Junior Veterinary Medicine
If your student is passionate about caring for animals, likes hands-on learning, and is considering a career in veterinary medicine, this is the program for them!
Your student can look forward to experiencing the life-changing power of working with animals as they spend up to six days getting a firsthand look at the life of a veterinarian.
Prepare for the future
- Get hands-on experience in the lab, from blow dart practice to bandaging a wound and placing catheters
- Explore the Smithsonian National Zoo to learn about enrichment activities and enclosure design
- Learn about veterinary school from the application process to what it’s like to study so many different species
By attending Junior Veterinary Medicine, you can earn up to 25 veterinary hours, a required part of every vet school application.
2024 Program Dates & Tuition
- Residential
- July 21–26
- July 28–August 2
- $3,799
- Day
- July 22–25
- July 29–August 1
- $3,399
What’s Included
All Meals
On-Campus Accommodations at American University
15:1 Teaching Vet-to-Student Ratio
Up to 25 veterinary hours
Program Highlights
The National Zoo
Hands-On Lab Time
Students can look forward to using the same tools and techniques as professional veterinarians, from taking heart rates and using a microscope to suturing a wound and even performing a dissection!
Career Discussions
Throughout their time at Junior Veterinary Medicine, students will explore the various career paths in veterinary science and learn about the dedication it takes to become successful in veterinary school.
The Business of Zoos
In addition to learning about the important roles played by zookeepers and veterinarians, students will also learn about the business side of caring for animals, from the cost of animal feed to designing and maintaining new zoo enclosures.
Your Adventure, Day by Day
Day 1
Arrival in Washington, DC
Day 2
Companion Animal Medicine
Day 3
Exotic Animal Medicine
Day 4
Day One at the Smithsonian National Zoo
Day 5
Day Two at the Smithsonian National Zoo
Day 6
Departure
Image Gallery
What some of our students and their parents are saying…
My son was able to have a wonderful experience learning meaningful things while having fun with his new friends.”
The [program] was very interesting to him. He actually wanted us to go to the zoo the day we picked him up so he could show us around! He loved it.”
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For the safety of students, staff, and animals, not all animals may be touched or handled by participants. The teaching veterinarian and other professional staff members will advise students of the proper time, place, and method to handle animals when it is safe to do so.