Are you considering WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine? Our student ambassadors are available to provide insight into our Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.
Veterinary student Montana Milton says your experience at Washington State University is what you make of it.
“There are just as many opportunities outside of classes as there are in classes, so seek out the ones that interest you,” the first-year student from Idaho said.
Montana’s interests include small animal, surgery, emergency, and wildlife, and she has already joined a long list of clubs, including the Zoo, Exotics & Wildlife Club; Emergency and Critical Care; Wildlife Disease Association; and Internal Medicine Club. Additionally, she holds positions both as a tour guide and an after-hours radiology assistant in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. She’s also on the 2023-2024 SAVMA board as a social media chair.
Montana said there are many great reasons to pick WSU for veterinary school.
“While the significant difference in price between WSU and other programs I was accepted to was certainly a factor, I was also drawn to the diverse curriculum here and the opportunity to interact with many different species and many different aspects of veterinary medicine,” Montana said. “I am still unsure exactly what path I want to take after graduation, so being exposed to small animals, large animals, wildlife, shelter medicine, and so on while in school is very important to me.”
Among the great perks of WSU, she said, is the opportunity to take a principles of surgery course in year one and the program’s emphasis on simulation-based education, which allows students to learn important practical skills in a low-risk environment.
“As a first-year, I know I will be exposed to many experiences that students in other programs won’t receive until later in their training, giving me a huge advantage in jobs, internships, and other opportunities I can begin to pursue outside of school,” she said.
Montana said the Veterinary Teaching Hospital is also a “HUGE” draw.
“Outside of the classroom, we are allowed to learn from faculty and clinicians, experience the advantages of advanced technology in diagnostics and treatments, and dip our toes into real-life medical cases in a way that many other students certainly don’t,” she said. “Knowing that students are not only allowed but welcomed to explore the hospital from day one is very special, and I appreciate the level of respect and responsibility we receive as veterinary students at WSU.”