Veterinarians play a major role in the health care of pets, livestock, zoo, sporting, and laboratory animals. Some veterinarians use their skills to protect humans against diseases carried by animals or to conduct clinical research on human and animal health problems. Others work in basic research, broadening the scope of fundamental theoretical knowledge, or in applied research, developing new ways to use knowledge.

The University of Iowa does not offer degree programs in veterinary medicine, but does offer course work to help students prepare to enroll in DVM or VMD programs elsewhere.