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How much schooling does it take to get your DVM license and become a vet. Also, is it more practical to join a veterinary practice when coming out of school or starting your own #Spring24?
Hi, I am a junior is high school and I am looking to becoming a veterinarian. Currently, I am considering the length of education it will take, and the cost of education and if that is feasible for me. Along with the second part of the question, would you be able to give an estimate on the cost differences between starting your own practice or joining one? Thank you so much! #Spring24
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Hassan’s Answer
https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/admissions/so-you-want-be-veterinarian and https://www.aavmc.org/ list requirements for California. Basically, you need a Bachelor degree and then a Veterinary degree. Then pass the CA board Vet certification exam.
Typically it takes 4 years of Undergrad and 4 years of Vet school. Cost will depend on location and scholarships etc. but just Vet school https://financialaid.ucdavis.edu/graduate/vet/cost/DVM2324 is ~$170,000.
Out of High School you might only be able to do office work and maybe some assisting. Vet Assistant or Tech and Nurses also have higher education requirements.
Starting a practice will likely cost $100,000 to $500,000 depending on location, size, and what animals to treat. Buying into an existing practice may me cheaper or more expensive depending on how much income it generates. In most cases, you're best option is to join a practice and then take it over or buy-in once you have paid your school loans.
Typically it takes 4 years of Undergrad and 4 years of Vet school. Cost will depend on location and scholarships etc. but just Vet school https://financialaid.ucdavis.edu/graduate/vet/cost/DVM2324 is ~$170,000.
Out of High School you might only be able to do office work and maybe some assisting. Vet Assistant or Tech and Nurses also have higher education requirements.
Starting a practice will likely cost $100,000 to $500,000 depending on location, size, and what animals to treat. Buying into an existing practice may me cheaper or more expensive depending on how much income it generates. In most cases, you're best option is to join a practice and then take it over or buy-in once you have paid your school loans.
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Nirah’s Answer
Hi, Malia. To become a vet, you typically need to first complete a four-year Bachelors degree and then a four year DVM degree at a college of veterinary medicine. Depending on what subfield you plan to pursue, you might then do a one year internship and/or a 2-5 year residency. You CAN get a license and be a general practitioner right out of vet school, but if you want to specialize in something like surgery you will need the additional training of a residency.
To answer your second question, it would be highly impractical to set up your own practice right out of school. You would not have the experience or business acumen, not to mention hundreds of thousands of dollars to purchase or set up a veterinary office. A mobile practice might be more affordable, but you would still lack the experience to excel in business. Operating solo would also be really tough- you really want partners and colleagues. Most new graduates go to work in another private practice or corporate hospital, and continue getting experience for a few years before trying to set up an independent practice.
To answer your second question, it would be highly impractical to set up your own practice right out of school. You would not have the experience or business acumen, not to mention hundreds of thousands of dollars to purchase or set up a veterinary office. A mobile practice might be more affordable, but you would still lack the experience to excel in business. Operating solo would also be really tough- you really want partners and colleagues. Most new graduates go to work in another private practice or corporate hospital, and continue getting experience for a few years before trying to set up an independent practice.