Science in animal science from the University of Tennessee.
Bryce Bauckman Wallace at the Campus Agricultural Center.
Photo courtesy of Bryce Bauckman Wallace
After completing her undergraduate degree, Bauckman Wallace spent several admission cycles waiting to begin veterinary school, despite earning acceptance at other programs. During that time, she worked as a veterinary assistant in Tennessee, holding out for the opportunity to attend the U of A once the college opened.
"When I was researching schools and came across the University of Arizona, I was immediately impressed by the curriculum," Bauckman Wallace said. "The three-year didactic program, with an entire year dedicated to clinical experiences, really stood out to me. During the interview process, I was completely blown away by the college because it truly felt like they cared. It wasn't just about them choosing me. It felt like I was choosing them."
Now three months into her studies, Bauckman Wallace is learning how animals fight infection and disease and taking courses in professional and clinical skills.
While Bauckman Wallace admits that veterinary school can be demanding, she credits her classmates, professors and mentors for helping her navigate the challenges. Her peers offer camaraderie and understanding, while her mentors and instructors provide academic support.
"I would describe my first three months at the University of Arizona as surprising, fast and memorable," Bauckman Wallace said. "It takes a lot of effort to be a veterinarian, and the U of A puts a lot of effort into making us into day-one-ready veterinarians. A lot of people have pets and want them to be taken care of properly, and having well-trained veterinarians is essential."
Shaping leaders in animal care
Bauckman Wallace's experience through her first several months of veterinary school – a mixture of wonder, intrigue and a challenging academic environment – is exactly what the college intended, said Dr. Alex Ramirez, senior associate dean for academic progress and faculty affairs.
"Our curriculum is designed to not only introduce the subject matter, but to slowly develop our students' confidence so they are prepared and confident in their abilities before entering their clinical year," he said. "That process begins with an interaction as simple as petting a dog, which can lead to understanding how to conduct a physical exam. We want students to not only develop their skills, but trust in themselves."
Dr. Anthony Martin, an associate professor of practice, is the director of the large-animal advanced clinical management course for second-year students and teaches clinical skills courses for first- and second-year students, as well as overseeing the third-year large animal ambulatory clinical service. He joined the college in 2021 after more than two decades of private practice.
"I see myself as a guide and facilitator," Martin said. "My goal is to see my students leave my class with clarity and confidence in approaching problems and coming up with solutions – whether that be in research or the clinic. I love seeing students have their 'aha' moment. That is what gets me up in the morning, and I don't think that feeling is ever going away."
Revolutionizing veterinary medicine
College of Veterinary Medicine Dean Dr. Julie Funk.
After celebrating its third class of veterinarians this August, Funk said her college's mission is to not just prepare students for careers as veterinarians. She hopes to "revolutionize veterinary medical education" by using evidence-based teaching and a curriculum entirely structured around active learning that prepares students for the kinds of real-world situations they would encounter as practicing veterinarians.
Considering the strong interest in the program reflected in recent applications, Funk looks forward to seeing the next generation of veterinarians develop the same love for the profession that she and her colleagues have.
"We're not just teaching veterinary medicine," Funk said. "We're shaping the future leaders of the profession. I look forward to seeing our students grow into confident, capable veterinarians that serve the needs of Arizona, and the rest of the nation."
