Skip to main content
2 answers
3
Asked 119 views

Path To Becoming A Veterinarian

Hello My name is Jace and I'm currently a freshman in high school and want some advice about what degree's to major in to be a veterinarian and what I can do to start early and Lots more information.

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you

3

2 answers


0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Jonathan’s Answer

Becoming a veterinarian involves several steps and requires a significant investment of time and effort. Here is a general path to becoming a veterinarian:

High School Education: Focus on excelling in science subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as mathematics. Participating in volunteer or work experiences related to animal care (such as at animal shelters, farms, or working with a veterinarian) can be beneficial.

Undergraduate Education: Enroll in a bachelor’s degree program that will fulfill the prerequisites for veterinary school. Although you do not need to major in a specific field, common majors for aspiring veterinarians include biology, animal science, or pre-veterinary studies. During your undergraduate years, maintain a strong GPA, particularly in science courses, and gain experience by working with animals and veterinary professionals.

Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE): Most veterinary schools require scores from the GRE, although some might accept the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) or Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT).

Apply to Veterinary Schools: Veterinary school admissions are highly competitive, and you will typically need to provide letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and evidence of your experience with animals. Applications are generally facilitated through the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS).

Complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program: Veterinary school usually lasts four years. The curriculum typically includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, and pathology, as well as clinical rotations in different areas of veterinary medicine.

Licensing: After earning your DVM degree, you must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) to practice as a veterinarian in the United States. Additional state-specific exams may also be required depending on where you plan to practice.

Consider Specialization: If you want to specialize in a specific area of veterinary medicine (such as surgery, dermatology, or internal medicine), you can pursue additional training through internships and residencies, which can take 3 to 4 more years. Board certification in a specialty usually requires passing an additional exam.

Continuing Education: Veterinarians are required to continue their education to maintain their license. This involves attending workshops, seminars, and courses to stay updated with the latest advances in veterinary medicine.

Overall, becoming a veterinarian typically requires at least 8 years of post-secondary education (4 years of undergraduate study + 4 years of veterinary school), followed by the licensing process. If you choose to specialize, the process can take even longer. However, for animal lovers and those passionate about animal healthcare, the investment in time and education can be extremely rewarding.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Melissa’s Answer

Hello Jace! Happy to assist! It's great that you're thinking of your future career path while you're still in high school.

To become a veterinarian, you need to follow a specific educational and training path, culminating in attending a veterinary school accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Here's a step-by-step guide including some universities with strong veterinary programs:

Complete a Bachelor's Degree: Enroll in a bachelor's degree program that includes the prerequisite courses for veterinary school, such as biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Some universities offer pre-veterinary tracks to help guide coursework.

Gain Animal Experience: Volunteering or working in veterinary clinics, farms, research labs, or animal shelters can provide valuable hands-on experience with animals and exposure to the veterinary field.

Take the GRE or MCAT: Most veterinary schools require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores as part of the admissions process. A few may accept Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores instead.

Apply to Veterinary Schools: Apply to AVMA-accredited veterinary programs. These programs typically last four years and lead to a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree.

Here are some universities with strong veterinary programs:

Cornell University: The College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell is widely regarded as one of the top veterinary schools in the USA.
University of California, Davis: The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine is known for its comprehensive program and research opportunities.
Colorado State University: The College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at CSU offers a robust program known for its research initiatives and clinical training.
North Carolina State University: The College of Veterinary Medicine at NC State is known for its focus on hands-on clinical practice and technology.
Ohio State University: The College of Veterinary Medicine at Ohio State provides extensive research and clinical opportunities.

Complete Clinical Rotations: In the final year of veterinary school, students complete clinical rotations in various veterinary specialties to gain practical experience.

Pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE): After graduating from veterinary school, candidates must pass the NAVLE to become licensed to practice in the U.S. and Canada.

Obtain State Licensure: In addition to the NAVLE, each state may have additional requirements such as jurisprudence exams or background checks. Check the specific requirements in the state where you want to practice.

Consider Specialization: If interested in a specific area of veterinary medicine, consider pursuing a residency or additional certifications in fields such as surgery, dermatology, or internal medicine.

Continuing Education: Veterinarians are required to continue their education throughout their careers to maintain licensure and stay updated with the latest medical advancements and techniques.
0