Becoming a veterinarian is long and arduous, but the rewards are worth it. The average salary for veterinarians is $97,000, and many veterinary schools offer scholarships for students who demonstrate financial need.
Veterinarians must have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited college or university. They must also pass the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) Exam. After completing all of these requirements, Veterinarians are trained in animal medicine, surgery, and behaviour. Veterinarians must complete at least one year of residency training. Starting searching for career opportunities
How To Become a Veterinarian
Becoming a veterinarian is a long and challenging process, but it can be incredibly rewarding. To become a veterinarian, you need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in veterinary science from an accredited school. You will learn about animal anatomy, physiology, and pathology during your undergraduate years. You will also have the opportunity to participate in clinical rotations, which will give you experience working with animals in a professional setting.
After completing your bachelor’s degree, you must complete a four-year veterinary medical program at an accredited school. This program will teach you the skills necessary to become a practicing veterinarian. Upon graduation, you will be required to pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam to practice veterinary medicine in the United States.
A bachelor’s degree in animal science can usually be completed in four years. Studies commonly include both classroom and laboratory education. Courses that prepare students for veterinary school tend to have:
- Microbiology
- Animal management
- Anatomy and physiology
- Animal nutrition
- Equine care
To become a veterinarian, you must complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine DVM program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). DVM programs typically last four years and include both classroom and clinical instruction. During the first two years,
Coursework typically includes:
- Animal behaviour
- Veterinary pharmacology
- Animal nutrition
- Clinical pathology
- Large and small animal medicine
- Diagnostic imaging
- Anesthesia and surgery principles your final two years; you’ll gain hands-on experience working with animals at veterinary clinics or hospitals. UIn addition, upon completion of a DVM program, you’ll be eligible to take the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE), which is required for licensure in the United States.
Licensing Information
After earning a DVM, aspiring veterinarians now must become licensed. All states require veterinarians to pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE). A 360-question test lasts 7.5 hours and assesses candidates’ veterinary activities and animal species knowledge. Some states also have additional requirements, such as the passage of veterinary law and clinical skills exams.
Career Information
Veterinarians’ licensing information is available from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The AVMA website provides a searchable database of licensed veterinarians. The site also offers state-by-state licensing requirements and contact information for each state board of veterinary medicine. To become a licensed veterinarian, an individual must complete an accredited veterinary school and pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE).
Economic Outlook
According to The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports, the veterinary profession has grown. Moreover, it is projected to grow in the years to come. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the number of jobs for veterinarians is expected to grow by 19 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all other occupations. The reason for this growth is due, in part, to the increasing popularity of pets but also because of the expanding role of veterinarians in human health care.
Salary Information
According to the BLS, veterinarians As a veterinarian, your earning potential is high. According to the BLS, veterinarians earn a median wage of $88,490 per year. However, this figure can vary depending on your experience, location and type of practice. Large animal veterinarians earn more than small animal veterinarians, for example. And those who work in rural areas typically make more than their urban counterparts.