Veterinary Nursing

Purdue University in West Lafayette

A Purdue Veterinary Nursing degree prepares graduates to be integral members of the veterinary healthcare team. The program encompasses the nursing care and handling of pets, livestock and exotic animals. From medical nursing of veterinary patients to laboratory procedures and from cats to cattle, learn how to care for patients in your neighborhood and the world. The Veterinary Nursing program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and boasts excellent pass rates on the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). Students in the program gain more than 1,200 hands-on clinical hours in the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital before completing their degree.

Purdue Veterinary Nursing offers multiple degree pathways for students including a traditional on-campus bachelor degree with entry in the fall semester only, as well as a distance learning (online) associate's degree offering admission three times each year.

NOTE:  The first year of Veterinary Nursing is the entry point for all first-time freshman students at Purdue. The Veterinary Nursing Clinical Years (2-4) allow for a maximum of 30 students. Entry into the Clinical Years, beginning in year two of the curriculum, is a competitive entry process. For detailed information, visit Veterinary Nursing.

If your goal is to be a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), learn more about undergraduate pre-vet opportunities at Purdue.

Application Process

On-Campus Programs

• Future Freshmen (on-campus program) - November 1 is the priority deadline for the freshman application for fall enrollment. Priority means we will continue accepting applications after this date only if space allows. 
  • As part of the Purdue questions on the application, students interested in veterinary nursing will answer questions related to experience in a veterinary setting. 
• Transfer Students - The application for transfer students for fall enrollment becomes available on January 15. March 1 is the deadline to apply.

Distance Learning Program

• Students interested in the distance learning Associate in Applied Science degree may apply for any semester. For more information, visit the Veterinary Nursing Distance Learning website.