Veterinary Nursing at Michigan State University

Programme overview

The Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Nursing is a four-year AVMA-accredited programme training veterinary paraprofessionals in animal nursing care, laboratory analysis, surgical assistance, anesthesia, radiography, nutrition, dental prophylaxis and client education. Enrolment is limited. Graduates are eligible for the National Board Examinations for licensure.

Faculty: College of Veterinary Medicine | Department: Veterinary Medicine Dean | Duration: 4 years; 120 credits | Intake: Fall only; applications accepted through early February | Study mode: full-time | Location: East Lansing, MI, United States

What you will study

The major (90 to 97 credits) covers veterinary terminology, nutrition, anatomy, pharmacology, hospital procedures, small and large animal nursing skills, clinical pathology, surgical nursing, parasitology, anesthesiology and radiology, followed by clinical clerkships at the MSU Veterinary Medical Center, plus electives in a chosen concentration.

Career pathways

Employment in research facilities, vivaria, industry, educational institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and large-group or specialty practices.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75, a 2.5 GPA in the last 12 credits and at least a 2.0 in all math and science courses; at least 28 credits of university requirements including a math course, Biological Science 161 and 171, and a Tier I writing course. Selection also uses a personal statement, letters of recommendation and documentation of 80 hours of veterinary-related experience.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Most first-year students enter in the fall semester. Admission to other semesters may be limited or not available at all.

Transfer applicants can apply for fall (August start), spring (January start) and summer (May start) semesters. International transfer students are not eligible for summer admission.

First-year early action deadline is Nov. 1 (non-binding), with an admission decision by Jan. 15 and the acceptance fee due by May 1. Regular admission has a Feb. 1 priority deadline (decision by Mar. 31) and a final application deadline of Apr. 1, with rolling decisions after Feb. 1. MSU is test optional: applicants may apply without an ACT or SAT score.

The first-year application fee is $75 (or an application fee waiver if eligible). First-year applicants can apply through the MSU application or the Coalition application with Scoir. The application for fall 2027 opens in August.

International first-year applicants have the same deadlines: early action Nov. 1, priority Feb. 1, final Apr. 1, acceptance fee by May 1.

Transfer application deadlines: fall April 1, spring open until capacity is reached, summer March 1. International transfer applicants for fall have a March 1 deadline and must pay the acceptance fee by April 1.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.msu.edu/apply/first-year

Explore more study programmes

Health Sciences