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how difficult is it to pursue a DVM?

I am a Senior student at William J. Brennan High school looking for information on becoming a veterinarian. I specifically want to pursue becoming an Exotic Animal Vet and wouldn't mind traveling at the beginning of my career to do so but i would like to know my chances and what i must do to accomplish this. #veterinarian #veterinary #animals #veterinary-medicine #animal-health #exotic-animals #competition #competitive #opportunity #opportunities #job-outlook #requirements #necessities #medicine

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Courtney’s Answer

It's great that you want to be a vet. First you need to get your Bachelor's Degree. Majoring in some type of science/animal science will help. While getting your Bachelor's Degree you'll also want to volunteer and do internships at vet clinics, zoo's, etc. Then you'll spend another 4 years in college for your DVM program. After that you'll have to take the licensing exam. Reality is, you're looking at 8-9 years of college in order to become a Vet. The difficulty is the dedication it takes to spend 8-9 years in college, as well as the money it takes to pay for college. I'm a zookeeper at an exotic zoo in the Houston area and we always have college students doing internships with us during the summer. If you want to be an Exotic vet I'd suggest doing an internship at both a zoo and a vet clinic.

Courtney recommends the following next steps:

Apply for scholarships
Get your bachelor's degree
Research to find what colleges have DVM programs and what their prerequisites are.
Look for places to volunteer & intern at during summer breaks.
Start applying for DVM college your senior year of your Bachelor's degree.
Thank you comment icon This is very good advice. Sheila Jordan
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Michelle’s Answer

I recommend focusing on exploring the vet school prerequisites for each college of veterinary medicine you might apply to. You can major in anything, but it is often easier to be a science or animal science major because so many of these courses are required. You must be a very good student in college. During college it is important to have jobs or volunteer experiences with all types of animals including horses, farm animals, small animals. These experiences are best if under the supervision of a vet. Experiences in research, exotics, wildlife or lab animals are also helpful. Try to focus on getting hands on experiences where you can grow in responsibility and skills. Check out the VMCAS website for guidance to applying. Start your research and planning now including financial planning.
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