How to Become a Veterinarian: Your Path to Success
Embarking on the journey to become a veterinarian opens a world of possibilities for those passionate about animal health. This rewarding career not only demands a strong commitment but also a love for animals that fuels the rigorous path ahead.
Understanding the Veterinary Profession
Veterinarians play a crucial role in animal healthcare, offering not only medical care but also compassion. They work in various settings, including clinics, zoos, and research facilities, focusing on a plethora of specialties from domestic pets to exotic wildlife. The field also presents alternative careers like veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, animal nutritionists, and pharmaceutical sales representatives, catering to those who wish to impact animal health differently.
Veterinarians are leaders in the veterinary field and earn the highest income of all vet professionals.
Educational Pathway to Becoming a Veterinarian
Do You Need a Bachelor's Degree?
While a bachelor's degree is not always a prerequisite for vet schools, it significantly enhances your application. So long as all prerequisite courses are completed, anyone can apply to vet school. Majors in biology, animal science, or a related field lay a solid foundation, with coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and math being crucial.
Vet School Admission Process
Admission into veterinary school is competitive, with requirements including a high GPA, extensive experience with animals, and passing scores on exams like the GRE* (Graduate Record Examination). Aspiring vets must showcase their dedication through volunteer work, internships, or as a vet assistant, accumulating hands-on experience.
*The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required by most veterinary schools. Some also require the Biology GRE to apply. Check with your desired school to become familiar with their application requirements.
How Long is Vet School and What Does it Entail?
Veterinary school typically spans four years, combining rigorous academic coursework with practical clinical rotations in the final year. Specialization opportunities are abundant, with additional training required post-graduation for fields such as surgery or internal medicine.
For most aspiring veterinarians, a typical path which includes a bachelor’s degree will take them 8 years to complete their studies and be eligible for their licensing exam. For those wishing to specialize, even longer.
Beyond Veterinary School
Licensing
A license is required to practice veterinary medicine in the US. Becoming a licensed veterinarian requires passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) as well as a state-specific exam. This process varies by location but generally involves a demonstration of knowledge and skills through both practical and written assessments.
Continuing Education and Specialization
The veterinary field is ever-evolving, making continuing education critical for those wishing to remain at the forefront of animal healthcare. Veterinarians can further specialize by completing internships and residencies, leading to certification in areas like dermatology, oncology, or emergency care.
Alternate Veterinary Careers
For those passionate about veterinary medicine but seeking a more accessible entry point, becoming a veterinary assistant offers a rewarding career path with less financial and time commitment than becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). Veterinary assistants play a crucial role in animal healthcare teams, providing support to veterinarians and veterinary technicians in a variety of clinical settings.
The Academy of Pet Careers provides a direct path to becoming a veterinary assistant in less than 6 months, making it a practical solution for those without the time or funds to become a veterinarian.
Realities of Working as a Veterinarian
The profession is both challenging and rewarding, with veterinarians often facing emotional decisions and a demanding work schedule. However, the satisfaction of improving animal lives and the variety of career opportunities available make veterinary medicine a fulfilling field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vet school admission is highly competitive, with programs evaluating applicants on academic performance, experience, and aptitude for animal care. Prospective students should aim to excel academically and gain as much relevant experience as possible to strengthen their applications.
The cost of veterinary school can vary widely but often exceeds $200,000 for the full program. Scholarships, grants, and loan forgiveness programs for veterinarians working in underserved areas can help manage these expenses.
While challenging, some students work part-time jobs, particularly in roles that offer hands-on experience with animals, such as a vet assistant. Time management and prioritization are key to balancing work and studies.
The demand for veterinarians is expected to grow, driven by an increasing pet population and a greater emphasis on animal healthcare. Specializations, particularly in areas like food safety and animal behavior, are expected to see higher demand.
Volunteering at animal shelters, working in veterinary clinics as a vet assistant, or participating in research projects are excellent ways to gain experience. These opportunities not only provide practical skills but also demonstrate your commitment to animal health.
Becoming a veterinarian is a path filled with challenges, learning, and immense rewards. By understanding the requirements, dedicating yourself to your education, and gaining as much experience as possible, you can embark on a successful career in veterinary medicine. Whether you aspire to heal pets, protect livestock, or contribute to veterinary science, the journey to becoming a veterinarian is a noble pursuit fueled by a passion for animal welfare.
If interested in an alternate veterinary career as a vet assistant, fill out the form below to learn about the vet assistant program at The Academy of Pet Careers.
Author - Joseph Schifano
Joseph Schifano is the owner and President of The Academy of Pet Careers. With over 20 years of experience working in the pet field, managing large scale pet care businesses, he has experience in every facet of the industry. Joseph's focus is primarily on the business of pet care but his passion is in understanding animal behavior how a dog's brain works so we can improve the care we provide as pet professionals. He is a huge advocate for Pet Empowerment and Force Free training methods. Read more in Joseph's full bio.
