Summer Springboard
Veterinary Medicine
ON THE CAMPUS OF DUKE UNIVERSITY
APPLY YOUR LOVE OF ANIMALS AND GAIN A FUNDAMENTAL UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A VETERINARIAN
THIS IS A TWO-WEEK PROGRAM WHERE YOU’LL FOCUS ON ONE COURSE FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION.
Veterinary Medicine @ Duke University
Explore Animal Anatomy & Physiology: Gain a foundational understanding of the structure and function of animals across various species, including major body systems and how they work.
Discover Veterinary Career Paths: Learn about diverse roles in veterinary medicine such as veterinarians, vet techs, and animal scientists, and what each path entails.
Understand Common Animal Diseases: Become familiar with typical animal illnesses—their causes, symptoms, and basic diagnostic tools used in veterinary care.
- Learn Basic Veterinary Skills: Get introduced to essential procedures including animal handling, grooming, basic health assessments, ethical treatment, and veterinary terminology.
- Experience Real-World Veterinary Settings: Tour the North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine, meet professionals in the field, and explore academic and career opportunities.
- Engage with Animal Advocacy in Action: Visit the Animal Protection Society of Durham to learn about animal rights, shelter medicine, and the intersection of veterinary practice and animal welfare.
Summer Springboard
Veterinary Medicine
About This Course
A veterinary medicine program for teens on a university campus in North Carolina
Are you ready to turn your passion for animals into a meaningful learning experience? In this Veterinary Medicine course, you’ll explore the expanding and diverse career paths within the field, guided by a knowledgeable and experienced veterinary medicine student. You’ll gain a comprehensive overview of the profession—its history, scope, and critical role in animal healthcare.
With veterinary schools in the U.S. being limited and the field highly competitive, this course offers valuable insight to help you prepare for future opportunities. Student will have the chance to visit locations connected to the welfare of animals. In the past, students have toured the North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine, where they met instructors, observed animals on campus, and learned about academic and career options in the field. They also visited the Animal Protection Society of Durham to explore animal rights and the medical responsibilities involved in veterinary care.
TOPICS YOU'LL EXPLORE
Hands-on Learning
This course emphasizes hands-on learning to deepen students’ understanding of animal health and veterinary care. Through interactive experiences such as basic animal handling, grooming, health assessments, and exposure to real veterinary procedures, students gain practical skills alongside foundational knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and common diseases. Field trips to institutions like the North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine and the Animal Protection Society of Durham provide firsthand insight into the profession, offering students a chance to observe animal care in action and connect with professionals in the field.
Career Exploration
This course offers students a valuable opportunity to explore a wide range of careers within veterinary medicine. From veterinarians and veterinary technicians to animal scientists and shelter medicine professionals, students will learn about various roles, educational pathways, and day-to-day responsibilities in the field. Through guest instruction from an experienced veterinary medicine student and site visits to animal welfare institutions, students gain real-world insight into the profession and the academic journey required to succeed in this competitive and rewarding field.
RESOURCES
Course Infosheet
Click here to view or download the printable infosheet for this course.
Program Catalog
Click here to request our catalog to learn more about our summer programs and courses.
Campus Page
Click here to view the website page for this campus and learn more.
“I think that this program was really great way to introduce me to college life. The staff were so great, the classes were interesting, and the students were very fun.”
-John C. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Veterinary Medicine
Meet Your Instructor
Miranda Griffin is a second year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Candidate at NC State College of Veterinary Medicine. Her specialization lies in small animal surgery and hopes to open her own practice upon graduation. Miranda holds extensive experience working with a diverse range of species, spanning from mice to horses. Miranda obtained her Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Veterinary Bioscience from North Carolina State University. Engaged actively in her school community, she holds positions in student government and serves as the President of the Veterinary Business Management Association at her school’s chapter. Miranda is excited to be the instructor for Summer Springboard’s first Veterinary Medicine program at Duke and is eager to meet the future students and expose learners to a multitude of opportunities. These opportunities include insights into working with over 100 species, guidance on applying for veterinary school, and early connections for mentorship.
MIRANDA GRIFFIN
“I made amazing new friends, gained needed self confidence and grew largely as a person. I do not regret my decision to join this program. I am upset that I may not see some of the people I meet here ever again but I was happy to meet them.”
-Ian S. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Veterinary Medicine
Dates & Tuition
| 2026 Dates |
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| Session 1: June 28 – July 10, 2026 |
Click here to enroll in this course using our online enrollment form.
| Tuition |
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| Residential Tuition: $5,798 |
| Commuter Tuition: $2,998 |
Tuition Protection Plan: Allows for cancellation for any reason up until the day of the program.
| Location |
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| City: Durham |
| State: North Carolina |
| Campus: Duke University |
Summer Springboard programs are not run by our campus partners (with the exception of Cal Poly and NYSID which are run in partnership with SSB). Universities and their affiliated departments and partners do not control and are not responsible or liable in any manner for any part of the Summer Springboard program.