Becoming a veterinarian is a very rewarding career. It takes years of rigorous education and hands on training, and investment financially.
In this article, I have looked deeper into the requirements, pathways and opportunities, when it comes to veterinary education.
Veterinary Education Requirements
It takes a veterinarian to understand the veterinarian’s requirements.
To pursue a career as a veterinarian, one must complete the following educational steps:
- Undergraduate Education: Veterinary schools require a minimum of three years of undergraduate study but prefer applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree; postdoctoral training may last from one to six years.
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM): To get a DVM degree, students need to complete an undergraduate study and then attend a school recognized by veterinary school.
- Licensure: To practice in the U.S. (not including human medicine), graduates must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) as well as possibly other exams, which vary by state or country.
Key Skills Required:
- Analytical skills for diagnosis and treatment.
- Communication skills for interacting with pet owners.
- Empathy and resilience for handling challenging cases.
How Long Is Vet School?
Breakdown of Time:
- Undergraduate Studies: 3-4 years.
- Veterinary School: 4 years.
- Residency or Specialization (Optional): 2-4 years.
Total Time: Depending on specialization, it is 7-12 years.
Veterinary School Prerequisites
Applicants applying to veterinary schools have pre requisites that they need to complete during their undergraduate studies. These include:
- Sciences: Biology, Chemistry (General and Organic), Physics.
- Mathematics: Algebra, Calculus, or Statistics.
- Animal Science: Zoology, Physiology, and Animal Behavior.
- Humanities: English, Communication, and Social Sciences.
Chart: Typical Prerequisite Courses for Veterinary School
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Biology | 8-12 |
| Chemistry (General) | 8-10 |
| Organic Chemistry | 6-8 |
| Physics | 6-8 |
| Mathematics | 6-8 |
What Classes Are Needed to Be a Veterinarian?
If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, you’re probably wondering what classes, beyond the normal dose of biology, you’ll need to complete.
Veterinary students undergo rigorous training in subjects such as:
- Veterinary Anatomy
- Pharmacology
- Pathology
- Animal Behavior
- Surgery
- Preventive Medicine
- Public Health
Students are in clinical rotations in all of the veterinary specialties in their final year.
Accelerated Veterinary Programs
What Are Accelerated Programs?
Undergraduate and veterinary school is condensed, so accelerated programs take less time than traditional degrees to get one on their way as a veterinarian.
Examples:
- BS/DVM Programs: These mean that students may be able to earn both degrees in as few as six years.
- Early Admission Programs: Designed for high achieving high school (11th – 12th grade) students.
Veterinary School Costs & Financial Aid
Average Costs:
- Public Veterinary Schools: $25,000–$50,000/year.
- Private Veterinary Schools: $50,000–$70,000/year.
Total Cost of Education: $150,000–$300,000.
Financial Aid Options:
- Scholarships (e.g., AVMA Foundation Scholarships).
- Federal and private loans.
- Grants and assistantships.
How Much Does a Veterinarian Make?
Average Salary:
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, veterinarians earn an average salary of $100,370 across the country per year.
Factors Influencing Salary:
- Location: Rural areas pay less than urban ones.
- Specialization: Many surgeons and oncologists earn upwards of $150,000 a year.
Chart: Veterinarian Salary by Specialization
| Specialization | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| General Practice | $90,000 |
| Surgery | $150,000 |
| Public Health | $120,000 |
| Exotic Animal Care | $110,000 |
Veterinarian Salary & Job Outlook
Job Outlook:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for veterinarians is expected to grow by 19% between 2021 and 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Highest-Paying Jobs for Veterinarians:
- Veterinary Surgeons: $180,000+
- Zoo Veterinarians: $150,000+
- Equine Veterinarians: $120,000+
Veterinary Career Paths
Veterinarians have diverse career opportunities, including:
- Private Practice: Small animal or mixed animal clinics.
- Research: Developing new treatments and vaccines.
- Government: Ensuring food safety and disease control.
- Education: Teaching at universities.
- Specialization: Pursuing fields like dermatology, cardiology, or oncology.
Duties of Being a Veterinarian
Veterinarians perform various duties depending on their specialization, such as:
- Conducting diagnostic tests.
- Prescribing medications.
- Performing surgeries.
- Advising pet owners on preventive care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Becoming a Veterinarian
1. How fast can I become a veterinarian?
The time it takes is 7-12 years, depending on the level of specialisation.
2. What is the minimum GPA for veterinary school?
Most schools want a 3.5 or above in GPA.
3. Is there online veterinary programs?
Although DVM programs have hands on training, some pre veterinary or vet tech programs are offered online.
4. How competitive is veterinary school?
Being highly competitive, the admission rate lies between 10–15%, approximately.
5. Veterinary school costs on average how much per year?
Overall, it will cost you anywhere between $150,000 to $300,000.
Conclusion
To become a veterinarian, you will need to dedicate much time and money. Career promise of the career full of personal fulfillment and financial rewards.
Whatever route you take, on traditional or accelerated path, your preparation and your perseverance will help you get to where you need to go.