About

The Summer Veterinary Experience (SVE) at Oregon State University’s Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine is a one-week residential immersion for high school students. Designed primarily for rising juniors and seniors, the program provides an inside look at the veterinary profession through hands-on labs and academic mentorship. Students work in the Lois Bates Acheson Veterinary Teaching Hospital, engaging in activities such as small animal rehabilitation, large animal examinations, and surgery skills simulations.

Admission is selective and prioritizes students from low-income backgrounds, underrepresented identities, and first-generation college families. For the 2026 session, the program fee is $750, which includes on-campus housing and meals. Full scholarships are sponsored by partners like Banfield Pet Hospital and Zoetis to ensure cost is not a barrier for qualified students. The application cycle for 2026 opens in March, with selections typically finalized by late May.

Instruction is delivered by CCVM faculty, staff, and current veterinary student-mentors. A core component of the 2026 experience is a "One Health" research project, where students explore the interconnectedness of animal and human medicine. Participants also attend workshops on college preparation, teamwork, and leadership, helping them navigate the competitive pathway to veterinary school.

The program is institutionally connected to OSU’s mission to diversify the veterinary workforce. By placing students in high-tech diagnostic laboratories and teaching hospitals, the SVE bridges the gap between a general interest in animals and the rigorous reality of veterinary science. Participants finish the week with 20+ hours of documented veterinary experience, a foundational understanding of animal anatomy, and clearer insight into professional career paths and DVM majors.