How to Become a Veterinarian in 8 Easy Steps

Written by: Gabrielle ToanonePosted in: Work & Career
veterinarian

Becoming a veterinarian is a fulfilling journey that allows you to care for animals of all kinds while making a meaningful impact on their health and well-being. From helping pets live longer, healthier lives to supporting public health and food safety, veterinarians play an essential role in our communities.

Becoming a licensed vet requires education, skills, and hands-on animal experience. Did you know most veterinary schools require specific courses during your bachelor’s degree? This sets the foundation for your career.

This guide will help simplify things. You’ll learn what it takes to become a veterinarian, from school to licensing and beyond. Ready to discover how to become a veterinarian? Keep reading!

Jump to Section [Hide]

Understand the Veterinary Profession

Veterinarians care for animals and ensure their health. They diagnose, treat, and prevent medical problems in pets, farm animals, and wildlife.

Types of Veterinary Careers

Companion animal veterinarians care for pets like cats, dogs, and birds. These vets work in veterinary clinics or hospitals and handle vaccinations, checkups, and treatments. They also perform surgeries to treat injuries or health problems.

Food animal veterinarians focus on livestock such as cattle and sheep. They vaccinate animals to prevent disease and ensure proper care on farms. Food safety veterinarians inspect meat in processing plants to protect public health.

Some vets even care for exotic pets or zoo animals like reptiles and monkeys!

Key Skills and Qualities Needed

Strong communication skills are needed to explain medical conditions to pet owners. Compassion helps when dealing with worried families or sick animals. Quick decision-making is crucial, especially in emergencies like surgeries or risky procedures.

Manual dexterity is key for tasks like animal surgery and dental work. Handling scared animals requires patience and problem-solving skills. Be ready for long work hours, often over 40 per week, and possible injuries from bites or scratches.

Stay alert to prevent disease exposure while ensuring animal welfare always comes first.

1. Educational Path: Laying the Foundation

Your journey starts with strong school preparation. To build a solid base, focus on science, math, and animal studies.

High School Preparation

Take science and math classes like biology, chemistry, and algebra. These subjects build a strong base for veterinary medicine. Aim for A’s in these courses to strengthen your future applications.

Volunteer at animal shelters or shadow veterinarians. This gives you real-world experience working with animals. You can also join clubs like 4-H or FFA to learn more about animal care and leadership skills.

Undergraduate Degree and Prerequisites

Most veterinary schools require a bachelor’s degree. You’ll take courses like biology, chemistry, and animal science. Some programs may also ask for math or physics. Check the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) for specific requirements.

Keep your GPA high. Focus on science classes to build your knowledge. Strong academics show schools you’re ready for vet school’s challenging coursework.

2. Gain Relevant Animal Experience Early

Work with animals as soon as you can. Start small, every experience helps build your skills and confidence!

Volunteering Opportunities

Get hands-on experience by helping at animal shelters or veterinary hospitals. Assist with feeding, cleaning, and basic care. You can learn about preventive healthcare and animal welfare while building your skills.

Join pre-vet clubs or local organizations focused on animals. These groups often organize volunteer programs and events. Dr. Lori Pasternak suggests trying different experiences to see if this field suits you.

Internships and Job Shadowing

Spend time shadowing veterinarians in clinics or animal hospitals. This shows you how veterinary medicine works day-to-day. Aim for at least 150 hours under a vet’s supervision, as some schools, like Ross Vet, require it.

Internships help build skills in animal care and safety regulations. You might assist with vaccines or observe surgical procedures. These experiences strengthen your application for veterinary school and teach vital communication skills.

Research and Extracurricular Activities

Join pre-vet clubs to meet others with the same goals. These groups offer support, resources, and events to help you learn more about veterinary medicine. They also provide a chance to build teamwork and communication skills.

Get involved in research projects if possible. Some schools or labs may have openings for students interested in animal health studies. This can strengthen your application and show your interest in science.

Balancing this with extracurricular activities shows dedication and time management abilities.

3. Prepare for Veterinary School Admission

Start early and research schools that fit your goals. To stand out, focus on building a strong, well-rounded application.

Research Veterinary Programs

Check programs approved by the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC). Compare their admission rules, costs, and available start dates.

Focus on schools with strong clinical rotations and animal care practice. Some programs may focus on exotic animals or companion animals. Check if they align with your goals in veterinary medicine.

Look at hands-on training opportunities, too.

Strengthen Your Application

Focus on strong letters of recommendation. Ask veterinarians and science professors who know you well. Their support can make your application stand out.

Prepare all parts of your application carefully. Write clear essays, check transcripts, and meet each program’s needs.

Secure Recommendations

Ask veterinarians and science professors for recommendation letters. Choose people who know your skills well. Strong recommendations can make your application stand out to veterinary schools.

Work with them closely before asking for their support. Volunteer at animal clinics or do research projects under their guidance. This helps them write detailed and positive letters about you.

4. Take Standardized Tests (If Required)

Some vet schools require tests like the GRE. Check their rules and prepare early.

GRE or Other Required Exams

Some veterinary schools require the GRE. Others, like Ross Vet, do not but suggest taking it. Start preparing 2-3 months before the test.

Focus on math, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing. Practice tests can help you improve scores. Check each school’s exam requirements early to stay prepared.

6. Apply to Veterinary Schools

Start researching schools early. Each one has unique requirements. Submit a strong application to stand out from other candidates.

Application Portals and Timelines

You can apply to veterinary schools through the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS). This portal simplifies the process by letting you submit one application for multiple schools.

Deadlines vary, so check each school’s timeline carefully.

Ross Vet accepts applications all year. You can choose start dates in January, May, or September. Submit materials early to avoid delays and ensure your file is complete before deadlines.

Submitting Required Materials

Prepare all parts of the application carefully. Include essays, transcripts, and any program-specific requirements from veterinary schools. Use precise language in your essays to explain why you want to study veterinary medicine.

Strong letters of recommendation play a significant role. Ask veterinarians and science professors who know your skills well. Submit these materials on time through portals like the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS).

Check deadlines early to avoid last-minute issues.

7. Complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Degree

You will spend years learning animal care, diseases, and treatments. Clinical training will help you work hands-on with real patients.

Coursework

Veterinary school coursework includes a mix of science and medical topics. You study subjects like animal anatomy, internal medicine, pharmacology, and animal surgery. These help you understand how to diagnose and treat different animals.

The program also covers public health, ethics in veterinary practice, and animal welfare. Expect hands-on labs where you learn critical techniques using safety equipment. The four years prepare you for clinical rotations and licensure steps like the NAVLE.

Clinical Rotations

In your final year of veterinary school, you complete clinical rotations. These give you hands-on experience with real animals and cases. You work under the supervision of experienced veterinarians at clinics and teaching hospitals.

You practice key skills in animal surgery, diagnostics, and companion animal care. Rotations could also include exotic animals or livestock. This training prepares you for everyday challenges as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM).

8. Obtain Licensure to Practice

You need a license to work as a veterinarian in the U.S. Passing exams and meeting state rules are key steps.

NAVLE

The NAVLE is required to get your veterinary license. This exam has 360 multiple-choice questions. It tests your knowledge of animal care and veterinary medicine. You must pass it to practice as a veterinarian.

Most students take the NAVLE during their final year in vet school. The test happens twice a year, usually in November-December and April. Check with your state board for additional licensing steps after passing the NAVLE.

State-Specific Requirements

Licensing rules are different across states. Some states may ask for extra exams or certifications after passing the NAVLE. Others might need you to complete specific clinical hours.

If you studied veterinary medicine abroad, some U.S. states require ECFVG certification before granting a license. Always check your state’s board requirements early to avoid delays in starting your career.

Explore Specialization and Advanced Training (Optional)

You can focus on specific areas like animal surgery or exotic animals. Advanced training opens doors to unique career paths and higher wages.

Internships and Residencies

Internships and residencies help you specialize in veterinary medicine. An internship usually lasts one year, while a residency can take two to five years. These programs are optional but helpful for advanced training.

If you want to focus on specific fields like exotic animal care or animal surgery, these programs give hands-on experience. They also boost your skills and make you more competitive for jobs.

Many employers value this extra training when hiring veterinarians.

Board Certification

Board certification helps you grow in veterinary medicine. It lets you specialize and gain advanced skills. You can focus on areas like animal surgery, exotic animal care, or research.

This extra training boosts your credibility and career options.

Specialists often earn more money than general veterinarians. Their jobs may include roles at research centers, universities, or specialized clinics. Board-certified vets also have more chances to publish studies and lead projects in their field.

Launch and Grow Your Career

Start building your career by exploring different veterinary fields. Keep learning to stay ahead and grow in your profession.

Career Options

You can work as a companion animal veterinarian, caring for pets like dogs and cats. Exotic animal veterinarians help animals such as reptiles or birds. Farm animal vets treat livestock like cows, pigs, and sheep.

Public health roles focus on diseases that affect both animals and people. You might work in research to improve animal medicine or food safety. Government jobs often involve inspections or policy-making for animal welfare standards.

Continuing Education

You must keep learning to stay licensed. Veterinary medicine changes often, and you must know about the latest advancements. Continuing education helps with this.

Many states require specific courses each year for license renewal. Some focus on animal surgery or dental care, and others teach about new tools or treatments for animal welfare. Stay current to provide the best care possible!

In Summary

Becoming a veterinarian takes time, effort, and passion. You need the proper education, skills, and hands-on experience with animals. Every step, from high school to getting your DVM, builds toward this rewarding career.

Take action by exploring schools or volunteer programs today. Helping animals is not just a job; it’s a meaningful way to make a difference. Start preparing now, you can do it!

Related Articles