4 answers
Brooke
Student
Newport Beach, California
1
Question
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What do I do to become a vet
How many years does it take to become a vet
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4 answers
Lesley Massias
Veterinarian
5
Answers
Davie, Florida
Updated
Lesley’s Answer
Embarking on the path to becoming a veterinarian involves a blend of education, hands-on experience, and achieving licensure. Here's an encouraging guide to help you navigate your journey:
High School Preparation:
1. **Embrace Science and Math Courses:** Engage with subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics to establish a robust foundation.
2. **Acquire Experience:** Seize the opportunity to volunteer or work part-time at a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, or farm, gaining valuable practical experience.
3. **Pursue Academic Excellence:** Strive to maintain a high GPA to boost your prospects of securing a place in a reputable college.
Undergraduate Education:
1. **Achieve a Bachelor’s Degree:** Choose a major in a science-related field such as biology, animal science, or pre-veterinary studies. Fundamental courses usually encompass biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
2. **Uphold a High GPA:** Veterinary schools are highly competitive, so strive for a GPA of 3.5 or above.
3. **Expand Animal and Veterinary Experience:** Continue to enrich your experience through internships, volunteering, or working alongside veterinarians.
4. **Cultivate Strong Bonds with Mentors:** Secure recommendation letters from professors and veterinarians who can attest to your commitment and abilities.
5. **Gear Up for the GRE:** Some veterinary schools require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), so get ready and take this test during your undergraduate years.
Veterinary School:
1. **Apply to Veterinary Schools:** Investigate and apply to accredited veterinary programs (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, DVM). The application process typically involves submitting transcripts, GRE scores, recommendation letters, and a personal statement.
2. **Complete the DVM Program:** Veterinary school, which usually lasts four years, covers coursework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, pathology, and clinical skills. You'll also undergo clinical rotations in various veterinary specialties.
3. **Gain Practical Experience:** Participate in internships, externships, and clinical rotations to acquire hands-on experience in different facets of veterinary medicine.
Licensure:
1. **Pass the NAVLE:** After securing your DVM, you must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) to practice veterinary medicine in the United States.
2. **Secure State Licensure:** Each state has its own licensure requirements, which may involve additional exams or documentation.
Post-Graduate Training (Optional):
1. **Internships and Residencies:** Some veterinarians opt to complete a one-year internship followed by a residency program (usually 2-4 years) to specialize in areas like surgery, internal medicine, dermatology, or exotic animal medicine.
2. **Board Certification:** After finishing a residency, you can become board-certified in your specialty by passing the necessary examinations.
Continuing Education:
- **Stay Ahead:** Veterinary medicine is a constantly evolving field. Attend continuing education courses, workshops, and conferences to keep abreast of the latest breakthroughs and maintain your licensure.
Personal Skills and Attributes:
- **Effective Communication Skills:** Crucial for liaising with pet owners and colleagues.
- **Compassion and Empathy:** Vital for delivering care and comfort to animals and their owners.
- **Problem-Solving Skills:** Key for diagnosing and treating medical conditions.
- **Physical Stamina:** Veterinary work can be physically challenging.
By adhering to these steps and remaining committed to your goal, you're on the path to becoming a successful veterinarian.
High School Preparation:
1. **Embrace Science and Math Courses:** Engage with subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics to establish a robust foundation.
2. **Acquire Experience:** Seize the opportunity to volunteer or work part-time at a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, or farm, gaining valuable practical experience.
3. **Pursue Academic Excellence:** Strive to maintain a high GPA to boost your prospects of securing a place in a reputable college.
Undergraduate Education:
1. **Achieve a Bachelor’s Degree:** Choose a major in a science-related field such as biology, animal science, or pre-veterinary studies. Fundamental courses usually encompass biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
2. **Uphold a High GPA:** Veterinary schools are highly competitive, so strive for a GPA of 3.5 or above.
3. **Expand Animal and Veterinary Experience:** Continue to enrich your experience through internships, volunteering, or working alongside veterinarians.
4. **Cultivate Strong Bonds with Mentors:** Secure recommendation letters from professors and veterinarians who can attest to your commitment and abilities.
5. **Gear Up for the GRE:** Some veterinary schools require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), so get ready and take this test during your undergraduate years.
Veterinary School:
1. **Apply to Veterinary Schools:** Investigate and apply to accredited veterinary programs (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, DVM). The application process typically involves submitting transcripts, GRE scores, recommendation letters, and a personal statement.
2. **Complete the DVM Program:** Veterinary school, which usually lasts four years, covers coursework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, pathology, and clinical skills. You'll also undergo clinical rotations in various veterinary specialties.
3. **Gain Practical Experience:** Participate in internships, externships, and clinical rotations to acquire hands-on experience in different facets of veterinary medicine.
Licensure:
1. **Pass the NAVLE:** After securing your DVM, you must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) to practice veterinary medicine in the United States.
2. **Secure State Licensure:** Each state has its own licensure requirements, which may involve additional exams or documentation.
Post-Graduate Training (Optional):
1. **Internships and Residencies:** Some veterinarians opt to complete a one-year internship followed by a residency program (usually 2-4 years) to specialize in areas like surgery, internal medicine, dermatology, or exotic animal medicine.
2. **Board Certification:** After finishing a residency, you can become board-certified in your specialty by passing the necessary examinations.
Continuing Education:
- **Stay Ahead:** Veterinary medicine is a constantly evolving field. Attend continuing education courses, workshops, and conferences to keep abreast of the latest breakthroughs and maintain your licensure.
Personal Skills and Attributes:
- **Effective Communication Skills:** Crucial for liaising with pet owners and colleagues.
- **Compassion and Empathy:** Vital for delivering care and comfort to animals and their owners.
- **Problem-Solving Skills:** Key for diagnosing and treating medical conditions.
- **Physical Stamina:** Veterinary work can be physically challenging.
By adhering to these steps and remaining committed to your goal, you're on the path to becoming a successful veterinarian.
Kristin Conner (Burns)
1
Answer
Long Hill, New Jersey
Updated
Kristin’s Answer
Hi,
Being a vet can be challenging as well as having many rewards.
My dad has been a vet for over 50 years (he works once a week these days), and found it very rewarding, but it has changed a lot. He did his undergraduate work in 2 years, but he feels like he missed out on classes that weren't necessarily related to becoming a veterinarian. It may seem that if you love animals, this is the career for you, but there are many aspects you might not think about.
In addition to a lot of science classes, it's helpful to work in a veterinary clinic or rescue organization to gain hands-on experience and find out if there are things you like about the role more than others.
Animal medicine has become very specialized. You can specialize in small animals, large animals, horses, turtles, zoo animals...as well as dentistry, ophthalmology, and more, which adds time to your education. You can also become a full-time scientist, like a pathologist or researcher for new drugs and such. Just like a human doctor, there are tests to become certified in the various aspects of the medicine you want to specialize in. You could also be an intern and resident, just like human doctors.
Good luck!
Being a vet can be challenging as well as having many rewards.
My dad has been a vet for over 50 years (he works once a week these days), and found it very rewarding, but it has changed a lot. He did his undergraduate work in 2 years, but he feels like he missed out on classes that weren't necessarily related to becoming a veterinarian. It may seem that if you love animals, this is the career for you, but there are many aspects you might not think about.
In addition to a lot of science classes, it's helpful to work in a veterinary clinic or rescue organization to gain hands-on experience and find out if there are things you like about the role more than others.
Animal medicine has become very specialized. You can specialize in small animals, large animals, horses, turtles, zoo animals...as well as dentistry, ophthalmology, and more, which adds time to your education. You can also become a full-time scientist, like a pathologist or researcher for new drugs and such. Just like a human doctor, there are tests to become certified in the various aspects of the medicine you want to specialize in. You could also be an intern and resident, just like human doctors.
Good luck!
Stacie Richardson
Veterinary technician
3
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Stacie’s Answer
Hey Brooke, to chase your dream of becoming a vet, you'll need to start with 4 years of undergraduate study, focusing on pre-veterinary. The specific prerequisites can vary, so you'll want to check with the vet school you're interested in. After your 4-year undergrad, you'll dive into another 4 years to earn your veterinary degree. Now, here's something extra to think about. If you're keen on specializing, like in cardiology or emergency care, you might need to study for an additional 2 years beyond your doctorate. This extra time can really boost your knowledge in your chosen specialty. Hope you find this useful!
Hassan Al
Product Management Professional
398
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Hassan’s Answer
It would likely take you 8 years of which 4 are undergrad and 4 Vet school.
https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/admissions/so-you-want-be-veterinarian and http://www.aavmc.org/ outline the process.
https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/admissions/so-you-want-be-veterinarian and http://www.aavmc.org/ outline the process.