What education is required to be a veterinarian

Education to be a Veterinarian

If you want to practice as a veterinarian, you will need to pursue a very intensive educational path that involves four years of undergraduate study, four years of veterinary school, and one or two years of clinical training. Doing so will prepare you to pass the state licensing exam and become certified.

Undergraduate Education

Your journey toward becoming a veterinarian starts with obtaining an undergraduate degree; most schools require that students have fulfilled these requirements before they can enter their veterinary program. While there is no general requirement regarding the specific academic major veterinary school candidates must have completed, it is wise to focus on courses related to biology, animal health sciences and chemistry, as this coursework will help you gain the knowledge necessary for success in your future studies.

Veterinary School Education

Once accepted into a veterinary school program -- which are typically quite selective -- future vets usually complete their program in four years. Throughout their time in school, aspiring vets often acquire knowledge through both classroom lecture and hands-on work in their laboratories and other clinical settings. Common courses taken during this time include anatomy, physiology and pathobiology of all types of animals; pharmacology, nutrition and toxicology; ethics and public health; pathology; parasitology; radiology and surgery techniques; microbiology; physiology of animal reproduction; among many other subjects related to animals' physical and mental care.

Clinical Training

Clinical experience is essential for practitioners within the field of veterinary medicine since it provides them with an opportunity to apply their classroom studies in real-world settings. Depending on the university's individual requirements as well as state licensing regulations, it may be necessary for graduates of veterinary schools to participate in additional schooling or complete one or two additional years of clinical training after they have obtained their degree. Supervised experience like this lets practitioners refine their skills under trained instructors while providing services directly to clients and patients who rely on qualified veterinarians for treatment services alongside advice and support with regards to pet care.

State Licensing Exam

After completing undergraduate studies as well as vet school curriculum plus any necessary additional training or education necessary to meet component criteria set by both the institution's requirements and respective state regulations, students should then take the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) or equivalent exam provided by their separate U.S. jurisdiction. After passing this test -- which may include items dealing with medical terminology, applied sciences like anatomy and physiology amongst others -- individuals may become registered vet technicians via a certification process within their specialist category (e.g., equine veterinarian).

See more about sscasn bkn 2023