5 answers
Ana
Student
Maricopa, Arizona
1
Question
Asked
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How many year approximately does it take you to finish a veterinary medicine career?
Hi, my name is Ana or Anie, I am 15 years old almost 16 and I’m a junior in high school. I am interested in the veterinary medicine career/profession as you can tell from my question. I would love to be a vet because I am absolutely in live with animals and I want to study something in medicine but working with humans isn’t my forte, so I feel I should work with animals. But when I research online i find different responses and that’s why I cam here to ask true professionals about this career.
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5 answers
Karen Kawamba
1
Answer
Lilongwe, Central Region, Malawi
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Hello ana!!
It takes 8 years of education and training.
Bachelor's Degree (Pre-Veterinary Studies): this phase takes about 4 years. Students pursue a bachelor's degree with a focus on pre-veterinary coursework, including biology, chemistry, and animal science. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program: After obtaining a bachelor's degree, students enter a DVM program, which generally lasts 4 years. This program includes classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical experience. So to answer your question approximately its 8 years, however the duration is dependent on the university you will attend or country.
Hope it helps.
It takes 8 years of education and training.
Bachelor's Degree (Pre-Veterinary Studies): this phase takes about 4 years. Students pursue a bachelor's degree with a focus on pre-veterinary coursework, including biology, chemistry, and animal science. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program: After obtaining a bachelor's degree, students enter a DVM program, which generally lasts 4 years. This program includes classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical experience. So to answer your question approximately its 8 years, however the duration is dependent on the university you will attend or country.
Hope it helps.
Maureen Hunter
Analysis; product design and development; testing of hardware and software; design of electronic displays; research psychology; engineering psychology
6
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Maureen’s Answer
Figure the four year college degree which will include pre-Med, pre-Vet courses, then 3 additional years to obtain the Veterinary schooling and licensing, a process which will include internships and residency, just like in the medical field.
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
362
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Ana:
A Veterinarian will need to complete a Bachelor of Science degree (four year undergraduate course work). Afterwards, one's education is continued until a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (D.V.M. or V.M.D) is earned which will be another four years of study. Then, both the national and state exams are required for one to earn the licenses to practice Veterinary medicine.
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a Veterinary career. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. If your high school offers an Animal or Wildlife course, it will be in your best interest to take this class. For math, algebra, calculus and statistics will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a Veterinarian, communication is essential and critical when dealing with clients and patients. A college course in Public Speaking, Communication and English will help with one's communication and writing skills.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is a link to the Best Veterinary Colleges and Universities in the United States:
- University of California - Davis
- Cornell University
- Colorado State University
- North Carolina State University
- Ohio State University
- Texas A&M University - College Station
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Wisconsin - Madison
- University of Florida
- University of Georgia
- University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/veterinarian-rankings?_sort=rank-asc
While in college, here are some undergraduate degrees to major in order to become a Veterinarian:
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Zoology
- Physics
- Animal or Wildlife Science
- Chemistry
It will be best to seek advice from your high school guidance counselor as well as teachers to help you focus your interests for a specific major in college. Another recommendation is to visit your local animal hospital and speak with the Veterinarian for additional advice. The Veterinarian can provide you with his or her educational background, experience, insights, etc. on how he or she became a Veterinarian.
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications.
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career path as a Veterinarian!
A Veterinarian will need to complete a Bachelor of Science degree (four year undergraduate course work). Afterwards, one's education is continued until a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (D.V.M. or V.M.D) is earned which will be another four years of study. Then, both the national and state exams are required for one to earn the licenses to practice Veterinary medicine.
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a Veterinary career. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. If your high school offers an Animal or Wildlife course, it will be in your best interest to take this class. For math, algebra, calculus and statistics will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a Veterinarian, communication is essential and critical when dealing with clients and patients. A college course in Public Speaking, Communication and English will help with one's communication and writing skills.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is a link to the Best Veterinary Colleges and Universities in the United States:
- University of California - Davis
- Cornell University
- Colorado State University
- North Carolina State University
- Ohio State University
- Texas A&M University - College Station
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Wisconsin - Madison
- University of Florida
- University of Georgia
- University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/veterinarian-rankings?_sort=rank-asc
While in college, here are some undergraduate degrees to major in order to become a Veterinarian:
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Zoology
- Physics
- Animal or Wildlife Science
- Chemistry
It will be best to seek advice from your high school guidance counselor as well as teachers to help you focus your interests for a specific major in college. Another recommendation is to visit your local animal hospital and speak with the Veterinarian for additional advice. The Veterinarian can provide you with his or her educational background, experience, insights, etc. on how he or she became a Veterinarian.
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications.
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career path as a Veterinarian!
Jane C
Medical Research Scientist
1
Answer
Menlo Park, California
Updated
Jane’s Answer
8 years, 4 undergrad, 4 vet school. Most vet schools also require a certain number of hours to work as a veterinary technician or at a veterinary hospital. Working at an animal hospital is a great way to find out whether you want to pursue that career.
Shelia Bereszniewicz
Seller enblement
94
Answers
Woodstock, Georgia
Updated
Shelia’s Answer
Hi Ana,
You are looking at 8 years of school after your graduate from high school. Highly recommend that you look at volunteering at an animal hospital or working as a veterinary technician to ensure you want to pursue becoming a veterinary. Look at colleges with a strong veterinary program. After getting your undergraduate degree, you will have to apply to multiple vet schools. The competition will be fierce so focus on having a strong GPA, solid interview skills and writing a top-notch personal statement.
You are looking at 8 years of school after your graduate from high school. Highly recommend that you look at volunteering at an animal hospital or working as a veterinary technician to ensure you want to pursue becoming a veterinary. Look at colleges with a strong veterinary program. After getting your undergraduate degree, you will have to apply to multiple vet schools. The competition will be fierce so focus on having a strong GPA, solid interview skills and writing a top-notch personal statement.