Effect of Directed Pre-Veterinary Career Education on Applicant Confidence and Perception of the Profession.

This article examines the impact of elective undergraduate veterinary career courses offered at the University of Georgia and the University of Florida on pre-veterinary students' perceptions of the veterinary profession and their confidence in the veterinary school application process. Surveying 276 students before and after course completion, the study found that while students' interest in becoming veterinarians and their overall opinion of the profession decreased slightly, these remained generally positive. Students' concerns about financial obligations, mental health challenges, and diversity in veterinary medicine did not change and were rated neutrally to somewhat negatively. Importantly, the courses significantly increased students' confidence in understanding admissions requirements, preparing application materials, and navigating the application process, highlighting the value of structured career education in preparing applicants and informing their career decisions.