If I want to become a Veterinarian some day what career path should I follow?

Hi Maribel,

Like medical students, veterinarians are expected to complete a set of prerequisite courses as part of their undergraduate education. Like pre-med coursework, pre-veterinary coursework involves and emphasis on biology, anatomy, chemistry, zoology, and other courses related to veterinary science. Once a prospective veterinarian has completed a Bachelor’s degree, they must enroll in a four-year, graduate Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) program.

These programs can be very difficult to gain admission in to, and many require both the GRE and the VCAT-the Veterinary College Admission Test. A few schools accept or require the MCAT as well. At an accredited veterinary program, students learn the specifics of the practice of veterinary medicine, both in the classroom and in clinical settings.

During their education (usually a few months before graduation) but before practicing, veterinary students must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam. Following graduation, aspiring veterinarians usually embark upon a one-year internship at a practicing Veterinary office, similar to the internship undergone by recent medical school graduates. Finally, veterinarians do a three- to four-year residency program, usually specializing in a particular kind of veterinary medicine.

The Department of Labor expects phenomenal job growth — 36% — in veterinary medicine by 2020. As veterinary science has progressed rapidly in recent years, the amount and quality of care available in particular to pets has increased dramatically. As a result, the veterinary industry is seeing very strong growth, and will need more workers to keep pace.

See more in: http://myfootpath.com/careers/health-care-careers/veterinarian-careers/

Good luck in your studies!

In addition to Daniela's comment, I would also highly recommend volunteering at different veterinary/animal-related settings to give you some insights as well as experience of what life is actually like as a veterinarian or animal-related field. Some examples include: small animal clinic, mobile veterinary practice, animal shelter, animal rehab center, or the zoo. Don't expect anything too glamorous to start (one of my first volunteer jobs at a small animal clinic was washing towels and bowels and taking the kennel dogs outside for potty breaks), but you'll get to see how daily working environment would be like and have the opportunity to talk to people working there. It's also usually a requirement to have some type of animal- or research-related experience to get into veterinary school, so the earlier you start getting experience the better! The more variety you get also helps reinforce what you like and what you don't like There are plenty of angles you can go into for veterinary medicine! Not just as a pet vet!