Bachelor of Veterinary Science Pre-Selection – BVScPre-Sel

Program Overview

Massey University's Bachelor of Veterinary Science Pre-Selection program offers a comprehensive foundation in veterinary medicine. Through a two-phase structure, students gain hands-on experience and develop essential skills for a successful career as a veterinarian. The program prepares graduates for diverse areas of practice, including clinical work, research, public health, and education. With a strong focus on practical application and a dedicated faculty, the program equips students to excel in the veterinary field.

Program Outline

Study a Bachelor of Veterinary Science Pre-Selection – BVScPre-Sel

Degree Overview:

This program is highly ranked globally and recognized by numerous accreditation bodies. Graduates find employment in countries such as the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and Asia. This program provides a strong foundation in veterinary medicine and prepares students for professional practice. Students gain hands-on experience from day one and develop essential problem-solving skills while acquiring the comprehensive knowledge required to succeed as a veterinarian. The final year involves clinical placements, offering the opportunity to specialize in an area of interest.

Objectives:

• Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of veterinary science.
• Equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the professional veterinary field.
• Prepare students for a fulfilling career as a veterinarian in diverse areas.

Structure:

This program is structured as a two-phase program:

• Pre-selection phase (6 months): This phase is open to anyone meeting the Massey University admission requirements.
It serves as an introductory period where students demonstrate their commitment and aptitude for veterinary studies. Successful completion of the pre-selection courses and assessments allows progression to the professional phase.
• Professional phase (4.5 years): Students who successfully complete the pre-selection phase progress to this rigorous and comprehensive phase, immersing themselves in the full veterinary curriculum.

Outline:

Pre-selection Phase:

The pre-selection semester involves the completion of four prerequisite courses:

• 123104 Chemistry for Biological Systems
• 124103 Biophysical Principles
• 162101 Cell Biology
• 199103 Animals and the Environment
Additionally, students are required to complete:
• 40 hours of work experience in a veterinary clinic prior to the start of the pre-selection semester.

• Veterinary Student Selection assessments - Casper, STAT, and MMI.

Professional Phase:

The professional phase encompasses 9 semesters and covers a range of veterinary topics, including:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Animal health and disease
• Clinical skills and techniques
• Veterinary surgery and medicine
• Public health and epidemiology
• Animal welfare and ethics

Assessment:

Assessments in the pre-selection phase include:

• Formal examinations in the four prerequisite courses.

• Veterinary Student Selection assessments - Casper (online assessment), STAT (multiple-choice question test), and MMI (structured interviews).

In the professional phase, assessment methods may include:

• Examinations
• Assignments
• Presentations
• Practical assessments

Teaching:

The program utilizes a diverse range of teaching methods, including lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, laboratory work, and clinical placements. Students benefit from the expertise of a dedicated and experienced faculty who actively engage with them in their learning journey. The program embraces innovative and interactive teaching methodologies to provide an engaging and stimulating learning environment.

Careers:

Veterinarians enjoy a wide range of career opportunities across different areas, including:

• Clinical practice: Working in a veterinary clinic to diagnose and treat animal illnesses and injuries.
• Research: Pursuing a research career to advance knowledge and understanding of animal diseases and health.
• Public health: Engaging in public health roles to protect human and animal health from infectious diseases and environmental hazards.
• Government and policy: Contributing to policy development and implementation related to animal health, welfare, and food safety.
• Education: Sharing their expertise by teaching and training future generations of veterinary professionals.

Other:

• The program is offered on the Manawatū Campus in Palmerston North, New Zealand.
• There is a selection process involved for entry into the professional phase, with a limited number of places available each year.
• Applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance, non-academic achievements, and relevant experience to be considered for selection.
• There is a special selection process in place for indigenous domestic students (Māori whakapapa or Indigenous Pacific ancestry) called VetMAP, involving different criteria and application deadlines.
• Massey University considers a student's previous university study history when determining the appropriate selection group and criteria.
• International applicants may participate in the pre-selection phase and apply for entry into the professional phase based on their academic performance in a relevant undergraduate or postgraduate science degree from an overseas university.
• Students must demonstrate English language proficiency if English is not their first language and they are not from a country where English is the first language, as per the requirements outlined by the Veterinary Council of New Zealand.
• The program requires students to complete 40 hours of work experience in a veterinary clinic before starting the pre-selection semester.