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Danielle
Student
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
1
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What are the requirements to become a veterinarian
I like to work with animal in the medical field
#work
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2 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1591
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Danielle the requirements to become a veterinarian include a doctoral degree in veterinary medicine, and you must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam to earn licensure. There may be additional licensure requirements specific to each state. Employers may have different experience requirements. The keys skills you'll need in order to become a veterinarian include critical thinking, complex problem solving, decision making, speaking, and active listening. You'll also need proficiency with scientific software, and physical dexterity to use X-ray, surgical, and laboratory equipment. Veterinarians need medical knowledge of animal behavior and anatomy in order to interact with and treat their patients effectively.
STEPS TO BECOMING A VETERINARIAN
STEP 1: COMPLETE A BACHELOR'S DEGREE – Most schools of veterinary medicine require or prefer applicants to have a bachelor's degree. While many students earn their degree in a biological science, most veterinary schools don't have a preferred major as long as certain science courses are taken. These courses typically include general biology, chemistry, physics, and math. Some schools may require some more advanced science courses, such as mammalogy, biochemistry, or animal behavior.
STEP 2: EARN YOUR DOCTOR OV VETERINARY MEDICINE – Each successive year in a program of veterinary medicine builds upon the previous year's curriculum. The first year or two may focus on science subjects like animal anatomy and physiology, nutrition, and virology. These and related courses lay the basic framework for understanding veterinary medicine. Some courses might be specific to an animal group. The third year may focus on clinical studies in which students come into contact with living animals and practice using the knowledge and skills they've gained in the previous two years to make diagnoses and recommend possible treatments. The fourth year is usually spent participating in applied experiences, such as practicums or externships.
STEP 3: BECOME A LICENSED VETERINARIAN – Graduates of accredited programs of veterinary medicine must be licensed to practice in the field. All states require that graduates successfully pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam; additional state-specific exams may also be required. After becoming licensed, you might choose to gain further practical and specialized experience in the field by interning for a year before applying for a more permanent position. The majority of veterinarians work with small companion animals in private clinics. A smaller percentage of veterinarians choose to specialize in working with equines or other large animals, exotic animals, or zoo animals.
VETERINARIAN JOB OUTLOOK AND SALARY
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that veterinary jobs in the United States will increase by around 16% by 2029, with around 14,200 jobs opening up. This is a higher than average growth, indicating that veterinarians in the United States currently have a very good job outlook. The average Veterinarian salary in the United States is $96,900 as of October 28, 2020, but the range typically falls between $76,000 and $121,500. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
hope this was helpful Danielle
Join a pre-veterinary club. Pre-professional clubs that focus on veterinary medicine are available at many schools. These clubs may have meetings where members discuss career topics, shadowing programs, and resources for volunteer or internship experience. Some also offer the chance to apply for scholarships that are only offered to members.
Get involved in research projects. Some programs offer students the opportunity to be involved in research while studying for their degree. This experience may be helpful in understanding certain aspects of the veterinary field and can open up opportunities to work in research rather than a clinical setting.
STEPS TO BECOMING A VETERINARIAN
STEP 1: COMPLETE A BACHELOR'S DEGREE – Most schools of veterinary medicine require or prefer applicants to have a bachelor's degree. While many students earn their degree in a biological science, most veterinary schools don't have a preferred major as long as certain science courses are taken. These courses typically include general biology, chemistry, physics, and math. Some schools may require some more advanced science courses, such as mammalogy, biochemistry, or animal behavior.
STEP 2: EARN YOUR DOCTOR OV VETERINARY MEDICINE – Each successive year in a program of veterinary medicine builds upon the previous year's curriculum. The first year or two may focus on science subjects like animal anatomy and physiology, nutrition, and virology. These and related courses lay the basic framework for understanding veterinary medicine. Some courses might be specific to an animal group. The third year may focus on clinical studies in which students come into contact with living animals and practice using the knowledge and skills they've gained in the previous two years to make diagnoses and recommend possible treatments. The fourth year is usually spent participating in applied experiences, such as practicums or externships.
STEP 3: BECOME A LICENSED VETERINARIAN – Graduates of accredited programs of veterinary medicine must be licensed to practice in the field. All states require that graduates successfully pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam; additional state-specific exams may also be required. After becoming licensed, you might choose to gain further practical and specialized experience in the field by interning for a year before applying for a more permanent position. The majority of veterinarians work with small companion animals in private clinics. A smaller percentage of veterinarians choose to specialize in working with equines or other large animals, exotic animals, or zoo animals.
VETERINARIAN JOB OUTLOOK AND SALARY
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that veterinary jobs in the United States will increase by around 16% by 2029, with around 14,200 jobs opening up. This is a higher than average growth, indicating that veterinarians in the United States currently have a very good job outlook. The average Veterinarian salary in the United States is $96,900 as of October 28, 2020, but the range typically falls between $76,000 and $121,500. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
hope this was helpful Danielle
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Beth Kern
Recruiting
15
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Beth’s Answer
Danielle,
The Colorado State University COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES is quite well-known as an excellent Vet school. I happen to live near the school - and so a lot of people I know actually take their pets to the vet school for treatments and services. I am sure there are many other schools that has great reputations as well. Here are some areas to consider from the CSU webpage:
PREREQUISITES
Complete the necessary prerequisite courses with a grade of C- or above. You can apply and be admitted under provisional admission before completing all required courses.
Online courses must be taken for credit and a grade and show as completed on an official transcript.
It is beneficial to the applicant to submit transcripts with letter grades or letter grade equivalents that use a grading scale with 4.0 as the highest score. Transcripts using only narrative evaluations make assessing academic performance difficult.
Course Substitution Request Form
EVALUATION FACTORS
When reviewing applications, we take into consideration the quality of the academic program, number and quality of upper-level biomedical science courses, ability to carry a full schedule of courses, academic trends, and employment during academic terms.
Other factors include participation in a variety of extracurricular and community activities with evidence of achievement and leadership; experience working with animals and familiarity with the many facets of veterinary medicine; diverse experiences; written and verbal communication skills, presentation of a carefully prepared application; and a candidate’s potential as a successful veterinarian.
ADMISSIONS PHILOSOPHY
The philosophy of the Veterinary Admissions Committee is to strive to admit a class of veterinary students who will successfully complete the program and actively contribute to current and future needs of the veterinary profession.
HOLISTIC REVIEW
The admissions committee uses a holistic approach in the review of every application. Each component helps build the full 360 degree picture of who you are and your story. Each piece, coursework, quality/hours of experience, personal statement, and letters of recommendation are all considered individually and as a whole to select candidates who will not only be able to handle the academic rigor of a veterinary program, but also contribute to the veterinary profession.
Our holistic evaluation does not use calculated GPAs, nor required minimums for any category.
INTERVIEW
Multiple mini interviews (MMI) are canceled and no longer a requirement for admission.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
An applicant’s unique attributes that may positively impact future professional success are considered on an individual basis. Also considered are potential economic, educational, and/or cultural/environmental factors.
EARLY ACADEMIC REVIEW
Applications with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or lower will undergo an early screening process for evidence of the candidate’s ability to handle a rigorous upper-division biomedical sciences curriculum. Some candidates will be denied and some will move forward.
VET PREP PROGRAM
This one-year program assists disadvantaged students. Candidates in the regular D.V.M. admissions pool with a qualified disadvantage and an application that presents an ability to handle a rigorous biomedical sciences curriculum (often showing an upward trend in academic coursework/credit load) will be considered for the Vet Prep Program. There is not a separate application – candidates do not apply for this program.
EVALUATION PROCESS
The Office of D.V.M. Admissions uses a phased admissions evaluation and notification process.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
Colorado State University’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Combined Degree Programs welcome all applicants without discrimination. These programs have a long-standing commitment to increasing the number of veterinarians that are racially and ethnically underrepresented, from the LGBTQ community, of socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, are first-generation college attendees, hold veteran status, and have disabilities.
We are also committed to providing an accessible and inclusive environment where all learners have access to our programs. The D.V.M. Program works with campus resources to implement approved accommodations for learners with disabilities.
The CSU community is committed to, and embraces, diversity in all forms. All candidates are encouraged to explore diversity resources for students.
TIPS FOR CREATING A STRONG APPLICATION
DEMONSTRATE QUALITY ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AND PROVE THAT YOU’RE READY FOR THE RIGOR OF THE D.V.M. PROGRAM.
When reviewing applications, we take into consideration the quality of the academic program, number and quality of upper level biomedical science courses, ability to carry a full schedule of courses, employment during academic terms, course and degree variety, academic trends, and special circumstances.
SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH ANIMALS AND IN THE VETERINARY FIELD.
Demonstrate responsibility with animals outside of pet ownership.
PAINT A COMPLETE PICTURE OF WHO YOU ARE.
We value the diverse contributions of each candidate, so demonstrate what makes you unique throughout your application and in the personal essay. Think about veterinary, animal, employment, and research experiences, community or volunteer involvement, awards and honors, etc.
SELECT REFERENCES CAREFULLY AND CONTACT THEM EARLY.
Ensure the people you choose to write your letters of recommendation really know who are, and share your educational and career goals with them. Ask them well in advance so they have time to prepare a genuine recommendation. We suggest the following for references: one from a veterinarian, one from an academic source, and one from an employment or personal source. Ultimately, select recommenders with whom you are most comfortable, with at least one being a veterinarian. Recommendations that can speak to both academic and non-academic experiences will provide valuable insights - these can be from faculty, advisors, or supervisors, for example.
The Colorado State University COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES is quite well-known as an excellent Vet school. I happen to live near the school - and so a lot of people I know actually take their pets to the vet school for treatments and services. I am sure there are many other schools that has great reputations as well. Here are some areas to consider from the CSU webpage:
PREREQUISITES
Complete the necessary prerequisite courses with a grade of C- or above. You can apply and be admitted under provisional admission before completing all required courses.
Online courses must be taken for credit and a grade and show as completed on an official transcript.
It is beneficial to the applicant to submit transcripts with letter grades or letter grade equivalents that use a grading scale with 4.0 as the highest score. Transcripts using only narrative evaluations make assessing academic performance difficult.
Course Substitution Request Form
EVALUATION FACTORS
When reviewing applications, we take into consideration the quality of the academic program, number and quality of upper-level biomedical science courses, ability to carry a full schedule of courses, academic trends, and employment during academic terms.
Other factors include participation in a variety of extracurricular and community activities with evidence of achievement and leadership; experience working with animals and familiarity with the many facets of veterinary medicine; diverse experiences; written and verbal communication skills, presentation of a carefully prepared application; and a candidate’s potential as a successful veterinarian.
ADMISSIONS PHILOSOPHY
The philosophy of the Veterinary Admissions Committee is to strive to admit a class of veterinary students who will successfully complete the program and actively contribute to current and future needs of the veterinary profession.
HOLISTIC REVIEW
The admissions committee uses a holistic approach in the review of every application. Each component helps build the full 360 degree picture of who you are and your story. Each piece, coursework, quality/hours of experience, personal statement, and letters of recommendation are all considered individually and as a whole to select candidates who will not only be able to handle the academic rigor of a veterinary program, but also contribute to the veterinary profession.
Our holistic evaluation does not use calculated GPAs, nor required minimums for any category.
INTERVIEW
Multiple mini interviews (MMI) are canceled and no longer a requirement for admission.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
An applicant’s unique attributes that may positively impact future professional success are considered on an individual basis. Also considered are potential economic, educational, and/or cultural/environmental factors.
EARLY ACADEMIC REVIEW
Applications with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or lower will undergo an early screening process for evidence of the candidate’s ability to handle a rigorous upper-division biomedical sciences curriculum. Some candidates will be denied and some will move forward.
VET PREP PROGRAM
This one-year program assists disadvantaged students. Candidates in the regular D.V.M. admissions pool with a qualified disadvantage and an application that presents an ability to handle a rigorous biomedical sciences curriculum (often showing an upward trend in academic coursework/credit load) will be considered for the Vet Prep Program. There is not a separate application – candidates do not apply for this program.
EVALUATION PROCESS
The Office of D.V.M. Admissions uses a phased admissions evaluation and notification process.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
Colorado State University’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Combined Degree Programs welcome all applicants without discrimination. These programs have a long-standing commitment to increasing the number of veterinarians that are racially and ethnically underrepresented, from the LGBTQ community, of socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, are first-generation college attendees, hold veteran status, and have disabilities.
We are also committed to providing an accessible and inclusive environment where all learners have access to our programs. The D.V.M. Program works with campus resources to implement approved accommodations for learners with disabilities.
The CSU community is committed to, and embraces, diversity in all forms. All candidates are encouraged to explore diversity resources for students.
TIPS FOR CREATING A STRONG APPLICATION
DEMONSTRATE QUALITY ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AND PROVE THAT YOU’RE READY FOR THE RIGOR OF THE D.V.M. PROGRAM.
When reviewing applications, we take into consideration the quality of the academic program, number and quality of upper level biomedical science courses, ability to carry a full schedule of courses, employment during academic terms, course and degree variety, academic trends, and special circumstances.
SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH ANIMALS AND IN THE VETERINARY FIELD.
Demonstrate responsibility with animals outside of pet ownership.
PAINT A COMPLETE PICTURE OF WHO YOU ARE.
We value the diverse contributions of each candidate, so demonstrate what makes you unique throughout your application and in the personal essay. Think about veterinary, animal, employment, and research experiences, community or volunteer involvement, awards and honors, etc.
SELECT REFERENCES CAREFULLY AND CONTACT THEM EARLY.
Ensure the people you choose to write your letters of recommendation really know who are, and share your educational and career goals with them. Ask them well in advance so they have time to prepare a genuine recommendation. We suggest the following for references: one from a veterinarian, one from an academic source, and one from an employment or personal source. Ultimately, select recommenders with whom you are most comfortable, with at least one being a veterinarian. Recommendations that can speak to both academic and non-academic experiences will provide valuable insights - these can be from faculty, advisors, or supervisors, for example.