Veterinary School
The ideal profession for animal lovers who are also interested in science and medicine may be that of veterinarian. A veterinary school will provide the necessary training in approximately four years. Although some programs may require applicants to have an undergraduate degree, preferably in a related discipline, other schools do not. However, veterinary schools typically require applicants to have earned between 45 and 90 credit hours in relevant courses. Relevant courses include biology, animal nutrition, genetics and microbiology. Applicants may also be required to take courses in math and the social sciences as well as business management because veterinarians must also understand the business side of this profession.
For those applying to veterinary school, it is helpful to have experience working with animals either on a formal or informal basis. Many veterinarians have either grown up on farms or gained valuable experience in shelters, stables or kennels. Applicants should be physically fit and because the physical side of this job is demanding, especially for veterinarians who work with large animals.
Approximately 28 programs in the United States offer the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, and admission is competitive. Because a limited number of schools provide this type of training, just over 2,000 trained veterinarians graduate each year. For this reason, job prospects remain quite high for newly graduated veterinarians. Remember, unless the veterinary degree program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), graduates will not be permitted to take the exam to become a board-certified veterinarian.
Veterinary School Options
Someone who enjoys working with animals and has a good background in math and science may want to consider a career in veterinary services. Veterinary careers include a veterinary technician (sometimes called veterinary nurse), and a doctor of veterinary medicine.
Several colleges and universities across the country offer certificate programs, associate’s degrees, and bachelor’s degrees in veterinary and animal science. These programs prepare students for a career as a veterinary technician.
Veterinary schools that prepare students for a career as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine are few and far between. There are only 28 veterinary schools in the United States. Because there are so few veterinary schools to choose from, competition for admission is generally high. A veterinary school requires applicants to have a four-year degree, preferably in math, science, or biology. Veterinary school is typically a four-year post-graduate commitment.
When researching veterinary schools, be sure to look into the following:
- Accreditation. Make sure that the American Veterinary Medical Association has accredited the school. A degree from an accredited veterinary school is a prerequisite for licensing and offers peace of mind that the minimum quality standards have been met.
- Curriculum. At the end of the four-year program, veterinary candidates must successfully pass the requisite examinations given by the National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (NBVME). These are difficult exams and are sometimes compared to the rigorous bar exams for law students. The veterinary school’s curriculum must attain this high level of rigor in order to prepare its students for the examinations.
- Specialization. Each veterinary school has its own niche. For example, a student with an interest in working with larger animals, like horses, might want to consider the University of Pennsylvania. Other specializations include: orthopedics, surgery, and exotic animal care and treatment. Make sure that the school has adequate focus for a chosen career path.
- Hands-on experience. It is helpful to inquire about the amount of clinical practice provided by the veterinary school program. Many students feel better prepared for a career in veterinary practice after they have had a comfortable amount of hands-on experience.
- Internship and residency opportunities. While internships and residencies are not required by many employers, they do help students qualify for advanced and specialization certifications.