Veterinary Summer Experience

Important Dates

The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine began accepting applications for the 2026 Veterinary Summer Experience Program (VSEP) on December 15, 2025. Since 1993, VSEP has offered high school juniors and seniors a unique opportunity to explore the veterinary profession, combining four weeks of shadowing at a local veterinary practice with one week of educational programming on the University of Tennessee campus.

There is no cost to attend the Veterinary Summer Experience Program, which is taking place from June 9 – July 11, 2026.

Eligibility Requirements for 2026:

• Legal residency in Tennessee and enrollment in a Tennessee high school or homeschooling program
• Current high school junior or senior at the time of application
• At least 16 years of age by June 1, 2026
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
• Availability for full participation (40 hours/week) from June 9 – July 11, 2026
• No previous participation in VSEP
• Confirmation of a local veterinary practice site by April 28, 2026 (*all practice sites must be approved by UTCVM)

Applicants are responsible for identifying a veterinary practice site, which must be approved by the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. No exceptions will be made to these eligibility requirements.

Application Requirements:

• Completed application
• Official high school transcript
• Three reference letters

The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. on January 30, 2026. Supplemental materials must be postmarked by Febuary 6, 2026. Applicants will be notified of their status by March 29, 2026.

For questions, please contact Kayela Golden, Coordinator of Recruitment and Student Engagement, at kstatom@utk.edu.