VET STEP Program

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VET-STEP PROGRAM

Important VET STEP Information

How to Apply

VET-STEP Dates

Applicants Status

About

The Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine's Veterinary Science Training, Education, and Preparation Institute (VET STEP) is a one-week residential program designed to introduce minority high school students to veterinary medicine. Students attend stimulating academic classes, participate in hands-on activities and laboratory exercises, prepare presentations, engage in stimulating discussions, and participate in field trips. If you are entering grades 9-12, join us this summer at Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine! Learn in an academically challenging and engaging environment.

You need to Know!

Federal grants fund the program, and per the grant, we first call on all Alabama students who meet the criteria. All other students are selected only if slots remain and are placed in order of merit based on GPA, a 200-word minimum essay, and recommendation letters from a school guidance counselor and a science teacher. The VET-STEP summer program is very competitive. Last year (2025), we had an influx of students applying for a limited number of slots. Vet-Step is free of charge. The parents/guardians are responsible for transportation to and from Tuskegee University.

Apply Now

Due to the high volume of applications, please ensure all required items are included in your application packet. If all items are not received, applications will be rendered incomplete and not accepted for admission.

APPLICATION INFORMATION:

Applications open January 20, 2026, and close on March 6, 2026. ***

****only completed applications will be considered****

A completed application form.
Two letters of recommendation, one from a science teacher and one from a counselor.
A complete official transcript that verifies GPA (3.0). Please do not send grade reports.
A two-hundred-word (200) minimal, typed (double-spaced and 12pt. font) essay entitled "Why I want to be a veterinarian".

Completed applications and questions can be emailed to the following: tucvmvetstep@tuskegee.edu

Dates

Vet Step I, June 8-12, 2026

Vet Step II, June 22-26, 2026.

Last Year's Numbers

Vet-Step I: 55 applicants for 30 slots

Vet-Step II: 105 applicants for 30 slots

Due to funding cuts, we can only bring in 25 students per session for 2026.

Participants are required to stay on the Tuskegee University campus for the entire program. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from Tuskegee. Classroom instruction is from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. There are also regularly scheduled activities from 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. in the evenings.

VET-STEP I Program:

Topics/Activities
Conducting Research
Clinical Learning
Conceptual Learning
Introduction to Public Health
Anatomy I
Visit to the Goat Farm
Introduction to Laboratory Animal Medicine
Introduction to Veterinary Pathology
Advanced Biology
Introduction to Radiology

Two letters of recommendation, one from a science teacher and one from a counselor.
A complete official transcript that verifies G.P.A. (3.0) Please do not send grade reports.
A two hundred (200) word, typed (double-spaced and 12 pt. font) essay entitled ”Why I want to be a Veterinarian.”

VET-STEP II Program:

Topics/Activities

Anatomy II

Veterinary Emergency Medicine

Clinical Learning

Veterinary Pathology II

Equine Medicine

Animal Reproduction

Veterinary Public Health

Veterinary Parasitology

Small Animal Medicine

Large Animal Medicine

Two letters of recommendation, one from a science teacher and one from a counselor.
A complete official transcript that verifies G.P.A. (3.0) Please do not send grade reports.
A two hundred (200) word, typed (double-spaced and 12 pt. font) essay entitled “Why I want to be a Veterinarian.”

**If you have already attended VET-STEP I or II, you may not attend VET-STEP I or II, again.